Renaissance N64 + Tao V4 OEM Pro Stick — Install & Tuning Guide (Step-by-Step)

Recommended Tools for N64 Controller Upgrade

Installation time: Approximately 45 minutes for complete Renaissance N64 stick installation

• Included in Renaissance Kit: Torx T5 or 1.3mm hex screwdriver, Renaissance steel bowl, precision gate, Tao V4 OEM Pro stick, premium lubricant
• Additional recommended: Toothpick or small applicator for precise lubrication application
• For testing: N64 console with everdrive to run the N64 stick testing ROM for calibration verification
• Cleaning supplies: Microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol for component cleaning

Disassembly

1. Step 1 – Controller Disassembly

   Remove the 9 screws from the back of the N64 controller shell to open up the controller.

   

2. Step 2 – Remove the Stick Module

   Remove the 3 screws holding the analog stick module in place and carefully remove the Z button PCB. Finally, disconnect the wire harness from the controller PCB using your fingernail as a spudger—do not pull on the wires directly.

   

3. Step 3 – Open the Controller Stick Module

   Remove the screw holding the gate and lower housing together—it's helpful to pinch the two halves together while removing the screw. Once removed, fully separate the two halves by opening the clips on the rear. Be careful not to break these clips; just wedge your fingernail between the clip connecting the gate and lower housing, and the spring tension will help separate the halves.

   

   

   

4. Step 4 – Remove the Internal Components

   Remove the bowl, long gear, short gear, spring, spring plate, and encoder PCB from the lower housing. Set everything except the bowl aside. Next, carefully remove the encoder wheels from the bowl, taking care not to bend the arms more than necessary to avoid breakage.

   Cleaning tip: With everything disassembled, this is an ideal time to clean the parts you'll be reusing. Use a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol or soap and water. Pay special attention to the encoder wheels—the small slots can be easily damaged and must be completely free of debris.

   

   

Setting up the Renaissance Bowl

1. Step 1 – Lubrication of Gear and Encoder Mounting Points

   Apply lubricant sparingly to the areas where the encoder wheels and gears will sit. Less is more with lubrication—use a toothpick or small applicator for precise application. You can use the included lubricant or see the FAQ section for other recommended lubricants.

   

2. Step 2 – Install Encoder Wheels on Renaissance Bowl

   Carefully insert the encoder wheels back into the Renaissance bowl housing. The Renaissance bowl housing is more rigid than the OEM housing, so it will require slightly more force, but exercise care to avoid damaging the encoder wheel arms.

   

   

3. Step 3 – Install Renaissance Bowl in Lower Housing

   Using your finger, firmly seat the Renaissance bowl insert into the lower housing while holding the module carefully to avoid damaging the Z button mounting prongs. Once complete, reinstall the long gear and optical encoder PCB into the lower housing.

   

   

   

4. Step 4 – Lubricate Bowl Contact Surface

   Add a small amount of lubricant to the bowl contact surface, specifically in the highlighted area shown below:

   

Setting up the Renaissance Gate

1. Step 1 – Remove Gate Screw

   Remove the included screw from the Renaissance gate using either the Torx T5 or 1.3mm hex tool (the appropriate tool is included in your kit). Note that the screw has a 3D printed washer—if you need a replacement, the STL file is available here. Replacement screws are M1.4-0.3 x 6mm.

   

2. Step 2 – Position the Conical Spring

   The spring is conical in shape—the narrow end goes against the gate. Identify the spring end position and ensure it falls between the two red arrows on the green line (as shown). This positioning ensures smooth spring and gate interaction without grittiness.

   

   

   

3. Step 3 – Lubricate the Tao V4 OEM Pro Stick

   Apply lubricant sparingly to the slots in the stick's spherical contact area (highlighted in yellow below). Use minimal amounts—you can use the included lubricant or see the FAQ section for other recommended lubricants.

   

4. Step 4 – Lubricate the Short Gear

   Apply a small amount of lubrication to the short gear, focusing only on the area highlighted in the red circle. Use minimal amounts and apply with a toothpick or applicator for precision.

   

5. Step 5 – Install Spring Plate and Short Gear

   Place the spring plate onto the spring with the flat part facing the screw post. Next, place the short gear on the stick to lock down the complete gate assembly.

   

   

   

Reassembly

1. Step 1 – Center the Gears

   Ensure both the long gear and short gear are properly centered in their respective module halves. When you place the two halves together, the stick should remain centered—if it becomes lopsided, the gears are not properly aligned.

   

2. Step 2 – Close and Secure the Module

   Screw the two module halves together using the previously removed Torx/Hex screw. IMPORTANT: DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN—only screw down enough to bring the two halves together securely.

   

   Once complete, test the stick movement before proceeding.

3. Step 3 – Final Lubrication of Stick and Gate Contact Points

   Once satisfied with the module feel, apply final lubrication to the stick and gate contact surfaces (highlighted in yellow in the images below).

   

   

Installing the M2 to M3 Adapter Kit

This adapter kit allows you to convert legacy stick caps that use M3 threaded screws to work with the M2 standard used on the Renaissance stick. Note: This adapter kit is designed for use with one cap only—part (A) will become lodged in the cap and is very difficult to remove.

1. Step 1 – Install Screw Seat

   Slide the 3D printed screw seat (C) onto the M2 titanium screw (E).

   

2. Step 2 – Install Thread Adapter

   Slide the injection molded thread adapter (A) onto the M2 screw (E) over the screw seat.

   

3. Step 3 – Insert Assembly into Cap

   Place the complete adapter assembly into your legacy M3 threaded stick cap.

   

4. Step 4 – Expose Threads

   Flip the assembly over and press it against a flat surface like a desk to expose some threads on the screw for the next step.

   

5. Step 5 – Seat the Thread Adapter

   Screw the cap onto the Renaissance stick to fully seat the thread adapter (A). Once the adapter is fully seated, remove the cap.

   

6. Step 6 – Install O-rings and Final Assembly

   Add the two O-rings (D and B) to their designated locations and screw in the final assembly. The O-rings provide a secure connection and prevent the cap from loosening during gameplay.

   

   

Tuning Your Renaissance N64 Stick

Stick Height Adjustment

The Renaissance stick is adjustable using the included 0.9mm hex wrench. This adjustment changes the relative height of the nib, which affects the stick's feel. For 90% of users, the default nib height will be ideal. If you need to restore the default height, adjust the nib back to 22.71mm (measured as shown below, with O-rings removed).

How to Adjust Stick Feel

Start by removing the stick cap using the included T6 Torx driver. Use the 0.9mm hex wrench to adjust the nib height:

• Moving nib up: Creates a tighter feeling module
• Moving nib down: Creates a looser feel with more Z-axis play

Important adjustment tips:

• Make SMALL movements—⅛ turns at a time
• Less is more when adjusting
• After loosening, push down on the stick before testing to ensure the nib is fully seated
• Don't over-loosen as this risks scratching the bowl or creating a gritty feel
• Note: ⅛ turn is enough to change values by ±1 or 2

The feel will change noticeably with small adjustments. If you're loosening, make sure to push down on the stick prior to testing to ensure the nib is fully seated. Avoid over-loosening as you risk scratching the bowl or making the module feel gritty.

NOTE: 1/8th of a turn is enough to change the values by +/- 1 or 2. Keep this in mind as you are adjusting.

Gate Alignment Adjustment

Sometimes your benchmark readings may be slightly off-center, with up/down or left/right values differing by several points. Here's an example of misaligned readings:

Ideally, in this scenario, both U/D readings would be 87 and both R/L readings would be 86-87. You can fix this by:

1. Slightly loosening the gate screw
2. Shifting the gate position
3. Re-tightening the screw

For a visual demonstration of this process, refer to the video guide from 11:54-15:03. The corrected result should look like this:

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm still getting inconsistent benchmark readings even after tuning

The issue may be poor-quality or aftermarket gears. Some non-OEM gears can produce erratic values. You can identify your gears using this reference:

Recommended gear types: OEM • Kitsch-Bent • N64Gears • StangBoy 3D printed

Renaissance N64 Stick Installation Summary

Congratulations! You've successfully completed the Renaissance N64 + Tao V4 OEM Pro stick installation. Your N64 controller now features:

• ✅ Precision steel construction - Renaissance bowl and gate for enhanced durability
• ✅ Tao V4 OEM Pro stick - Professional-grade analog stick with adjustable height
• ✅ Improved accuracy - Reduced deadzone and enhanced response
• ✅ Long-lasting performance - Premium lubrication and high-quality components

Maintenance Tips for Your Upgraded N64 Controller

To maintain optimal performance of your Renaissance N64 stick:

• Periodically check stick calibration using the testing ROM
• Reapply lubrication every 6-12 months depending on usage
• Store controller in a clean, dry environment
• Refer to the tuning section for performance adjustments

Need additional N64 controller parts or upgrades? Visit our N64 mods page for more premium gaming accessories and replacement components.