Nintendo 's new line of capsule toy keychains in Japan offers much more than meets the eye - you can take the retro-style knickknacks apart for fully functional controller parts. GameCube, N64, and SNES enthusiasts searching for replacement controller buttons can now look to Nintendo's own vending machine-dispensed keychains rather than searching tirelessly online for parts. As reported by Automaton , the iconic company's new line of "Controller Button Collection" capsule toys boasts keychains containing real analog sticks and buttons - not merely decorative features, but "genuine" controller parts.
Following Nintendo's announcement of the keychains' availability in its Japan-based stores, fans rushed to test whether or not the seemingly cosmetic buttons and sticks could replace parts on real retro controllers - and they can indeed. One person, who bought the keychains "right away," explains in a now-viral post how they "took them apart" and "discovered that the GameCube controller keychain used genuine parts and was compatible." Their explanation continues: "Although GameCube controllers are no longer being sold, you can get the original analog stick (including the rubber cover and working stick box) from the capsule toy machine.
" The fan also notes that the keychain's controller parts are apparently manufactured by Bandai Namco , which could mean that Nintendo provided molds for the accurate replicas. Sadly, the gachapon capsules containing the keychains can only be found in a few Japanese Nintendo stores as of now - but if you're passing through Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo any time soon, you may be able to snag some for yourself. Nintendo's original line of retro-themed keychains is still available in Japan, too, but its controller-like buttons are, unfortunately, just cosmetic.
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