Nintendo's latest keychains contain real controller parts that can be used

Nintendo’s second line of “Controller Button Collection” capsule toys has an unlisted feature buyers might not know about. Unlike the first line which had purely cosmetic keychains featuring buttons from the NES and Famicom controllers, this second line (pictured above) includes working analog sticks and buttons from the Super Nintendo, Super Famicom, N64, and GameCube.

This discovery was made by Nintendo enthusiasts who were quick to rush out and get some of the keychains so that they could try putting the buttons and analog sticks in their respective controllers. Here’s one user’s account:

これ早速渋谷行って引いてきた。そして分解してみた。
製造元がバンダイだし、第一弾は実機との互換性がなかったみたいだけどGCコンのは純正パーツが採用されててちゃんと実機との互換性があった。

GCコン本体は売って無いけどガシャポンから純正ラバーとT3スティックボックスが手に入る謎状況 https://t.co/J2kXVebiAo pic.twitter.com/EwH4NoFiwz
— どべん (@doben_ssb) July 23, 2024

Post translation: I went to Shibuya (the location of Tokyo’s Nintendo store) and bought them right away. Then I took them apart. They were manufactured by Bandai and while the first line was apparently not compatible with the actual machine, I discovered that the GameCube controller keychain used genuine parts and was compatible. 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.

A few people who were able to get their hands on these keychains have taken them apart and put the pieces into their associated controllers. Reports show all the replacement parts working, including those for the discontinued GameCube controller. Nintendo likely provided the molds for the controller parts to Bandai (the keychains’ manufacturer) so that it could replicate them for the official keychains.

Nintendo controller keychains first line Famicom NES — *The first line of Famicom and NES keychains that don’t have working buttons.*

Unfortunately, these keychains can only be purchased from Nintendo stores in Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. Those passing by Japan can also get them at Tokyo’s Narita airport. Due to the random nature of gashapon capsule toys and demand for the working parts inside the keychains, there is a high chance that people will snag as many of these as possible to get the ones they want. Still, putting working controller parts inside keychains is a great way to showcase the storied history of Nintendo consoles.