Nintendo DSi XL Teardown
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/JxL1ZZCqDPYaNACF
Walter Galan
Moderate
Nintendo DSi XL
Oh Happy Joy! It's here! The Nintendo DSi XL for all to see! Whoopee! Join us for an exciting teardown into the innards of this behemoth of a DSi.
Also check out the video slideshow of the teardown!
Oh Happy Joy! It's here! The Nintendo DSi XL for all to see! Whoopee! Join us for an exciting teardown into the innards of this behemoth of a DSi.
Also check out the video slideshow of the teardown!
Phillips 00 Screwdriver
Spudger
The Nintendo DSi XL is the latest iteration of Nintendo's ever-popular handheld gaming console, the Nintendo DS.
The Nintendo DSi XL is the latest iteration of Nintendo's ever-popular handheld gaming console, the Nintendo DS.
Along with fancy new packaging, the new features include:
Along with fancy new packaging, the new features include:
Two screens that are 93% proportionally bigger than those found in the DS Lite.
Two screens that are 93% proportionally bigger than those found in the DS Lite.
A new full size stylus for added precision on larger screens.
A new full size stylus for added precision on larger screens.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/AA2WBqFYRTbWwckG
Contents of box:
Contents of box:
Nintendo DSi XL
Nintendo DSi XL
Operation Manual
Operation Manual
Quick Start Guides
Quick Start Guides
AC Adapter
AC Adapter
Full Size Stylus
Full Size Stylus
Mario, Mario, Mario...when will you understand...no matter how many invitations you send for Club Nintendo, our answer is still no...
Mario, Mario, Mario...when will you understand...no matter how many invitations you send for Club Nintendo, our answer is still no...
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/lUdvTuWOr1mvAAMV
The DSi XL measures in at 161 x 91.4 x 21.2 mm and weighs in at a whopping 314 g. That's 45% heavier than the 217 g DSi.
The DSi XL measures in at 161 x 91.4 x 21.2 mm and weighs in at a whopping 314 g. That's 45% heavier than the 217 g DSi.
Side by side comparison of the DSi (left) and DSi XL (right).
Side by side comparison of the DSi (left) and DSi XL (right).
The featured specs of the DSi XL are the twin 4.2" LCD panels.
The featured specs of the DSi XL are the twin 4.2" LCD panels.
The back side of the DSi XL. What a surprise! It's made in China.
The back side of the DSi XL. What a surprise! It's made in China.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/RvFGAEcPenRtncMN
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/peltRjGQmOxPkolP
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/NROgOf6xyU3r3QDo
The full-sized stylus, measuring 10 x 130 mm, takes a little getting used to but fits more comfortably in the hand than its 5 x 90 mm smaller twin.
The full-sized stylus, measuring 10 x 130 mm, takes a little getting used to but fits more comfortably in the hand than its 5 x 90 mm smaller twin.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/NyiK6Eg1XGgIT2kK
Remove the two Phillips screws securing the battery door to the outer case of the DSi XL.
Remove the two Phillips screws securing the battery door to the outer case of the DSi XL.
Lift battery door off the bottom outer case and remove the battery from its housing.
Lift battery door off the bottom outer case and remove the battery from its housing.
Both screws remain captive within the battery door.
Both screws remain captive within the battery door.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/G1QHsxKiApsDTVGZ
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/cujDRdJCCDclMKUa
Nintendo provided quite a hefty upgrade in battery size from 840 mAh in the DSi (Right) to 1050 mAh in the DSi XL (Left).
Nintendo provided quite a hefty upgrade in battery size from 840 mAh in the DSi (Right) to 1050 mAh in the DSi XL (Left).
For all you math haters out there, that's 25% more capacity!
For all you math haters out there, that's 25% more capacity!
Larger capacity comes with the cost of more weight. The XL's battery weighs 23 g compared to the 19 g DSi battery.
Larger capacity comes with the cost of more weight. The XL's battery weighs 23 g compared to the 19 g DSi battery.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/4WHs41TuDaZyMaCi
A total of seven Phillips screws are all that stand in the way between us and the innards of the DSi XL.
A total of seven Phillips screws are all that stand in the way between us and the innards of the DSi XL.
Keep track of each screw's location because they have different lengths.
Keep track of each screw's location because they have different lengths.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/LpHVmYBaFaZmYABt
After a bit of careful prying, the lower case comes off without a hassle.
After a bit of careful prying, the lower case comes off without a hassle.
An orange ribbon remains connected to both cases. Pry with care to prevent any damage to this connector.
An orange ribbon remains connected to both cases. Pry with care to prevent any damage to this connector.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/TDstLWuJoDeAxZbn
Pry the following connectors straight up using the flat end of a spudger:
Pry the following connectors straight up using the flat end of a spudger:
SD board cable connector
SD board cable connector
Volume control cable connector
Volume control cable connector
The lower case should now be completely detachable from the upper case of the DSi XL.
The lower case should now be completely detachable from the upper case of the DSi XL.
Thankfully, Nintendo designed the DSi XL to eliminate a <a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo-DSi-Teardown/714/2#s3783">long ribbon cable</a> spanning the width of the old DSi.
Thankfully, Nintendo designed the DSi XL to eliminate a [link|http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo-DSi-Teardown/714/2#s3783|long ribbon cable] spanning the width of the old DSi.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Jvx6ixgUqq1rHLys
Lift the Wi-Fi board from its edge nearest the center of the DSi, and it comes right off the logic board.
Lift the Wi-Fi board from its edge nearest the center of the DSi, and it comes right off the logic board.
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry both antenna cable connectors from their respective sockets on the Wi-Fi board and logic board.
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry both antenna cable connectors from their respective sockets on the Wi-Fi board and logic board.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Q5EUJIKKcGKBQH5T
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/mE4ZGTZoRCcZDGkX
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/5BkYO16wu1cBy5DZ
Removing the main board is a piece of cake:
Removing the main board is a piece of cake:
Remove the five Phillips screws.
Remove the five Phillips screws.
Disconnect the six connectors on the front side, flip the board over and remove the one last connector hiding on the back.
Disconnect the six connectors on the front side, flip the board over and remove the one last connector hiding on the back.
Whenever unlocking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Flex_Cable">flat ribbon cable</a> sockets, use your fingernail to flip up the small retaining flap.
Whenever unlocking [link|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_Flex_Cable|flat ribbon cable] sockets, use your fingernail to flip up the small retaining flap.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/AGI3vUrxZWSGG1gU
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/tyoQPFgig6JdI2jf
The lower display is held in place by the pressure of the board secured over it. No screws!
The lower display is held in place by the pressure of the board secured over it. No screws!
After freeing it from the light adhesive around its perimeter, lift the lower display out of the DSi XL.
After freeing it from the light adhesive around its perimeter, lift the lower display out of the DSi XL.
The displays on the DSi XL conveniently integrate the digitizer, LCD, and backlight into one package.
The displays on the DSi XL conveniently integrate the digitizer, LCD, and backlight into one package.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/W2nLEjNebxwe55WS
Remove the seven Phillips screws securing the battery/control board to the upper case.
Remove the seven Phillips screws securing the battery/control board to the upper case.
The D-Pad and I/O buttons are conveniently integrated onto the face of the battery/control board.
The D-Pad and I/O buttons are conveniently integrated onto the face of the battery/control board.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/5fEw5dZDCXR2GYTY
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/BkFUphkeWkyWSEjn
Four red plastic covers need to be removed to reveal the Phillips screws underneath.
Four red plastic covers need to be removed to reveal the Phillips screws underneath.
Removing the four Phillips screws allows access to the top display.
Removing the four Phillips screws allows access to the top display.
Push the top outer case toward the top edge of the DSi XL, then use a spudger to pry it off the clips holding it to the inner case.
Push the top outer case toward the top edge of the DSi XL, then use a spudger to pry it off the clips holding it to the inner case.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/LgaembmudtTgnZOv
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/VuJcLIefbCIPY5Hq
Use a spudger to pry the outward facing camera from its resting place on the top outer case.
Use a spudger to pry the outward facing camera from its resting place on the top outer case.
Remove the single Phillips screw securing the inward facing camera's bracket to the top inner case.
Remove the single Phillips screw securing the inward facing camera's bracket to the top inner case.
Carefully pull the camera ribbon cable through the hollow right hinge, being careful not to rip it or the display ribbon cable.
Carefully pull the camera ribbon cable through the hollow right hinge, being careful not to rip it or the display ribbon cable.
The DSi XL has two digital cameras; one on the internal hinge pointed toward the user and the other pointed away from the top outer case.
The DSi XL has two digital cameras; one on the internal hinge pointed toward the user and the other pointed away from the top outer case.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/lcrldsWnXdRg1Xrk
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/T6tAdNluTTrvKBjv
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/trYfSJMnPooVF2TC
The antenna board for the Wireless LAN rests in the upper right corner of the top outer case.
The antenna board for the Wireless LAN rests in the upper right corner of the top outer case.
Removing it is as simple as lifting it up.
Removing it is as simple as lifting it up.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/HUpASUxiRK25KCGi
After prying up the speakers, carefully de-route the display ribbon cable through the hollow right hinge.
After prying up the speakers, carefully de-route the display ribbon cable through the hollow right hinge.
Remove the upper LCD assembly from the inner case.
Remove the upper LCD assembly from the inner case.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/2lamlWIXqqbbfOAr
The DSi XL's twin supersized screens.
The DSi XL's twin supersized screens.
Touchscreen controller: NB-F7B AB1 018
Touchscreen controller: NB-F7B AB1 018
Each screen measures 4.2 inches diagonally.
Each screen measures 4.2 inches diagonally.
Although the screen size has been enlarged, the resolution still remains the same at 256 x 192 pixels per screen.
Although the screen size has been enlarged, the resolution still remains the same at 256 x 192 pixels per screen.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/NpV1Z6rG3mEaBshD
Remove the seven Phillips screws securing the left trigger, right trigger, and the stylus holder to the bottom outer case.
Remove the seven Phillips screws securing the left trigger, right trigger, and the stylus holder to the bottom outer case.
Lift the SD board and the stylus holder out of the case.
Lift the SD board and the stylus holder out of the case.
The electronic right trigger button is integrated into the SD board.
The electronic right trigger button is integrated into the SD board.
Reassembling the triggers is quite difficult. Take them apart if you dare.
Reassembling the triggers is quite difficult. Take them apart if you dare.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/JArTBCDLdYaFLorX
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ENCBVueajQdsrsWc
Samsung and Fujitsu chips are identical to the DSi:
Samsung and Fujitsu chips are identical to the DSi:
Samsung 1st generation MoviNAND KMAPF0000M: 256 MB NAND Flash and MMC controller. The integrated MMC controller allows the CPU to offload the complex work of directly talking to the flash memory.
Samsung 1st generation MoviNAND KMAPF0000M: 256 MB NAND Flash and MMC controller. The integrated MMC controller allows the CPU to offload the complex work of directly talking to the flash memory.
82DBS08164D-70L: Fujitsu Ltd 128-bit FCRAM (fast-cycle RAM) chip.
82DBS08164D-70L: Fujitsu Ltd 128-bit FCRAM (fast-cycle RAM) chip.
TI (TXN) 72071B0 power managing and charging circuit. This used to be a Mitsumi chip in the smaller DSi.
TI (TXN) 72071B0 power managing and charging circuit. This used to be a Mitsumi chip in the smaller DSi.
PAIC3005B: We assume it stands for Primary Antenna Interface Controller, given that it's located right by the antenna.
PAIC3005B: We assume it stands for Primary Antenna Interface Controller, given that it's located right by the antenna.
Primary Nintendo ARM CPU, manufactured the last week of 2009. This chip's markings are identical to the DSi. It's definitely not the Tegra chip that had been rumored.
Primary Nintendo ARM CPU, manufactured the last week of 2009. This chip's markings are identical to the DSi. It's definitely not the Tegra chip that had been rumored.
Here's a couple of large photos of the <a href="http://s2.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/ZLZvDLfH1fRti1xj">front</a> and <a href="http://s1.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/Jti6BvoJIBBqRSxQ">back</a> of the logic board. Warning for 56K users: we mean <strong>large</strong>.
Here's a couple of large photos of the [link|http://s2.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/ZLZvDLfH1fRti1xj|front] and [link|http://s1.guide-images.ifixit.com/igi/Jti6BvoJIBBqRSxQ|back] of the logic board. Warning for 56K users: we mean '''large'''.
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/ZLZvDLfH1fRti1xj
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/Jti6BvoJIBBqRSxQ
Slide by slide comparisons of the DSi XL layout and the DSi layout.
Slide by slide comparisons of the DSi XL layout and the DSi layout.
DSi XL, hear us now! You've been slayed by iFixit!
DSi XL, hear us now! You've been slayed by iFixit!
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/e2RHEFDV1dYtrCNX
http://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/EAVsYBCvcAB5HWhi
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.