8BitDo Mod Kit for Original N64 Controller

I’ve been modding retro consoles for as long as I can remember, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about bringing older tech back to life with modern features. I was really excited to try 8BitDo’s N64 controller mod kit, especially since it’s a great way to update a classic controller and use it with newer systems like the Nintendo Switch.
Overall, the build quality and design are fantastic. It’s a solid, easy-to-install kit, and it really brings a nostalgic controller into the modern era. However, I did run into one frustrating issue. I was hoping to use the 8BitDo USB Adapter 2 to remap the controls, but unfortunately, I found out that the mod kit isn’t compatible with the adapter. After reaching out to customer support, I was told there was no way to make them work together, and my only option for remapping would be to buy an additional, expensive USB adapter.
While I love the concept and design, I was disappointed by this lack of compatibility. It feels like a missed opportunity for 8BitDo to fully integrate their products, and it added some unexpected cost to what I initially thought would be a straightforward mod. That said, if you’re not looking for advanced remapping, this is a great mod kit for any N64 enthusiast.

The mod kit is relatively easy to install. With the only difficulty in installing coming from Nintendos original controller design.
And it works flawlessly out of the box (even on Mac) with a very good feel of the joystick.

Made four controllers using this mod. Ran into issues with 3/4 of them. B and A buttons swapped, inconsistent c-button performance (certain buttons don't seem to register.

Reason why it isn't a 1 star is because the build quality and ease of installation is great.

I have had an excellent experience with the controller so far. I use it to play N64 games, as an extra controller for split screen games from other platforms, and rarely even to play modern games like Minecraft. The assembly was not difficult and the kit even included a magnetic screwdriver for the hardest bolts I needed to remove and reinstall.
I have two minor critiques 8BitDo could improve with future kits. First, the analog stick has a different gating shape than the N64, and it seems like they could have designed the plastic shell over the stick to match the original look and feel better. Second, the rumble pack accessory (which is needed for additional controls like the pairing button) has a switch on the back where the controller would rest on a table; I find myself constantly removing and reinserting it because I don't want to always be protecting that switch, but then I need the extra buttons for something... Frankly, it is rare I actually use the rumble pack for rumble, so I would have opted for a smaller, lighter extension (analogous to a memory card) that just provides buttons and has a frame around that switch.
I have heard negative reviews online for this kit, so I was skeptical, but I'm glad I decided to get one. I would definitely deal with 8BitDo again!

Other N64 control sticks I've tried to use to replace/repair the stock stick of the controller has has some issue or another.
-Too sensitive.
-Parts not fitting well enough to work properly.
-Cheap and wear out even faster than the original.
-Not accurate, sometimes not even analog but more like an 8-direction input.

This one, though I haven't tested the longevity of, and dont have some games I'd like to test with (Such as GoldenEye), I have played The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time using it, which is a game I am VERY familiar with how it feels so I'd know if something was immediately wrong.
-Nothing's wrong. There was some iffy quirks at first but then I moved it around a bunch, did some Quick-Spins, and the quirks went away. It was perfect after "breaking it in" a little bit. Aiming felt great, I could easily move slowly across thin platforms, Link would run when the stick was fully pressed against the gate in all directions (After "breaking it in"), it's great. It's felt like so long since I could use an original N64 controller with a stick that doesnt feel awful or barely works. Literally waited years for something like this, at least ten years.

I do want to note that I have seen a review on YouTube that noted the diagonal directions of the gate dont 100% accurately match the diagonal of the stick reading, doing the GoldenEye test to reveal that. Casual players wont notice this, and if you do need to do that trick in GoldenEye for a speedrun you can do a small adjustment of the stick to make it still work. This issue may have been fixed, or it may still be present but either way not a big deal, just something to be aware of if youre a speedrunner.
-Also want to note that some emulators may need configuration to calibrate the stick as they expect the readings of a more modern stick. And I suspect that this stick is outputting a more N64-level range. I dont know if the wireless mod kit compensates for this or not but using an original controller eith this stick on PC with a Raphnet adapter or something will likely for sure need some tweaks in settings. Not a problem, just another thing to be aware of.

Long story short, this is easily the best third-party stick I've used for the N64 so far. Though I havent tested a SteelSticks64 mod, I'm sure that for the price this little module punches far above its weight and is a very strong option, as well as not appearing to have issues with stock like those more expensive mods. At the very least this breathes new life into otherwise dead first-party N64 pads, if not outrights improves them to modern sensibilities. And although Hall sticks *can* wear out, they arent likely to develop potentiometer drift within months like other sticks can, and for sure will outlive the original mechanism of the N64's analog module. I can't recommend this enough for people who still love their N64. And the fact this stick is so good means I just might get another controller and a wireless mod kit with another control stick just to connect it to PC for use in emulators as well. The dtick alone is well-worth its cost in my experience using it.