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How to Fix D-Pad Sensitivity on Switch Pro Controller

If your Switch Pro Controller’s D-Pad is being...

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Moderate 20 minutes Guide 124493

Licensed iFixit integration

This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.

Guide overview

Before you begin

If your Switch Pro Controller’s D-Pad is being overly sensitive and causing accidental directional presses, this is the guide for you to follow!

Step 1

Remove Left and Right Grip Screws

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP J00 JIS Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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The left and right grip screws are held in place with one J00 screw each. After the screw is removed, the grip slides straight off.

Step 2

Removing the Back Plate

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP J00 JIS Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Remove the four J00 screws holding the back plate in place.
Once they are removed, the back plate will just lift off with little to no force.

Step 3

Removing Battery and Inner Plate

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP J00 JIS Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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The battery is super easy to remove! Thanks, Nintendo! Also, it's the same battery as what powers a 3DS (they're even interchangeable!) Neat!
Remove an additional J00 screw.
Remove an additional four J00 screws. The two in the battery bay are very easy to miss!
A closeup of the edge screws (also very easy to miss!).

Step 4

Separating the Two Halves

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Use a pry tool or your fingernail to gently pull the two halves of the controller apart. Beware of the ribbon cable connecting the two boards!
This is a ZIF connector. The black tab on the connector pops straight up, allowing you to gently pull the cable straight out of the lock. I removed the cable from the board with the control sticks.

Step 5

Removing the Shoulder Button Board

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP J00 JIS Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Disconnect the ribbon cable that connects the plate to the controller board.
Afterward, remove two black J00 screws holding the plate onto the PCB.

Step 6

Removing the D-Pad and Face Button Board

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP J00 JIS Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Remove two more black J00 screws holding the board in place.
Reassembly tip: be very careful with the right screw, as it can crimp the ribbon cable if you're not careful!

Step 7

Applying Tape for the Grand Finale!

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Electrical Tape Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Voila! Here are the D-Pad touch sensors. I have outlined the area you want to cover in red.
Using tape (I recommend black electrical tape, but others have said it works with clear scotch or packing tape, just be aware it may pull up after a while and cause buttons to stick!), cover the highlighted areas. This really cuts down on accidental button presses.
After some testing, I applied the tape to the top and bottom touch connectors. This resulted in the smoothest operation with fewest accidental button presses. Always be sure to test (and make sure you like how it feels!) before you complete reassembly.