0.5 mm FFC / FPC connectors: repair a torn-off ribbon cable socket

On a handheld console, the fault rarely lies with the ribbon cable: it's the connector soldered to the board that breaks, a flap that pops off or a tab torn away during reassembly. This pack brings together 50 0.5 mm pitch FFC / FPC connectors, from 6 to 40 pins, in the flip-lock (flip) version with bottom contacts. Enough to replace the socket rather than the entire board.

What it does

• Replaces a broken connector: the original socket is desoldered, the new one goes back in the same spot, and the ribbon cable locks firmly again.
• Covers the common sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, 30 and 40 pins at 0.5 mm pitch, the standard for display, button and drive ribbon cables.
• Enough parts to practise: 50 connectors, so you can botch two attempts on a scrap board before tackling the real one.

What it doesn't do

• It isn't a clip-in part: fitting requires you to desolder the old connector and solder in a new SMD one, on leads spaced 0.5 mm apart.
• The manufacturer doesn't disclose the exact split of the 50 parts across the ten sizes — so we don't state it.
• Not suitable for 1.0 mm pitch ribbon cables, top-contact connectors or sliding-drawer (slide lock) models.
• No FFC ribbon cable, tools or instructions are included.
• This pack doesn't repair a PCB trace torn off beneath the connector: in that case the board also needs a wire repair.

Compatibility

What matters isn't the console brand but the ribbon cable: these connectors suit any board that takes a 0.5 mm pitch FFC / FPC ribbon cable whose pin count is on the list — handheld console motherboards, display and backlight kits, button boards, controller daughterboards. Measure the pitch and count the contacts on your ribbon cable before ordering: a 1.0 mm pitch connector, a top-contact model or a size not on the list is no substitute. We don't guarantee compatibility with any specific console model: the supplier reference is generic.

Skill level required

Experienced SMD soldering. You need to desolder the original socket with hot air or desoldering wick, clean the pads, then fit the new connector with a fine tip and flux — the leads are spaced 0.5 mm apart and the plastic body melts quickly if the hot air is applied too heavily. Have a hot-air station or precision iron, flux, desoldering braid, tweezers and a magnifier or microscope ready. This isn't a first soldering job: practise on a salvage board.

In the box

• 50 flip-lock FFC / FPC connectors, 0.5 mm pitch, bottom contacts.
• Assortment of sizes from 6 to 40 pins, split not specified by the manufacturer.
• No ribbon cable, tools or instructions.

Listing verified on 19 August 2026.

Read before ordering: Retro Peripherals

Delivery in 10 to 18 days · ships within 3 to 5 days · 2-year legal guarantee · 14-day returns.