Dreamcast-Talk.com

I just got a dreamcast from my cousin last christmas. Last week I got a few new games for it. while playing mvsc2 i accidentally dropped my controller and the controller ports broke.
I knew stuff like this happened but I didn't think it would be this bad.

just today I went to a store picked up a new dreamcast I brought it home and I was really dumb and pulled out a memory card while the system was on. the controller ports broke again.

so I went back and got a new new one. the store manager even tested the system before giving it back to me. I go home plug in a controller... turned it on. tapped the vmu , doesn't work.... ports are broken.

am I doing something wrong? are memory cards/ vmu's this sensitive?! I need advice so this doesn't happen again please. ='(

I'm really depressed right now.

As long as you grip the controller firmly when you insert or remove memory cards, it shouldn't be a problem. It sounds like your local store just has a bunch of junk units that some irresponsible person probably sold to them. Try buying one on eBay from a reputable seller.

Sorry to hear about all of the controller port issues that you are having. That really sucks. Just out of curiosity are you using a third-party controller? Because the Dreamcast controller ports are notorious for going out and I have found that third-party controllers help contribute to this more.
The good news is that the controller port is a really simple repair if you're willing to solder a resistor. I found a decent tutorial on Instructables HERE.
If you're not willing to do it you could probably find somebody who can. Any beginner should be able to.

killbot80k wrote:Sorry to hear about all of the controller port issues that you are having. That really sucks. Just out of curiosity are you using a third-party controller? Because the Dreamcast controller ports are notorious for going out and I have found that third-party controllers help contribute to this more.
The good news is that the controller port is a really simple repair if you're willing to solder a resistor. I found a decent tutorial on Instructables HERE.
If you're not willing to do it you could probably find somebody who can. Any beginner should be able to.

No I'm using an official dreamcast controller.

Also I went back to the store and got yet another one. (they tested this one in front of me too) broke it again. i think it IS the controller I'm using though, cause i used the same one on all 4 now. I feel really bad now I cause I think I've been waisting this stores inventory.

also i would try to fix it but I'm not good with wires and i don't have a soldering iron.

If you have a friend that can do this, ask him to check out the link killbot80k provided. Also, get a new controller and do NOT use the old one. This way you are starting with new hardware.

Bob Dobbs wrote:If you have a friend that can do this, ask him to check out the link killbot80k provided. Also, get a new controller and do NOT use the old one. This way you are starting with new hardware.

The old controller has already been disposed of. And I found out my friend is good with a soldering iron. So I'll see what he can do with it.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

I hope you still have all those Dreamcast's 'cos you can still use them for parts.