Unplugging Tight Arcade Controller Buttons

Unplugging Tight Arcade Controller Buttons on the 8BitDo Arcade Stick

How much force should you use to unplug a stubborn button connector, how is it supposed to be disconnected, and which tools can be used? These are some of the most common questions encountered when changing buttons on an arcade controller for the first time. Customizing your controller is supposed to be fun, but it can become very frustrating. If done incorrectly, a simple button swap can cause irreparable damage.

To help those who are changing the factory installed 30mm snap-in buttons on their 8BitDo Arcade Stick (and other similar controllers), I have created a short video focusing on disconnecting the 2.8mm spade connectors. These connectors are used on many buttons, including the famous Sanwa OBSF-30 classic arcade buttons.

The factory installed wiring and connectors are often put on very tightly - this is done to ensure nothing shakes loose and disconnects during assembly, packing, and shipping of the product. By the time the product reaches its final destination, it can be bumped, nudged, tilted, and jarred hundreds of times, and tight internal connections guarantee that the arcade controller will work out of the box. This is great for manufacturer's warranty compliance, but for those who want to modify a few buttons it can cause headaches.

Swapping a few stock buttons with a different model or colour is quick once you master the removal of the 2.8mm spade connector. Although the connectors may seem to have been fastened by the legendary Hercules himself, with a bit of patience and finesse, even the tightest connections can be unplugged with ease.

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