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Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement

Introduction

This guide provides information on how to replace the top and bottom cases on your Nintendo 3DS XL 2015 (model number SPR-001). Whether you're looking to give your device a new look or fix damage, replacing the panels can be a straightforward process with the right tools and instructions.

Before beginning, be aware that swollen batteries can be potentially dangerous, so it's essential to handle them with care. Additionally, removing power or disconnecting batteries can sometimes cause data loss, so be sure to back up any important information beforehand.

To complete this replacement guide, you'll need a set of tools, which we'll list in the guide. While this process doesn't require any special skills, it does involve disassembling your device, so proceed with caution.

If you have concerns before or after following the guide, such as the device not turning on, a defective power button or a defective microphone, etc., please refer to the 3DS XL troubleshooting page.

With that in mind, let's get started!


What you need

  1. Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement, Top and Bottom Outer Casing: step 1, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement, Top and Bottom Outer Casing: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Ensure that the system is turned OFF.

    • Place the device on a hard surface with the rear panel facing you.

    • Unscrew the two 2.0 mm screws in a counterclockwise motion using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.

    • A "click" sound will be made after each successful unscrewing.

    Edit

  2. Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Pry open the wedges of the rear case by using a pick.

    • Unhinge the corners with a pick if the case is not coming loose easily.

    • Detach the rear case by pulling it away from the device.

    Edit

  3. Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Make sure the battery is in its seated position.

    • Place the replacement rear case onto the rear panel of device.

    • Snap the new case in place by pressing its wedges onto the rear panels.

    • A click sound will indicate successful locking of the wedges.

    • Screw in a clockwise motion the 2.0 mm screws using the Phillips #00 screwdriver.

    Edit

  5. Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Flip the device over to its top side and open its lid.

    • Be careful when using the tools close to the screen.

    • Remove the rubber pieces with the help of tweezers.

    • Unscrew the 2.0 mm screws in a counterclockwise motion with a Phillips #00 screwdriver.

    Edit

  6. Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Close the device's lid and position it so that the top panel is facing towards you.

    • Pry open the corners of the top case with a pick.

    • Ensure the top case is pried open and loose before proceeding to next step.

    • Detach the top case by pulling it away from the device.

    Edit

  7. Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • If your replacement case comes with its own camera lens, this step does not apply to you and you may proceed to the next step.

    • Pull the camera lens from the original case with the help of tweezers.

    • Slot the camera lens into the new case.

    • Repeat the steps above for the second camera lens.

    Edit

  8. Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Reassemble the top case with the replacement piece by following instructions in reverse.

    Edit
Conclusion

It is important to exercise caution while reassembling the device to prevent damage to the LCD screen and screws. Therefore, make sure not to overtighten the top case screws during the reassembly process.

4 other people completed this guide.

One Comment

This is wrong for the top cover. You have to slide it out and be careful with how two little locks slot back in on the back side.
https://youtu.be/lQ1qtj5N1p0?si=Pkeq6PoT...

ravenrue - Reply

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