Joy-Con Buckle Lock Replacement
Adam O'Camb and 10 other contributors
Last updated on May 16, 2024
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Introduction
Go to step 1 ↓Use this guide to replace the buckle lock in a Nintendo Switch Joy-Con with a metal one, or a new plastic one.
There are a few minor differences between the left and right Joy-Cons, but none that will affect the procedure. These steps apply to both Joy-Cons.
What you need
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Use a Tri-point Y00 driver to remove the four 6.3 mm-long screws from the back panel of the Joy-Con.
Ask FixBot
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Insert an opening pick into the seam at the bottom edge of the controller (opposite the L and ZL buttons).
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Slowly slide the flat edge of your opening pick up the side of the Joy-Con.
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With the charging rail facing away from you, open the the Joy-Con like a book.
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Use a Phillips #00 driver to remove the 2.5 mm screw securing the charging rail.
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Pull the back panel straight off of the charging rail to remove it.
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Use a Phillips #00 driver to remove the screw securing the buckle lock retaining bracket.
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Tool used on this step:Tweezers$4.99
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Slide one side of a pair of pointed tweezers under the flat part in the middle of the buckle lock bracket.
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Grasp the bracket with the tweezers and pull the bracket straight away from the charging rail to remove it.
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Lift the buckle lock slightly out of its slot in the charging rail, just until the spring is exposed enough that you can grab it with tweezers.
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Grab the buckle lock such that the tweezers are around both sides of the lock and holding the spring inside the lock.
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Pull the buckle lock out of its slot in the charging rail.
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To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.
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40 Guide Comments
I tried to do this carefully, but I ended up removing the side rail ribbon cables and I had to disassemble the whole thing just to try to get to the inside of these babies. However it seems I messed up, and now I could use some help here. I don't want to lose my left Joy-Con.
I bought this kit of replacement metal buckles, and they work beautifully: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BDH...
This kit comes with four buckles, two for the left Joy Con, and two for the right. If you happen to have two sets (or plan to get a second set) of Joy Cons, a whopping $9.00 will set you up right.
I did have a bit of trouble replacing the metal cover that holds the buckle in place, but that was my own stupidity as I was trying to do this repair with insufficient light. Once I shed some light on the subject and I could see what I was doing, everything went back together smooth as silk. I replaced the buckles on both of my Joy Cons, and they’re both rock solid now.
