Replacing the Battery in Your 8BitDo SN30/SF30 Pro Controller

If you’ve had your 8BitDo SN30 or SF30 Pro controller for a few years, you might have noticed that the battery just doesn’t last like it used to. I ran into exactly that issue with several of my own controllers, so in late 2022, I made a YouTube video documenting the process of replacing them. This blog post is meant as an accompaniment or alternative to that video with advice to help you identify and source a compatible replacement battery. Even if you can’t find the original model anymore.


The Original Battery

The stock battery inside many 8BitDo SN30/SF30 Pro controllers is a GJ451860 lithium polymer (LiPo) cell, rated at 3.7V and 480mAh. That model number is important, and not just for identifying the battery. It’s actually the key to finding a compatible replacement.

At the time I made my video, it was impossible to find a battery with that serial number. You may have more luck today, but if you struggle I can help. Just read on.


Understanding Battery Model Numbers

Here's the trick: battery numbers like 451860 actually describe the physical dimensions of the battery in millimetres. Don’t worry about the GJ at the start, that’s unimportant. But here’s the meaning of the numbers:

  • 45 Thickness in tenths of millimetres (4.5 mm)
  • 18 Width in millimetres (18 mm)
  • 60 Length in millimetres (60 mm)

Note: The length typically includes the small protection circuit attached to the cell.

This means that if you can’t find a "451860" battery, you can look for one with similar dimensions. As long as it’s 3.7V and fits within the space inside the controller, it will work.



Finding a Suitable Replacement

After some searching, I found a reliable substitute: the 402060 LiPo battery. Here's how it compares:

GJ451860 (Original)

402060 (Replacement)

Voltage

3.7V

3.7V

Capacity

480mAh

500mAh

Thickness

4.5 mm

4.0 mm

Width

18 mm

20 mm

Length

60 mm

60 mm

The 402060 model is slightly wider, but it still fits inside the battery cavity of the controller, just snugly. I tested it in multiple units and found it to be a solid replacement.

Here's a link to the 402060 battery that I bought from AliExpress (just check that the seller is still offering the correct battery before ordering: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32916572795.html

And here's a 451860 that seems to be available now: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008243676798.html

Note that if you need to get five, then the 402060 is better value for money.

The original battery and its replacement, side-by-side


Replacing the Battery

Replacing the battery is fairly straightforward:

  • Open the controller: Remove the five Torx T6 screws from the back.
  • Lift off the rear shell: Nothing will fall out—everything else is screwed in.
  • Carefully remove the old battery:
    • It is most likely held down with strong double-sided tape. Isopropyl Alcohol can help to loosen its grip if you have some.
    • If you need to use a tool to help pull it out, use something blunt, not a sharp knife, as puncturing the battery could be very dangerous.
  • Desolder the old battery wires (note the polarity: red = positive, black = negative).
  • Solder the new battery in place and route the wires carefully into the gap provided in the shell.
  • Reassemble and test.

New battery installed


A Quick Tip on Choosing Dimensions

When browsing for alternatives, remember:

  • Don’t go thicker than 4.5mm unless you know for sure that it will fit.
  • Width up to 20 mm is okay—it will be snug but functional.
  • Length should be 60mm or less, including protection circuitry.
  • Higher capacity is fine, but avoid going lower than 480mAh unless you're okay with shorter battery life than the original.


Watch the Video

If you'd like to see the full installation process, check out the original video below:

Watch: 8BitDo Battery Replacement - SN30/SF30 Pro



Conclusion

If your 8BitDo controller no longer holds much of a charge, don’t bin it, just replace the battery. Even if the original model is no longer widely available, compatible alternatives like the 402060 are cheap, easy to find, and simple to install with a little care. Hopefully this guide helps you extend the life of your controller!


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