Parts Necessary to Mod a Gamecube

You don't need a massive toolkit to be able to carry out this mod, and to be honest if you haven't got most of these tools at home then you probably shouldn't attempt to do so. The multimeter is option and the only other specialized item of equipment would be the LineHead screws, as discussed below.

Once you have everything together then you can start!

Parts List

1. soldering iron – a cheap 25-watt pencil iron is fine. Don’t get a heavy duty soldering gun-that’s only for plumbing.
2. solder – buy the rosin core type, not the acid core variety. The acid core stuff is also only for plumbers.
3. wrapping wire – really thin wire; easy to work with.
4. electrical tape – any color or brand is fine.
5. single pole, double throw (SPDT) switch – the smaller the better. Try to get the submini or micromini size. It should have two positions (on/off) and three terminals.

Necessary Tools: you absolutely need these to modify your Gamecube.

1. drill or Dremel™ tool - for drilling the hole where you’ll mount the switch.
2. needle-nose pliers – for getting screws out of tight spots, holding stuff while you solder, etc.
3. 5mm external Line-Head® screwdriver or screwdriver bit – for the four screws on the casing.
4. Phillips™ screwdriver – for all the other screws inside the system.

Optional Tools: these are helpful, but not absolutely necessary to complete the GameCube modification.

Multimeter: this mod is simple enough that you don’t need one, but if something’s not right, it’s easier to test your wiring with one. Try to get one that beeps.

Craft Knife: or any other type of sharp blade. For stripping and moving wires into tight spots, shaving plastic, etc.

Where To Get These Materials

Nintendo uses what are called “external Line Head® screws” to hold the Gamecube together. (They’re also the same screws used in the Super Nintendo, N64, and Game Boy systems). To get the four screws that hold the GameCube’s shell together out, you’ll need a long-handled screwdriver with a 4.5mm external Line-Head® bit.

To get external Line Head® screwdriver bits, click here.

If you’re ready to modify your Gamecube but don’t have any soldering experience, click here.

We’re not affiliated with Radio Shack in any way, but the Shack can’t be beat for one stop shopping. You can get every item on the Parts List from there.