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Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement

Introduction

This guide shows how to replace broken trigger buttons on a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. Broken triggers limit an optimum gaming experience with the Nintendo Switch console. Replacing a broken trigger on your controller will aid you in using your controller to its full extent. This guide requires a nearly full disassembly of the controller. Therefore, exercise caution during disassembly to ensure that you do not damage the circuitry or the ribbon connectors on the inside of the controller.

What you need

  1. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the screws: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Flip the controller over so the model stickers face the ceiling.

    • Use a JIS #00 screwdriver to remove the two black 8.4 mm screws that secure the handles, located at the ends of the handles.

    Edit

  2. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the handle covers: step 2, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the handle covers: step 2, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the handle covers: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Carefully remove the handle covers by pulling them away from the main body.

    Edit

  3. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the screws: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS #00 screwdriver to remove the four silver 6.8 mm screws that secure the clear back plastic cover.

    Edit

  4. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Unclip the plastic cover: step 4, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Unclip the plastic cover: step 4, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Unclip the plastic cover: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Carefully pry away the clear plastic cover using your fingernail.

    Edit

  5. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the clear plastic cover: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the clear plastic cover.

    Edit

  7. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the battery: step 6, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the battery: step 6, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the battery: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the lithium-ion battery by using a fingernail or plastic opening tool to pry it up on the left side.

    • Only a small amount of force is needed.

    Edit

  8. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the screws: step 7, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the screws: step 7, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the screws: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the five 5 mm screws from the back of the controller.

    • The two case screws above the handgrips and the single case screw below the battery bay have a shallow seat. These three screws can be easily removed.

    • The two case screws adjacent to the ZR and ZL shoulder buttons have a deep seat. Use an extension or a Phillips screwdriver with a longer shaft to reach these screws.

    Edit

  9. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • There's an adhesive pad located in the center of each handle. It will require a bit of force to pry away the front cover, but be mindful of the attached ribbon cable.

    • Delicately take off the plastic cover from the controller.

    • Don't completely remove the front cover just yet, as it's still attached to the motherboard via a white ribbon cable.

    Edit

  10. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Open the flap: step 9, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Open the flap: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of an opening pick to open the black flap of the ZIF connector by pushing it upwards.

    Edit

  11. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Disconnect the interconnect cable: step 10, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Disconnect the interconnect cable: step 10, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use your fingers or a pair of blunt nose tweezers to disconnect the interconnect cable from its connector.

    Edit

  12. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the front case: step 11, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the front case.

    Edit

  13. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Remove the screws: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the two 6.8 mm-long screws on the top circuit board using a Phillips screwdriver.

    Edit

  14. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Open the ZIF connector: step 13, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement, Open the ZIF connector: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Use a spudger to flip up the locking tab on the ZIF connector.

    Edit

  15. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the black ribbon cable from its connector.

    • Only a small amount of force should be needed to remove the ribbon cable.

    Edit

  16. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Trigger Button Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the trigger buttons from the plastic cover.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

15 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 10 other contributors

Simon Lin

Member since: 10/10/19

409 Reputation

1 Guide authored

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Team

Cal Poly, Team S11-G2, Regan Fall 2019 Member of Cal Poly, Team S11-G2, Regan Fall 2019

CPSU-REGAN-F19S11G2

5 Members

44 Guides authored

5 Guide Comments

This guide does show how to remove the trigger/bumper casing and board from the controller but does not show how to remove the triggers/bumpers from the casing they are in.

Boushi Adams - Reply

Yeah, this is a pretty big point to be missing, especially with the Flex Cable for the shoulder button inputs being right beside the post you need to pull out to remove the ZL and ZR buttons. Guidance on how to remove the post safely without damaging the cable would be great.

Alex Crocker -

https://youtu.be/vUpi_OEuPHw

zusanu -

Used the guide to repair a shattered right shoulder button successfully. Thanks!

Christian - Reply

After reinstalling the shoulder buttons I have found them to stop working, all four, I checked my ribbon cable from the buttons to the board and even replaced it. I also confirmed the ribbon cable connector on the main board is working as well. Can anyone make any further troubleshooting suggestions?

David - Reply

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