Solving an Xbox One controller problem

A simple solution to a simple problem

So today Rolly is planning a sleep over at a friend's. The entire reason behind the sleep over is to play Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 on his friend's Xbox One. All good except Rolly needs to take an Xbox One controller for himself. Technically I only have one good controller for my Xbox One. The one I use - an Xbox One Special Edition Covert Forces (above right in the photo).

My original Black controller (above left) had developed an issue with the left joystick when a small part broke off. During the attempted repair I accidentally replaced the black controller chassis with the camouflage version in the top photo (left).

The joystick never worked properly again despite the number of cleanings and the reattachment of a broken piece. Months ago I had purchased a replacement analog joystick part (photo on right) but due to the sheer amount of soldering required to remove and install the new part (14 attachment points) I did not do the replacement until I had to. Last night. It wasn't my best desoldering job. It really wasn't my best re-soldering job. But it did get soldered together and all the pieces fit back together properly. On the second try.

To everyone's great surprise it ended up working. The trigger vibration has a wierd feel but everything worked. I blame the vibration issues on the not quite perfect fit of the replacement chassis. But it worked. Problem solved.

However...

You knew this was coming didn't you? In my own personal archive I have stashed away an Xbox One Limited Edition Halo 5: Guardians-the Master Chief Wireless Controller that I picked up during a boxing day sale. Was this finally the motivation I needed to crack the seal and set up the beautiful Master Chief controller...

No. No it was not. The rebuilt controller would be fine. The Xbox One Limited Edition Halo 5: Guardians-the Master Chief Wireless Controller would stay pristine for now. Awaiting a future necessity.

You may laugh that I have a stashed Xbox One controller against future need but after last boxing day I was told by Coxxorz in no uncertain terms, "under no circumstances let me buy another controller. I just discovered two more that I had forgotten about sitting under a box." So extra controllers are not that unusual among HoC members. Yes, I know, Coxxorz, but still.

However... again...

Would I be happy with the rebuilt controller. Sure it works but what if I could come up with another, better, more permanent solution?

Like, say...

A black blob? No, not really. That's just a really poor photo. Let's open up that black blob for you...

Wait... is that... is that... an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller? The one with the hair trigger locks, the interchangeable D-pad, the interchangeable thumbsticks, the rubberized diamond grip, and limitless customization with an easy-to-use app?

Well...

Yes. Yes it is.

I said it was a simple solution didn't I?