I was also disapointed when I found that the board with buttons is connected with a proprietary cable. I was expecting one of the standard flat cables. That means you have to keep it connected and keep it close to the original location. In my case I mounted it on the side wall and soldered wires directly to the buttons. I had to create a new circuit board with the new buttons that is mounted below the screen,
As for the central directional control, it is easier. I have got a 250mm ZIF ribbon cable from e-bay. It is wider than needed, but can be cut to the exact width.
The battery conne