Left Nintendo Switch NES Controller Charging Rail Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace your NES Controller's Charging Rail, made for Nintendo Switch Lite consoles with an online membership only. The model numbers for the pair are 109045 / 09046A. When exposed to prolonged, yet normal, charging over many years, it may become damaged on the outside and/or halt the functioning of the onboard charger, making the controller unusable. We will show users how to restore their Nintendo Switch NES Controller to fully operating order.

What you need

Step 1 Unscrew the back casing

Left Nintendo Switch NES Controller Charging Rail Replacement, Unscrew the back casing: step 1, image 1 of 3

Left Nintendo Switch NES Controller Charging Rail Replacement, Unscrew the back casing: step 1, image 2 of 3

Left Nintendo Switch NES Controller Charging Rail Replacement, Unscrew the back casing: step 1, image 3 of 3

Use a Tri-point #Y00 screwdriver to remove the six 6.0 mm screws securing the back case.
Remove the back case from the controller.

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Step 2 Unscrew the battery housing

Left Nintendo Switch NES Controller Charging Rail Replacement, Unscrew the battery housing: step 2, image 1 of 3

Left Nintendo Switch NES Controller Charging Rail Replacement, Unscrew the battery housing: step 2, image 2 of 3

Left Nintendo Switch NES Controller Charging Rail Replacement, Unscrew the battery housing: step 2, image 3 of 3

Use a Phillips #000 to remove three 3.0 mm screws holding the battery and it's housing.
Remove the battery housing with the battery from the main board and set it aside.
At this point the battery is still attached to the motherboard by a connector so don't pull it off the board.
If you're not replacing the battery, you can leave it attached to the board to complete the repair, just be careful when moving them so you don't damage the connection.

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Step 3 Pry the ZIF connectors up

Left Nintendo Switch NES Controller Charging Rail Replacement, Pry the ZIF connectors up: step 3, image 1 of 3

Left Nintendo Switch NES Controller Charging Rail Replacement, Pry the ZIF connectors up: step 3, image 2 of 3

Left Nintendo Switch NES Controller Charging Rail Replacement, Pry the ZIF connectors up: step 3, image 3 of 3

Use the tip of a spudger or your fingernail to flip up the small locking flaps on the two ZIF Connectors. Then, you can safely pull the cable out.
Be sure to pry up on the hinged flap, not the connector socket.