What Are Mods?

Mods & Upgrades

At Motherhoard, every controller is hand-built for performance, consistency, and longevity. Whether you're buying a full Phob or a new/refurbished OEM, you can customize your build with a range of mods to suit your needs. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available—and why it matters.

Controller Types

  • Phob - A Phob is a complete replacement motherboard for the GameCube controller. It replaces analog stick potentiometers(pots) with Hall effect sensors(HFX), which offer long-term consistency and eliminate common points of failure like stick drift. A HFX sensor uses magnetic fields to figure out where your stick is in space vs. a Pot which is effectively two bits of metal rubbing together, which wear out. Phobs also support several trigger modes, button remapping, and precise gate calibration. When we say “Phob,” we’re usually referring to a full controller built on this platform.

  • OEM - OEM controllers use original Nintendo hardware (motherboard and Pots). All OEM controllers sold through Motherhoard include a snapback mod by default, helping to reduce electrical noise during fast stick inputs. These builds are ideal for players who want that classic feel, with a bit more stability and refinement.

Mods by Category

Buttons

  • OEM Profile - Matches original button shape.

  • Bald Profile - Rounded and smoothed for faster presses.

Buttons are available in OEM colors or custom colored variants. Colored buttons are handmade in resin and may be made in-house or by trusted partners.

Shell

We typically use original Nintendo shells unless otherwise stated. We don’t offer paint jobs or additional notching at this time.

Triggers

  • Trigger Plugs - Long or short, reduce travel distance before the digital press(the bump at the bottom).

  • Mechanical Triggers - Uses a mechanical switch (e.g., keyboard-style click).

    Phobs support multiple trigger modes, which you can read more about here.

  • Digital trigger mod - This refers to a mod available for OEM controllers only. It uses a long trigger plug or mechanical trigger coupled with a daughter board that makes the digital bump press as though it were a light shield. this is how ultimate reads the triggers, and can be used with Rivals/P+.

Z Button

  • OEM - Tried and true, the standard.

  • Tactile - Firmer, more responsive feel.

  • Mouse Click - Light and crisp, like a gaming mouse.

Snapback Mod (OEM only)

Snapback happens when the analog stick flicks quickly from one side to the other. As it returns to center, it often overshoots slightly, which can cause unintended directional inputs. The snapback mod filters out this electrical “bounce,” giving you cleaner inputs during fast movement.

Cable

  • OEM - Standard look and feel.

  • Paracord Sleeve - Custom colors, purely cosmetic!

Have Questions?

If you’re unsure about anything or want help choosing your setup, just email motherhoardmods@gmail.com. Every build is made to order, and we’re always happy to explain the details.