Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement

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Mar 23, 2018 - 10:35:13

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Introduction

So you managed to break your circle pad and can't play your favorite games? Don't fear, the circle pad can be replaced!

What you need

Step 1 Battery

Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 1 of 2

Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 2 of 2

Loosen the two #0 Phillips 4.2 mm-length screws located at the top of the back cover.
The screws have locking washers that prevent the screws from falling off of the back cover. Leave these locking washers on the screws; it is not necessary to remove the washers for this repair guide.

Step 2

Hold the device so that the cover is facing up.
Using a plastic opening tool, pry off the cover starting at the top right corner.
Hold the edge of the cover to ensure it does not reattach.
Look for the small section below the stylus compartment. Pry off the cover at that point if it is still attached.
Take off the cover of the device and set it aside.

Step 3

Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

Insert the plastic opening tool into the opening located on the right side of the battery.
Pry off the battery from the lower casing.
Lift the battery out of the case and set aside.

Step 4 Circle Pad Joystick

Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement, Circle Pad Joystick: step 4, image 1 of 2

Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement, Circle Pad Joystick: step 4, image 2 of 2

Using tweezers pull out the rubber bumpers that are located at the top of the device on either side of the game cartridge compartment.

Step 5

Remove the six 6.2 mm screws using a Phillips #00 screwdriver

Step 6

Remove the 2.3 mm screw located above the game cartridge slot with a Phillips #00 screwdriver.

Step 7

Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

Make sure the SD card has been removed. With a plastic opening tool pry off the lower case starting at the bottom edge and working around the perimeter.
Two ribbon cables connect the case to the circuit board. Be careful to not pull the case too hard and rip the ribbon cables.

Step 8

Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

Remove the ribbon cables located underneath the left and right bumpers by prying up the base of the cables with a plastic opening tool.
Completely remove the lower case from the rest of the device and set aside.

Step 9

Position the device such that the game cartridge slot is located at the top.
Locate the circle pad on the right side of the device.
Remove the two 7.5 mm screws on the upper left and the bottom right corners.

Step 10

Using a plastic opening tool pop off the circle pad joystick.
Do not use excessive force with the plastic opening tool. There is a ribbon attaching the circle pad joystick to the motherboard that will remain attached.
There is a loose washer located in between the circle pad joystick and the circle pad. Use caution and do not lose this piece.

Step 11

Using the flat head side of the spudger carefully lift up the retaining flap that attaches the circle pad ribbon to the motherboard.
Remove the ribbon and circle pad joystick.