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Two Parts:Replacing the ButtonsPutting Your 3DS Back Together

Over time, the shoulder buttons on a 3DS can wear out to the point where cleaning them no longer has any effect. When this happens you lose functionality while playing games, which means they need to be replaced. This guide will walk you through how to take your 3DS apart, replace the shoulder button ribbons, and put the 3DS back together.

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Part 1 of 2: Replacing the Buttons

  1. 1
    Know the terminology used throughout this guide:
    • R button ribbon = Right Shoulder Button Ribbon
    • L button ribbon = Left Shoulder Button Ribbon.
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  2. 2
    Remove the game cartridge, SD card, and stylus. Then loosen the four silver screws along the back of the 3DS (they are attached to the cover) and take the cover off.
  3. 3
    Remove the battery from the 3DS. There’s a small tab along the top edge of the battery to help with this.
  4. 3DS Fig 1.png
    4
    Remove the 10 screws (nine black, and one silver screw in the cartridge slot) holding the shell onto the 3DS. Place the screws into the first small container, and then gently loosen the shell from the 3DS, lifting from the bottom edge of the 3DS.
    • Caution: Don’t yank the shell up, as the shoulder ribbons will be holding the top of the shell to the main body.
  5. 3DS Fig 2.png
    5
    Tip the shell back so that the interior of the 3DS is exposed. Gently lift the body connectors for the shoulder button ribbons off the main body of the 3DS.
    • 3DS Fig 2a.png
    • 3DS Fig 2b.png
  6. 3DS Fig 3a.png
    6
    Remove the three screws holding the cover on the Left Shoulder Button. Place the screws into the second small container, and gently remove the cover.
    • Caution: the L button ribbon feeds through the button cover, so make sure to slide the ribbon out as you lift off the cover.
  7. 3DS Fig 4a.JPG
    7
    Carefully lift out the L button ribbon. Replace it with the new L button ribbon, making sure it’s well seated by pressing it into the recess on the shell.
    • 3DS Fig 3b.png
  8. 8
    Replace the L button cover, feeding the ribbon back through the gap in the cover. Insert three screws from the second container into the three holes in the L button cover, and tighten the screws.
    • 3DS Fig 3a.png
    • Caution: Be gentle when tightening the screws, applying too much force can strip the threads. Stop tightening when the screws are flush and you meet resistance trying to tighten further.
  9. 3DS Fig 3.png
    9
    On the shell, remove the three screws holding the back of the silver battery slot in place. Place the screws into the second small container, and remove the silver battery slot.
  10. 3DS Fig 3c.png
    10
    Remove the single screw still holding the R button cover in place. Place it in the second container, and gently remove the cover.
    • Caution: The R button ribbon feeds through the button cover, so make sure to slide the ribbon out as you lift off the cover.
  11. 3DS Fig 4b.JPG
    11
    Carefully lift out the R button ribbon. Replace it with the new R button ribbon, making sure it’s well seated.
    • 3DS Fig 3d.png
  12. 3DS Fig 3c.png
    12
    Replace the R button cover. Feed the ribbon back through the gap in the cover, and from the second container insert a screw into the center hole in the cover, and tighten the screw.
    • Caution: Be gentle when tightening the screws, applying too much force can strip the threads. Stop tightening when the screws are flush and you meet resistance trying to tighten further.

Part 2 of 2: Putting Your 3DS Back Together

  1. 1
    Replace the silver battery slot that you removed previously. Replace the final three screws from the second container into the three cover holes indicated.
    • 3DS Fig 3.png
    • Caution: Be gentle when tightening the screws, as applying too much force can strip the threads. Stop tightening when the screws are flush and you meet resistance trying to tighten further.
  2. 3DS Fig 5.png
    2
    Gently reconnect the shoulder button body connectors, softly pressing them into place. It is easier to connect the L button ribbon connector first, as it is longer, and then connect the R button ribbon connector. You will hear a soft click when the connectors seat properly.
    • 3DS Fig 2a.png
    • 3DS Fig 2b.png
  3. 3
    Place the shell back onto the body. Replace the nine black screws from the first container into the screw holes. Loosely screw in place at first (just to hold the shell onto the body), then (starting at the top left screw) go around the body clockwise, tightening the screws as you go.
    • 3DS Fig 1.png
    • Caution: Be gentle when tightening the screws, as applying too much force can strip the threads. Stop tightening when you meet resistance trying to tighten further.
  4. 4
    Replace the silver screw from the first container into its hole in the cartridge slot. Then very carefully tighten it as the threads in the hole are extremely delicate (take care not to strip them).
  5. 5
    Replace the battery. Then replace the cover and tighten the four silver screws on the cover.
  6. 6
    Make sure everything works. A quick test to verify the buttons are now working is to power the 3DS on and attempt to activate the camera by pressing both shoulder buttons at once.
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Things You'll Need

  • #00 Phillips screwdriver
  • 3/64” Flathead screwdriver (optional, used for loosening parts)
  • Replacement shoulder button ribbons (1x Left & 1x Right, purchasable online)
  • Two small containers (to hold the screws)


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Categories: Featured Articles | Nintendo 3DS

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