N64 Stick Saver will protect your analog stick during transportation, not from actual use

Etsy seller Rocker Gaming has announced a new product for their line of retro accessories and modifications. This one is designed to keep an N64 analog stick safe during storage transportation. It’s a little too late for mine.

The N64 analog stick is a trash barge. I’ve had it with those damned things. They’re designed in such a way that they degrade with use and eventually either go completely limp or irrevocably stiff, and I am certain there is a dick joke in there. Back in the ‘90s, if you visited a Blockbuster Video, there was a good chance you’d get to experience a limp stick, but there was also a good chance your home already had one. My family went through quite a few N64 controllers. They were the stick drift of their day.

This wasn’t from transportation or storage either, which is what the N64 Stick Saver is meant for. I have transported N64 games many times and haven’t had a problem with wear on the stick. The curve of the controller just seems like it would be hard to have it press up against anything in such a way that would damage it. With that said, I could envision it happening, and this protector that slots under the thumb cap would definitely ensure that it can’t be damaged.

However, it’s not going to bring to life the numerous sticks that I have worn through over the years. And for that matter, I don’t care. For a long time I bought into the idea that nothing could replace the perfection of an authentic N64 stick, which uses optical encoding wheels (like a ball mouse) for its analog movement instead of potentiometers used in most nowadays. I spent time replacing bowls and other parts to rebuild N64 sticks, but the one I always went back to was a cheaper “GameCube-style” design that I bought years ago. I eventually realized that I don’t care about optical encoding wheels. I notice a difference in feel, but only in a positive way.

So, I gave up on that and bought a pair of 8BitDo hall effect replacements. They’re fine. As with the “Gamecube-Style” ones, I prefer the feel. Maybe there’s a difference in precision, but I can’t tell, and I still play a lot of N64 games. It’s one my my favorite consoles. Maybe if I tried to speedrun Mario 64, I’d notice the difference in sensitivity, but I don’t think I ever want to do that. I’m done with those bowls. I’m done with stick maintenance.

On the other hand, if you have an original N64 controller in pristine condition, you should probably do what you can to keep it that way. If you’re constantly bringing it to a friend’s house to play Slappers Only, then the N64 Stick Saver may help. You can get it later today on Rocker Gaming’s Etsy page. While you’re there, check out some of their other stuff, as there are some great aftermarket parts. It looks like they’re currently sold out of Nintendrawers, but those are awesome if you also hate the NES pin connector.