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Gaming Forums => Nintendo Gaming => Topic started by: Nile Boogie Returns on May 23, 2015, 11:26:20 PM

Title: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on May 23, 2015, 11:26:20 PM
GamePad is broke again and I'm going to ask Nintendo 1 more time for a free replacement (another thread) but if its a no then its 129.99 plus to get it fixed/replaced. But then I got this idea. A used Wii u is like $209 used and I can put the extra unit upstairs in my bedroom. I need to do this so as I fell in love with Splatoon today and will be getting that Amiibo pack come Friday.


To sum up.


Fix the GamePad save $80 and buy more games?


Buy used Wii U spend extra coin but have Wii u upstairs?


Remember My house is that house where all the family kids congregate.

Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: UncleBob on May 23, 2015, 11:40:25 PM
Toys R Us has the 8GB Skylanders SWAP Force Bundle for $199 through the end of the month.  Get that, flip the included Skylanders stuff and have a spare Wii U (although it'll be an 8GB and a white unit)...
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: azeke on May 24, 2015, 12:00:45 AM
Constantly syncing and desyncing single gamepad between two systems might be a hassle, unless you will use wiimote as a main controller on one.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: Ian Sane on May 25, 2015, 01:27:55 PM
I don't understand.  How useful is a second Wii U if you only have one working Gamepad between them?  Isn't that just going to restrict the freedom of both getting use at the same time which would be the whole point of having two of them?  I would just fix the Gamepad.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: ejamer on May 25, 2015, 01:39:17 PM
I don't understand.  How useful is a second Wii U if you only have one working Gamepad between them?  Isn't that just going to restrict the freedom of both getting use at the same time which would be the whole point of having two of them?  I would just fix the Gamepad.


If you have a Pro Controller, aren't there a lot of games you can play without needing the GamePad?  It would be super annoying to have to re-sync if you want to change which controller you are using on a system though...
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: nickmitch on May 25, 2015, 01:51:16 PM
How have you sent your Wii U to Nintendo in the past?

And where's the other thread?  I've been having gamepad issues that I've only recently found the time to deal with.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: UncleBob on May 25, 2015, 01:59:07 PM
I don't understand.  How useful is a second Wii U if you only have one working Gamepad between them?  Isn't that just going to restrict the freedom of both getting use at the same time which would be the whole point of having two of them?  I would just fix the Gamepad.

Backup system?

If they're charging $125 to replace and you can get a backup system for $75 more (less if you resell the packed-in Skylanders stuff), then it's not a bad plan.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on May 25, 2015, 02:24:17 PM
Smash, Donkey Kong, bayonetta 1/2, Hyrule Warriors, Mario and a host of other retail and eShop titles don't need the gameplay so yeah.  Apps on the other hand, Netflix and the like require a Gpad.

How have you sent your Wii U to Nintendo in the past?

And where's the other thread?  I've been having gamepad issues that I've only recently found the time to deal with.

I'll  dig out that thread. Long story not as long, I wanted to buy an extra pad but they are region locked and stupid.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 25, 2015, 02:44:13 PM
What is broken on your Wii U GamePad? If it's just the touch screen it's about $9 on eBay, if it's the LCD it's about $20. If it's both...$29. If it's something else...then who knows. Either way it should be a simple fix, if you wouldn't want to do it yourself I'd happily fix it for you.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on May 25, 2015, 05:01:41 PM
Not the screen, both thumb sticks don't click but the major issue is the Rf antenna is whacked, can't go more than 30in from the console.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 25, 2015, 05:21:29 PM
Lame. It uses WiFi (more or less) to connect though. Could just be one of the wires to the antenna is unplugged.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on May 25, 2015, 10:17:47 PM
Lame. It uses WiFi (more or less) to connect though. Could just be one of the wires to the antenna is unplugged.

I'm going to open it up and take a looksee.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: Louieturkey on May 27, 2015, 08:52:52 PM
Lame. It uses WiFi (more or less) to connect though. Could just be one of the wires to the antenna is unplugged.

I'm going to open it up and take a looksee.

Send it to Brandogg, he's been fixing consoles for about a decade or more now.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: nickmitch on May 28, 2015, 08:43:41 PM
Lame. It uses WiFi (more or less) to connect though. Could just be one of the wires to the antenna is unplugged.

I'm going to open it up and take a looksee.


I also have this issue, so let me know how that goes/is easy to fix.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: Evan_B on May 29, 2015, 12:10:03 AM
Not the screen, both thumb sticks don't click but the major issue is the Rf antenna is whacked, can't go more than 30in from the console.
The thumb sticks are ridiculously easy to replace, I've done so myself. The range issue is kind of bizarre though.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad?
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on June 08, 2015, 11:35:12 PM
Update:


Replaced the thumb sticks for a total of $6.99. on a scale of 1-10, it was about a 3. Pretty easy. As for the range, I did some research and found the antenna in the GamePad does tend to go bad for time to time. Good news on that front it an official replacement part is only 8.99 and its even easier to replace than the thumb sticks.


"We might be in business folks"


I might finally be able to beat ZombiU before the sequel is announced....nevermind, I've said too much!
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: UncleBob on June 08, 2015, 11:57:02 PM
They should sell some kind of antenna booster.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 09, 2015, 02:21:15 AM
I'd definitely buy that. There are a couple places in my house I can't get a good enough signal for Off-TV play in and I'd certainly be willing to pay a bit to fix that.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: pokepal148 on June 09, 2015, 10:46:00 PM
why the hell don't they sell chargers for the gamepad in stores???
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on June 10, 2015, 03:11:13 PM
why the hell don't they sell chargers for the gamepad in stores???




That's another thing that pisses me off about the GamePad. Either make the damned thing usb or make it available to purchase in the real world. They must think these things don't break or get lost.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: rlse9 on June 10, 2015, 09:23:13 PM
why the hell don't they sell chargers for the gamepad in stores???
Probably because no store wants to carry them.  Between how few Wii Us have sold and how few people lose or break the chargers, it's not worth their time or shelf space to carry them.  At least Amazon carries chargers for it...
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: pokepal148 on June 10, 2015, 10:21:34 PM
Now that's bullshit because Walmart has just now, FINALLY decided to put those 4gb PS Vita Memory Cards on rollback. SERIOUSLY,  WHO THE HECK WOULD BUY A 4GB CARD FOR THAT THING!

And I looked online and was unable to find a new adapter from anyone but Nintendo (if I'm going to have to order online I'm not going to settle for a 3rd party knock off, which I found plenty of.)
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: Ceric on June 10, 2015, 10:43:49 PM
I don't see why they didn't just use the 3DS/2DS/XL/New charger.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: nickmitch on July 08, 2015, 10:03:22 PM
Update:


Replaced the thumb sticks for a total of $6.99. on a scale of 1-10, it was about a 3. Pretty easy. As for the range, I did some research and found the antenna in the GamePad does tend to go bad for time to time. Good news on that front it an official replacement part is only 8.99 and its even easier to replace than the thumb sticks.


"We might be in business folks"

Where did you find the antenna? I can't seem to find it on Nintendo's online store. :(
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on July 08, 2015, 10:07:57 PM
It's not on the Store I just ordered it from Ebay


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-Wii-U-Wireless-WIFI-Module-Circuit-Board-mica2-mica2-/111640027303 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-Wii-U-Wireless-WIFI-Module-Circuit-Board-mica2-mica2-/111640027303)





Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: nickmitch on July 08, 2015, 11:25:26 PM
Thanks! I just bought one and a new set of screwdrivers (all mine are too big, which I learned installing the SD card on my new 3DS XL).
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 09, 2015, 09:10:03 PM
It needs a tri-wing screwdriver...just in case anyone is thinking of opening theirs.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: nickmitch on July 09, 2015, 11:50:48 PM
The set I got comes with the tri-wing.  I made sure to get one.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: nickmitch on July 13, 2015, 09:53:04 PM
So, I got (what I think are) control stick replacement parts and not the wifi thing.  I've already printed the return label.

In other news, I think I stripped the screws covering the battery.  My screw drivers won't "bite" the screws anymore.  Am I fucked?
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: Ymeegod on July 15, 2015, 07:14:46 AM
Is it already apart? You can just get replacement screws at a local True Value store.

Or if it's still attached you can try a few methods like hammering your screwdriver down or you can drill but I found it easiest to just use a bonding agent ($5--metal on metal) and a cheap spare nut.  You'll have to replace the screw but it's simple.  If it's a tight space you can also bond it to a (throwaway) screwdriver--I usually find these at garage sales, to worn to use but still have their purposes :).

Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: nickmitch on July 15, 2015, 10:44:29 AM
It's still in there, I might try the bonding agent (but it's both screws T_T).  Thanks for the tip!!

It's such a bummer that of the two things I ordered, one didn't come and the other I still can't use! Lol.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: nickmitch on July 20, 2015, 09:22:32 PM
FINALLY Got the battery open AND got the part in the mail!

Still not working.  I'm not sure what I did wrong.

Maybe it's my setup? I already have my Wii U like 3 feet from the router, but maybe it needs to be further?  Any advice?
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: Ymeegod on July 21, 2015, 11:58:15 AM
Did you resync?   Sometimes the best solution is the one you overlooked?  Also did you try "another" gamepad to test you base unit itself? 

--------------------------

Don't feel to bad though, both my PS4 and WII U fans died two weeks apart.  :(  You know how much of a pain in the ass it is to replace a simple ps4 fan? 
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: nickmitch on July 21, 2015, 09:58:59 PM
Haven't synced it again.  But I did try plugging in the old antenna, and it worked!  The range was still limited though.  I might try again tomorrow.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: Mop it up on July 24, 2015, 06:21:23 PM
I might need a new stick for one of my Pro controllers, it's been functioning strangely. Is that something possible too? Though it might just be dirty or something.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: nickmitch on July 25, 2015, 12:03:34 AM
Update!

I synced my Gamepad, and it works like new!!  Thanks to everyone that made this possible.  I now have a Gamepad with full range and an extended battery.  It's like Christmas!

Mop, I accidentally got some joystick parts for the gamepad, so I assume the same pro controller parts exist.  But I really have no idea.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on July 25, 2015, 01:16:25 AM
They do exist but its a different part than the gamepad and its a bit harder to replace. Still overall fairly easy but the GAmePad is cake to repair.
Title: Re: So do I buy a another Wii U or Fix the Gamepad? (Update)
Post by: nickmitch on July 25, 2015, 12:50:21 PM
Yeah, if you tell me something is only slightly harder than fixing the gamepad, I would totally go for it.  Opening my gamepad was easy enough (once I was able to get that dang battery door open) and taking replacing the antenna was easy.  Other parts didn't look too complex either. (Though, I wasn't pulling out the screen.)