Nintendo DSi

The Nintendo DSi is the third iteration in the Nintendo DS line, and made its debut in Japan in late 2008.

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Installing Nintendo DSi Outer Casing

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A guide on how to remove the entire Nintendo DSi case.

Loosen the two captive screws on the battery panel, and lift the panel up to remove it.

Place a spudger (or fingernail) at the topside of the battery (near the L button) and lift up to remove the battery.

Remove the following screws securing the lower case to the body of the DSi:
- Six 5.2 mm Phillips screws.
- One 2.7 mm Phillips screw.

Insert the flat end of a spudger in between the lower case and lower front panel near the top right corner of the DSi.
Carefully run the spudger along the right edge of the DSi, creating an opening in the process.
Continue running the spudger along the backside of the DSi until the majority of the lower case has been separated from the lower front panel.

Cautiously lift the lower case from its bottom edge.
The lower case is still attached to the motherboard by the volume and SD board cable highlighted in red. Do not try to completely remove the lower case of the DSi yet.
Pry the volume and SD board cable up from its socket on the motherboard with the flat edge of a spudger.
Remove the lower case assembly from the DSi.

The power connector (with red and black wires) is difficult to remove without damaging it, unless you take a moment and understand how it works. Look at all of the photos for this step before continuing.
The connector is two pieces -- a white "male" piece (connected to the wires), and a beige "female" part (soldered to the main board).
There is a small "notch" in the female part, to give you a place to insert a small flat-head screwdriver. Put the corner of your screwdriver in there, and twist it gently to push the white part up (away from the main board). Do not try to pull it to the right (towards the battery board).
If it does not lift easily, try again with a smaller screwdriver. You might be pulling the female connector off the board, which will be difficult to repair.