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How to Open Your PSP Analog Stick

The analog stick for a Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) can often fall off or become damaged. Luckily, it can easily be fixed by opening the PSP's casing. You might consider purchasing a new analog stick if it falls off, however, because this is usually a sign of connection damage. Cleaning the stick's contacts while the PSP is open can also improve performance, especially if you have used your PSP for more than a year.

Things You'll Need

Small Phillips-head screwdriver
Soft piece of cloth
Needle-nose tweezers
New analog stick (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the battery and Memory Stick from your PSP to prevent shock or loss of data.
- 2
  Remove the five screws securing the PSP faceplate. Four are located inside the battery compartment and the fifth is along the bottom edge of the device. Keep these screws in a safe place as they are small and easy to lose.
- 3
  Free the analog stick by pulling straight up if it is still attached. This should require only a small amount of force.
- 4
  Replace the stick by aligning the center of the plastic over the small hump of plastic, and press until it clicks. A new analog stick should pop on with no problems; if your old stick does not click when you press down, you will need to purchase a new one.
- 5
  Find the plastic rectangle which houses the analog stick contacts to the right of the analog stick, and use your tweezers to pull the plastic rectangle up.
- 6
  Use a small piece of clean cloth to clean the gold contacts underneath. Avoid using alcohol or alcohol swabs, because any liquid that accidentally touches the LCD screen just to the right of these contacts can cause permanent damage.
- 7
  Replace the covering on the contacts with your tweezers, replace the faceplate and its screws, and return the battery to its casing. Turn on your PSP and test the analog stick.

Sony PSP