Nintendo Wii U Teardown We tore down the Wii U on November 18, 2012. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/nj6ApQNO5qtsR4HY Brittany McCrigler Moderate Nintendo Wii U

We have another Nintendo teardown for you U. We got our hands on the Wii U, and despite the temptation to escape into the world of Super Mario, our spudgers got the better of us.

Wii'd love to give U the latest teardowns and news updates, so follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

We have another Nintendo teardown for you U. We got our hands on the Wii U, and despite the temptation to escape into the world of Super Mario, our spudgers got the better of us.

Wii'd love to give U the latest teardowns and news updates, so follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

Tools
 Heat gun or hair dryer Phillips #00 Screwdriver Spudger Tri-wing Y1 Screwdriver Tweezers Yes, we love tearing devices apart, but the TV-shattering, Wii Remote-related accidents around the office are getting out of hand. It's time to explore alternative remote options, and what better place to start than the Wii U? Yes, we love tearing devices apart, but the TV-shattering, Wii Remote-related accidents around the office are getting out of hand. It's time to explore alternative remote options, and what better place to start than the Wii U? IBM Power®-based multi-core processor IBM Power®-based multi-core processor AMD Radeon-based High Definition GPU AMD Radeon-based High Definition GPU 8 GB or 32 GB internal storage with external USB storage and external USB hard drive support 8 GB or 32 GB internal storage with external USB storage and external USB hard drive support 6.2 inch, 854 x 480 pixels LCD touch-screen with motion control and front-facing camera 6.2 inch, 854 x 480 pixels LCD touch-screen with motion control and front-facing camera Near-Field Communication (NFC) functionality Near-Field Communication (NFC) functionality http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/QUvpHs2UaHDX5d4w http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/5fNxfoMZJAafLqnS Let's check out the port side(s)! Let's check out the port side(s)! Disc slot Disc slot Sync button Sync button SD card slot SD card slot USB 2.0 ports (4 total) USB 2.0 ports (4 total) HDMI port HDMI port AV Multi Out AV Multi Out Sensor Bar Connector Sensor Bar Connector http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/pFXM5NXyBYEYROQM http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/lBwILLffXodspuBo What's this? A secret <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rohy6vIMbtM" rel="nofollow">coin that Mario left</a> behind? What's this? A secret [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rohy6vIMbtM|coin that Mario left] behind? Sadly, it's just the CMOS battery. However, we won't judge you if you run and jump on a flagpole. Sadly, it's just the CMOS battery. However, we won't judge you if you run and jump on a flagpole. Hidden screws won't keep us out; some quick sticker removal and a turn of the screwdriver free the top case. Hidden screws won't keep us out; some quick sticker removal and a turn of the screwdriver free the top case. Need some killer tools yourself? <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Tools">Wii've got what U need</a>. Need some killer tools yourself? [http://www.ifixit.com/Tools|Wii've got what U need]. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2yjFlPaDb6ncEVSJ http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/EgCQWBKAfLqUNpGG http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/I3H2bHsgAXHgSL5f We see a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elmada/1189343027/" rel="nofollow">familiar face</a> as the top case comes off. We see a [http://www.flickr.com/photos/elmada/1189343027/|familiar face] as the top case comes off. There is nothing initially surprising as we get our <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymUAvf5Uhng&amp;feature=fvwrel" rel="nofollow">first glimpse of the U</a>. The optical drive and heat sink dominate the majority of the console's internal Wii-al estate, and are considerably beefier than those found in the Nintendo Wii. There is nothing initially surprising as we get our [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymUAvf5Uhng&feature=fvwrel|first glimpse of the U]. The optical drive and heat sink dominate the majority of the console's internal Wii-al estate, and are considerably beefier than those found in the Nintendo Wii. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/s3PCJRV2JVGnXUps http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/KbK5KklgBlQpj5qU The device is pretty simple so far, but has no shortage of screws. There's no adhesive holding the U together, but were it not for our <a href="/Tools/Magnetic-Project-Mat/IF145-167?utm_source=ifixit_guide&amp;utm_medium=wiki_text&amp;utm_term=145167&amp;utm_content=product_link">Magnetic Project Mat</a>, all of these screws could get out of hand. So far we have encountered both Phillips and Tri-wing screws, nothing our <a href="http://bit.ly/sV8KKG" rel="nofollow">54 Bit Driver Kit</a> can't handle. The device is pretty simple so far, but has no shortage of screws. There's no adhesive holding the U together, but were it not for our [product|IF145-167|Magnetic Project Mat], all of these screws could get out of hand. So far we have encountered both Phillips and Tri-wing screws, nothing our [http://bit.ly/sV8KKG|54 Bit Driver Kit] can't handle. After some unscrewing, the front panel pops right off. After some unscrewing, the front panel pops right off. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/4Kdfbgf4tv1mjNMT http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/iTE5XkENLFmOD3Kr Hmmm… This optical drive feels really heavy. It appears much larger than <a href="/Teardown/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2009+Teardown/814/2#s4423">most optical drives</a>, so we take it to the scales! Hmmm… This optical drive feels really heavy. It appears much larger than [guide|814|most optical drives|stepid=4423], so we take it to the scales! <em>424.2 grams!</em> That means that the optical drive accounts for nearly a third of the 1.5-kg device. ''424.2 grams!'' That means that the optical drive accounts for nearly a third of the 1.5-kg device. We suspect that the large optical drive may be a by-product of the larger motherboard underneath. A case expansive enough to accommodate the motherboard leaves some extra room for a bigger optical drive. We suspect that the large optical drive may be a by-product of the larger motherboard underneath. A case expansive enough to accommodate the motherboard leaves some extra room for a bigger optical drive. Possible benefits to using a clunkier disc-reader could be reduced cost, quieter operation, or improved longevity over a slimmer drive. Possible benefits to using a clunkier disc-reader could be reduced cost, quieter operation, or improved longevity over a slimmer drive. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/SgS23xSKOVYkLMLd http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/GukhGLFK1E3mwXoj http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/DyYDYInfyiHXcnYT Unlike <a href="/Teardown/PlayStation+Vita+Teardown/7872/2#s32319">other game consoles</a> with strict space requirements, the antennas in the Wii U have a much more relaxed layout and are held in place with tape. Unlike [guide|7872|other game consoles|stepid=32319] with strict space requirements, the antennas in the Wii U have a much more relaxed layout and are held in place with tape. Nintendo obviously wasn't concerned with making the smallest box possible, so they didn't worry about rigidly packing relatively small antenna cables in designated slots as we've seen in handheld consoles such as the <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Device/Nintendo_3DS">3Ds</a> and the PS Vita. Nintendo obviously wasn't concerned with making the smallest box possible, so they didn't worry about rigidly packing relatively small antenna cables in designated slots as we've seen in handheld consoles such as the [http://www.ifixit.com/Device/Nintendo_3DS|3Ds] and the PS Vita. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/cva2yFhxMtGKYVLD http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2gD5aVLwIpFGFEwY Next to come out are the fan and heat sink. Next to come out are the fan and heat sink. Nintendo designers <a href="http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/console/0/1" rel="nofollow">explained</a> that the larger fan and heat sink were necessary to handle the nearly tripled heat output from the new ICs. Nintendo designers [http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/console/0/1|explained] that the larger fan and heat sink were necessary to handle the nearly tripled heat output from the new ICs. With the heat sink off, we get closer to the CPU and GPU, called the Wii U's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-chip_module">multi chip module</a> (MCM), still hidden beneath a thermal pad. With the heat sink off, we get closer to the CPU and GPU, called the Wii U's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-chip_module|multi chip module] (MCM), still hidden beneath a thermal pad. Thanks to the upgraded AMD GPU, the Wii U boasts HD graphics up to 1080p. Thanks to the upgraded AMD GPU, the Wii U boasts HD graphics up to 1080p. Nintendo has <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Device/Nintendo_Game_Console">come a long way</a> over the years, considering that we remember when Mario had fewer bits than our <a href="/Tools/26-Bit-Driver-Kit/IF145-028?utm_source=ifixit_guide&amp;utm_medium=wiki_text&amp;utm_term=145028&amp;utm_content=product_link">26-bit driver kit</a>. Nintendo has [http://www.ifixit.com/Device/Nintendo_Game_Console|come a long way] over the years, considering that we remember when Mario had fewer bits than our [product|IF145-028|26-bit driver kit]. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/5la4lOZUITBmxZfC http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Fo41rMXMGOl2HU2t http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/PUgyZiMJsc15MmnW We finally get to the motherboard. Taking up the entire base of the console, the overall size of the device was likely designed around the motherboard. We finally get to the motherboard. Taking up the entire base of the console, the overall size of the device was likely designed around the motherboard. Examining the underside of the motherboard, we find three separate wireless modules. We quickly get to removing them. Examining the underside of the motherboard, we find three separate wireless modules. We quickly get to removing them. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/kXNZxI5mFNF2UbQI http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/uWwOMOElv3NS6Ixi http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/LHZiOMMWqS1EVLfO With the wireless modules out, we get right to examining them. With the wireless modules out, we get right to examining them. Broadcom <a href="http://www.broadcom.com/products/Wireless-LAN/802.11-Wireless-LAN-Solutions/BCM4323" rel="nofollow">BCM43237KMLG</a> Wireless LAN module Broadcom [http://www.broadcom.com/products/Wireless-LAN/802.11-Wireless-LAN-Solutions/BCM4323|BCM43237KMLG] Wireless LAN module Broadcom BCM43362KUB6 802.11n Wireless Module—the same one used in the <a href="http://www.anandtech.com/show/4903/roku-2-xs-review-streaming-videos-and-casual-gaming-on-the-big-screen/3" rel="nofollow">Roku 2 XS</a> Broadcom BCM43362KUB6 802.11n Wireless Module—the same one used in the [http://www.anandtech.com/show/4903/roku-2-xs-review-streaming-videos-and-casual-gaming-on-the-big-screen/3|Roku 2 XS] Broadcom <a href="http://www.broadcom.com/products/Bluetooth/Bluetooth-RF-Silicon-and-Software-Solutions/BCM2070" rel="nofollow">BCM20702</a> Bluetooth 4.0 module Broadcom [http://www.broadcom.com/products/Bluetooth/Bluetooth-RF-Silicon-and-Software-Solutions/BCM2070|BCM20702] Bluetooth 4.0 module http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/UoQjcuuMaVMRBGo1 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/4bADacmWBUPiXVRu http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/16oedWoZrEellNvv The shields are down! A quick pass with a heat gun and we get our first look at the CPU and GPU, both covered in ample thermal compound. The shields are down! A quick pass with a heat gun and we get our first look at the CPU and GPU, both covered in ample thermal compound. GPU: AMD Radeon™-based High Definition GPU. GPU: AMD Radeon™-based High Definition GPU. CPU: IBM Power®-based multi-core processor. CPU: IBM Power®-based multi-core processor. We believe Nintendo placed these ICs close to one another to reduce latency and power consumption. We believe Nintendo placed these ICs close to one another to reduce latency and power consumption. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/gttgbeVXT1xhU4UG http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/t4hUXqf3aPSuaQmB IC U! The notable players on the motherboard: IC U! The notable players on the motherboard: Panasonic MN864718 HDMI Controller Panasonic MN864718 HDMI Controller Samsung <a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/product/flash-emmc/detail?productId=7637&amp;iaId=2324" rel="nofollow">KLM8G2FE3B</a> eMMC 8 GB NAND Flash/Memory Controller Samsung [http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/product/flash-emmc/detail?productId=7637&iaId=2324|KLM8G2FE3B] eMMC 8 GB NAND Flash/Memory Controller Micron <a href="http://www.micron.com/parts/dram/ddr3-sdram/mt41k256m16ha-125" rel="nofollow">2LEI2 D9PXV</a> [<a href="http://www.micron.com/~/media/Documents/Products/Data%20Sheet/DRAM/4Gb_1_35V_DDR3L.pdf" rel="nofollow">part number MT41K256M16HA-125</a>] 4 Gb DDR3L SDRAM (4 x 4 Gb for a total of 16 Gb or 2 GB RAM) Micron [link|http://www.micron.com/parts/dram/ddr3-sdram/mt41k256m16ha-125|2LEI2 D9PXV] [[http://www.micron.com/~/media/Documents/Products/Data%20Sheet/DRAM/4Gb_1_35V_DDR3L.pdf|part number MT41K256M16HA-125]] 4 Gb DDR3L SDRAM (4 x 4 Gb for a total of 16 Gb or 2 GB RAM) DRH-WUP 811309G31 DRH-WUP 811309G31 Fairchild DC4AY Fairchild DC4AY SMC 1224EE402 SMC 1224EE402 Samsung <a href="http://www.datasheetarchive.com/K9K8G08U1D-datasheet.html" rel="nofollow">K9K8G08U1D</a> 4 Gb (512 MB) NAND Flash Samsung [http://www.datasheetarchive.com/K9K8G08U1D-datasheet.html|K9K8G08U1D] 4 Gb (512 MB) NAND Flash http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/gqSDvioKMCE2DKCr http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/SUlQwYVPDtCY6ppv <em>Bonus Teardown Time!</em> Break out the champagne and fireworks, it's party time. Why stop the teardown when we have another new piece of hardware at our disposal? Wasting no time, we crack into the Wii U GamePad controller, meant to supplement or replace the original <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAhIqX6lSCs" rel="nofollow">TV slayers</a>. ''Bonus Teardown Time!'' Break out the champagne and fireworks, it's party time. Why stop the teardown when we have another new piece of hardware at our disposal? Wasting no time, we crack into the Wii U GamePad controller, meant to supplement or replace the original [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAhIqX6lSCs|TV slayers]. A readily available Phillips #00 screwdriver grants us access to the Wii-chargeable battery. A readily available Phillips #00 screwdriver grants us access to the Wii-chargeable battery. The 3.7 V, 1500 mAh rechargeable battery is only good for about 3-5 hours of gameplay, but is easily charged using the included external wall charger. The 3.7 V, 1500 mAh rechargeable battery is only good for about 3-5 hours of gameplay, but is easily charged using the included external wall charger. Good news for those looking to extend their playtime—there's plenty of room in the battery compartment for an upgraded pack. Good news for those looking to extend their playtime—there's plenty of room in the battery compartment for an upgraded pack. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/RLsjC2TKgGFPXkIT http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/MtqxV4ODmjKReJuY http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/FsMK5JVJtxWJgDBq Nintendo. You're silly. Trying to hide your screws from us? Though clever, the screws are still <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbKXKaPN1ic" rel="nofollow">hiding in plain sight</a>. Nintendo. You're silly. Trying to hide your screws from us? Though clever, the screws are still [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbKXKaPN1ic|hiding in plain sight]. A deca-plethora of hidden and recessed Tri-wing screws are inevitably no match for our trusty tools. Some of the screws are very recessed, forcing us to use the included 4 mm nut driver attachment to extend the length of our <a href="/Tools/54-Bit-Driver-Kit/IF145-022?utm_source=ifixit_guide&amp;utm_medium=wiki_text&amp;utm_term=145022&amp;utm_content=product_link">54 Bit Driver</a>. It works perfectly, and we are in! A deca-plethora of hidden and recessed Tri-wing screws are inevitably no match for our trusty tools. Some of the screws are very recessed, forcing us to use the included 4 mm nut driver attachment to extend the length of our [product|IF145-022|54 Bit Driver]. It works perfectly, and we are in! http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/g3RdEOAsMxWsD5MV http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/nSdOUsxLoHZBcyd4 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/KPp1SVVqfyYZaMpV We make the Wii U GamePad controller spill its guts. We make the Wii U GamePad controller spill its guts. The larger <em>*gasp!*</em> controller on the U is a design choice, comfortably accommodating the screen, buttons, and circuitry with room to spare. The larger ''*gasp!*'' controller on the U is a design choice, comfortably accommodating the screen, buttons, and circuitry with room to spare. Surprisingly, Nintendo fills the controller with—<a href="http://cdn.videogum.com/files/2010/06/earmuffs.jpg" rel="nofollow">earmuffs</a>, Cupertino—empty space; apparently size does matter. Surprisingly, Nintendo fills the controller with—[http://cdn.videogum.com/files/2010/06/earmuffs.jpg|earmuffs], Cupertino—empty space; apparently size does matter. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/nXBFfj1TBhm2eZSn Shoulder button! Shoulder button! Ruby red slippers may get Dorothy home, but we prefer the iconic red button. Ruby red slippers may get Dorothy home, but we prefer the iconic red button. From the buttons to the frame, plastic pieces abound in the Wii U's GamePad controller, making the Wii U light and *mostly* kid-proof. From the buttons to the frame, plastic pieces abound in the Wii U's GamePad controller, making the Wii U light and *mostly* kid-proof. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/MA3nQFciIj61i5ob http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/USnEgJwbU1VijuLG http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/AVZhMBYYbjX1MpMV A simple ZIF connector stands between us and the bottom button board. A simple ZIF connector stands between us and the bottom button board. The bottom button board is home to the TV control and power buttons. The bottom button board is home to the TV control and power buttons. Despite the board housing two of the most important buttons, there are no conspicuous ICs on the bottom button board. Despite the board housing two of the most important buttons, there are no conspicuous ICs on the bottom button board. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/x5XHsOyRGurneBJu http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2kgPunVI2QpyR5Qd http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Yqkr1GgBD4yEdIWD This button casing is wrapped in blue ribbon cables and switches for the ABXY button pad. This button casing is wrapped in blue ribbon cables and switches for the ABXY button pad. With the button casing out of the way, we get to the first of the dual analog <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MISc4RISJlE" rel="nofollow">joysticks</a>. With the button casing out of the way, we get to the first of the dual analog [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MISc4RISJlE|joysticks]. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/oqGQEtjXIWnAOPyZ http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/LynQiAwuERm5xXxm One part, two part, red part, blue part...big part, small part, let's tear this thing apart. One part, two part, red part, blue part...big part, small part, let's tear this thing apart. We are a bit disappointed that Nintendo didn't use the extra real estate in the Wii U for some crazy speakers. We are a bit disappointed that Nintendo didn't use the extra real estate in the Wii U for some crazy speakers. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/xpmfJmXjtgtoWUAC http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/S6pQct6Sm1Gi6svq Button, button, who's got the button? The U doesn't...well, not anymore. Button, button, who's got the button? The U doesn't...well, not anymore. The rubber backed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konami_Code">ABXY, D-pad</a>, start/select, Power, TV, and Home buttons coming flying out of the Wii U. The rubber backed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konami_Code|ABXY, D-pad], start/select, Power, TV, and Home buttons coming flying out of the Wii U. Separate button groups are good news for the button mashers among us, as each unit will be relatively quick and inexpensive to replace. Separate button groups are good news for the button mashers among us, as each unit will be relatively quick and inexpensive to replace. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/JLmILGXLXuDpCmaT http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/iOHrqQGH5phicI6o The Wii U loses its ability to communicate with near fields as we remove the NFC module and antenna. The Wii U loses its ability to communicate with near fields as we remove the NFC module and antenna. What awesome functionality did this bring to the console? What awesome functionality did this bring to the console? Well, as of launch day…<a href="http://wiiudaily.com/2012/09/wii-u-nfc-game-support/" rel="nofollow">none</a>. Well, as of launch day…[http://wiiudaily.com/2012/09/wii-u-nfc-game-support/|none]. In the future, we might see loading saved games or importing characters from cards or action figures, like in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J7Eyf0h1vM" rel="nofollow">this demo</a>. In the future, we might see loading saved games or importing characters from cards or action figures, like in [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J7Eyf0h1vM|this demo]. There are two prominent ICs on the NFC communications board: There are two prominent ICs on the NFC communications board: Broadcom <a href="http://www.broadcom.com/products/NFC/NFC-Solutions/BCM2079x-Family" rel="nofollow">BCM20792 KMLG</a> NFC controller Broadcom [http://www.broadcom.com/products/NFC/NFC-Solutions/BCM2079x-Family|BCM20792 KMLG] NFC controller T130 MsEU crystal oscillator T130 MsEU crystal oscillator http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/6VgNpU1AAkUar2vh http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/UXMosJ2ZequJTMWD http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/mIZxsNUbDCqWFAOq Pulling out this (third) dual-antenna wireless module is starting to feel pretty routine. Pulling out this (third) dual-antenna wireless module is starting to feel pretty routine. The board is powered by a Broadcom BCM4319XKUBG. The board is powered by a Broadcom BCM4319XKUBG. This module is likely part of a <a href="http://www.polygon.com/2012/11/16/3653294/wii-u-range-test-gamepad" rel="nofollow">new system</a> Nintendo and Broadcom co-designed to wirelessly stream video and data between the Wii U console and GamePad controller. This module is likely part of a [http://www.polygon.com/2012/11/16/3653294/wii-u-range-test-gamepad|new system] Nintendo and Broadcom co-designed to wirelessly stream video and data between the Wii U console and GamePad controller. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ZNbeKK3YSCBbjEsk http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2lsV6CmCaAy6TLcQ http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/X6iBf61QFYIySyjj The GamePad's motherboard is easily displaced from the front panel case. The GamePad's motherboard is easily displaced from the front panel case. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/sUfsY6FDRWCOkrO3 Front side of the GamePad's motherboard: Front side of the GamePad's motherboard: STMicroelectronics UIC-WUP MCE GH226 STMicroelectronics UIC-WUP MCE GH226 STMicroelectronics MSA3D 01F STMicroelectronics MSA3D 01F Texas Instruments <a href="http://www.ti.com/product/tsc2046" rel="nofollow">TSC 2046I</a> Low Voltage I/O Touch Screen Controller Texas Instruments [http://www.ti.com/product/tsc2046|TSC 2046I] Low Voltage I/O Touch Screen Controller http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/rpVmgy32B5FpWSkL The backside of the GamePad's motherboard: The backside of the GamePad's motherboard: InvenSense <a href="http://invensense.com/mems/gyro/itg3200.html" rel="nofollow">ITG-3280</a> Gyroscope InvenSense [http://invensense.com/mems/gyro/itg3200.html|ITG-3280] Gyroscope Micron <a href="http://www.micron.com/~/media/Documents/Products/Technical%20Note/NOR%20Flash/tn1224_spi_marking.pdf" rel="nofollow">25Q256A</a> 256 Mb Serial Flash Micron [http://www.micron.com/~/media/Documents/Products/Technical%20Note/NOR%20Flash/tn1224_spi_marking.pdf|25Q256A] 256 Mb Serial Flash DRC-WUP 811309J31 1217LU603 DRC-WUP 811309J31 1217LU603 Texas Instruments <a href="http://e2e.ti.com/support/data_converters/audio_converters/w/design_notes/1640.aspx" rel="nofollow">AIC3012</a> Audio Converter Texas Instruments [http://e2e.ti.com/support/data_converters/audio_converters/w/design_notes/1640.aspx|AIC3012] Audio Converter Texas Instruments 1010007 Texas Instruments 1010007 http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/D2HWk1eebGrxh3T3 Just a few more components block our path to the 6.2-inch touch screen display. Just a few more components block our path to the 6.2-inch touch screen display. First out are the dual antennas that transfer the GamePad controller's wireless signal back to the Wii U console. First out are the dual antennas that transfer the GamePad controller's wireless signal back to the Wii U console. The microphone and remaining speaker were previously blocked in place underneath the motherboard, but are now easily removed. The microphone and remaining speaker were previously blocked in place underneath the motherboard, but are now easily removed. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/VfdPnmcyiZAGMtBT http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/aVxT3GISDIBuMvBx http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/pkdUc1cSOJYxiWOV The big plastic pieces are getting a bit cliché as we remove yet another. The big plastic pieces are getting a bit cliché as we remove yet another. The bracket between the screen and the rest of the internals is held in place by standard Phillips #00 screws. Wii cheer for repairability! The bracket between the screen and the rest of the internals is held in place by standard Phillips #00 screws. Wii cheer for repairability! http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/PFwrGJ41KZyD2Cqt http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/YcsCe13C2LiTuaop In what can only be hailed as a win for repair enthusiasts, the display assembly lifts off the GamePad's front case without any resistance from adhesive. In what can only be hailed as a win for repair enthusiasts, the display assembly lifts off the GamePad's front case without any resistance from adhesive. However, it seems the LCD is fused to the digitizer. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. However, it seems the LCD is fused to the digitizer. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. The display assembly is labeled as NB-F9C AE1 013. The display assembly is labeled as NB-F9C AE1 013. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/vrDO6uyADqwrp2Fn http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/6PPN1aeYeVky2ypY http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/q45mNE1OoGsSWIOY Nintendo Wii U Repairability Score: <strong>8 out of 10</strong> (10 is easiest to repair): Nintendo Wii U Repairability Score: '''8 out of 10''' (10 is easiest to repair): No components were held in by adhesive, including the display assembly in the GamePad controller. No components were held in by adhesive, including the display assembly in the GamePad controller. Most components in both the console and GamePad controller can be replaced independently of their respective motherboards. Most components in both the console and GamePad controller can be replaced independently of their respective motherboards. The battery in the GamePad is easily accessible and replaceable. The battery in the GamePad is easily accessible and replaceable. Once the Tri-wing screws have been removed from the top case, minimal prying effort is required to open. Once the Tri-wing screws have been removed from the top case, minimal prying effort is required to open. Some of the screws on the GamePad controller are very recessed, requiring a longer Tri-wing bit, or in our case, a 4 mm nut driver attachment. Some of the screws on the GamePad controller are very recessed, requiring a longer Tri-wing bit, or in our case, a 4 mm nut driver attachment. The inclusion of Tri-wing screws prevents easy access to internal components. The inclusion of Tri-wing screws prevents easy access to internal components. The GamePad controller's LCD and digitizer are fused together, increasing repair costs. The GamePad controller's LCD and digitizer are fused together, increasing repair costs. http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/cdui2x6MZf12Hf1x http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/QadNIcDTgtYOH1bk

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.