iFixit - Active Questions With Device "Nintendo Game Console"

Game Boy Cartridge: Pokémon Blue Game Problem

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 03:01:01 -0700

I just got an authentic copy of Pokemon Blue from eBay that I'm wanting to fix. The issue is that there is a huge black square where the characters are set to appear. How can I fix this?

Also, this is the first game boy cartridge that I'm actually going to attempt fixing, so I would like some pointers too if that's alright with you guys.

I know that the game will definitely need a new battery, but now the game won’t get to the title menu whenever I put a cartridge in.

@hellomacos here is my multimeter. What setting do I need to set it on?

Here is what the inside looks like

⟐ Answered July 13, 2026 at 3:01 MST

Nintendo Switch Lite: Why does my screen got dimmer?

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 23:56:01 -0700

the screen got dimmer after opening it up trying to replace the buttons and something smoked up when trying to disconnect the cable near the fan with a metal tweezers(I know it is a dumb decision to usu a metal one)

⟐ Commented July 12, 2026 at 23:56 MST

New Nintendo 2DS XL: My new 2ds won’t turn on

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 23:49:11 -0700

A few years back when I was younger I bit the top screen of my ds, at the time it still worked for a few years even though the top screen was basically unviewable. More recently I’ve found my ds but it won’t be able to turn on with just a blue light. I’ve tried taking it to safe mode but it still won’t work. I’m wondering if the issue was the screen or a whole different issue. Is there any way to fix it?

⟐ Answered July 12, 2026 at 23:49 MST

Nintendo Switch: How do I remove a stripped screw from the Joy con rail?

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 23:42:56 -0700

Idk how to get it out

⟐ Answered July 12, 2026 at 23:42 MST

Nintendo DSi XL: Replaced dsi xl camera, system now powers on, but screen is blank.

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 23:19:58 -0700

I recently bought a used DSi XL off Ebay, the system powers on and can play games fine, but someone removed the camera cable from it, causing a system crash when using the camera. I got a replacement cable and did the repairs myself, but after reconnecting everything, I power it on, and get a bottom screen flash before it turns off. After researching the problem, I realized the top screen's cable wasn't in all the way (I assume was the issue, because I did struggle to insert the cable through the hinge and was worried I damaged it). After inserting it properly, I go to power it on, but now the system doesn't power on at all ( I get a flashing orange light). I had noticed afterward that I might have crushed the power board's black-and-red wires, which I'm assuming is the problem, because everything else seems to be connected properly.

Edit: We discovered through testing that the F1 fuse on the power board was blown, and that applying tinfoil gives us power. However, the top screen still shows up blank. This time, however, the top screen can show jumbled pixels or wonky screen imagery, or rapidly flashing when applying pressure in specific spots (seemingly, on the ribbon cable attached to the screen). Can the system be salvaged in this case? There doesn't seem to be any noticeable damage on this specific part of the cable, but perhaps I damaged the strip that coils inside the hinge when fitting it through?

I've added pictures of the cable. The bottom one shows scuffs I made trying to fit the cable in (next time, I'll use a plastic spudger to push the cable in), the image above shows bends in the cable that were already present. The two above are just for reference (the spots where applying pressure makes images show up). I forgot to take images of the screen itself showing a jumbled display, but I've already disassembled the system again.

One other thing I should ask, could it be a power supply issue that's causing the screen to glitch out, instead of the cable?

⟐ Commented July 12, 2026 at 23:19 MST

Nintendo 64: It powers on but won`t work on my tv

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:25:53 -0700

I have tried it on all of the tv s in my house and I can`t get it to work. It works at my in-laws and it worked on a tv in my shop. That tv is now in my house and it does`nt work on it.I brought home a super nes and it works fine. Could my sattilite interfear? I`ve tried it on HD tvs and standard and the only thing thats changed on the one tv is being hooked up to my satilite.

⟐ Answered July 11, 2026 at 7:25 MST

Super Nintendo: Theres a slot on the bottom of the console whats it for?

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 01:33:48 -0700

On the bottom of my SNES console there is a slot for something but i have no clue what. it has a protective cover and on the cover is simply the letters EXT. I am guessing its for some type of extension....However since i do not have the orginal manual that came with my Nes when i received it when i was little i cant be sure and have yet to find any way to find out what its for or what purpose it serves...

⟐ Commented July 11, 2026 at 1:33 MST

Nintendo DS Lite: Why won't my son's Nintendo DS read any games?

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 01:02:22 -0700

No matter what DS game we put in, it won't read the game. Nothing happens.

⟐ Answered July 11, 2026 at 1:02 MST

Game Boy Pocket: GBP powers on with the initial startup chime, but screen is blank

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:08:31 -0700

Hi! I bought a Game Boy Pocket for parts to try and repair. The console powers on and I hear the little startup ding, but the screen is blank no matter how I turn the contrast wheel. And I don't hear sounds from the inserted game, so I don't know if that's loading.

There's definitely some corrosion on the board in the bottom left. I didn't want to scrub too much away yet though, since it looks like maybe the surface of the board is cracked? Is that cleanable?

One of the pins in the cartridge slot, all the way on the right when the back cover of the GBP is off, is higher than the others. Is this normal?

Any thoughts or insights are much appreciated!

⟐ Answer accepted July 10, 2026 at 18:08 MST

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con: Optimizing Joy-Con ABXY button replacement - board vs. battery removal

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 06:21:21 -0700

I'm the author of the 'Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con Action Buttons (ABXY) Replacement' guide. Currently, the guide suggests removing the battery to access the membranes. However, I believe it might be easier to remove the motherboard instead to get to them.

Has anyone tried this method? If so, are there any specific pitfalls I should watch out for? Also, are there existing guides I can use as prerequisites for removing the motherboard or midframe to make the process smoother for users? I want to make sure the guide is as efficient as possible while still being safe.

⟐ Answer accepted July 10, 2026 at 6:21 MST

Nintendo 2DS: 2DS blue led turns on, speakers pop, shuts down after soldering.

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:09:08 -0700

Since I couldn't get a zif connector locally (the pins were damaged so I removed it), I soldered the circle pad to the its respective testpoints (pin 1 to ground, pin 2 to TP69, pin 3 to TP5, pin 4 to TP68). Once that was done I turned on the console, the speaker popped and the console shutdown. I did also solder the speakers once with headphone wire, but since they've popped I suppose they're correctly connected to the motherboard. The camera flex cable is broken but I've verified before that the console can boot without it. F1 and F2 show continuity on both sides. Ribbon cables seem to be connected correctly. I just removed the solder and connections I've made on those testpoints and it still shuts down with a pop. I have also inspected the screen and there is no visible damage on it.

⟐ Answered July 10, 2026 at 0:09 MST

Nintendo 3DS 2015: New Nintendo 3DS xl Y button not working tried the usual whats next

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:05:47 -0700

So I have tried cleaning the board contacts, changing the dome sticker. making sure the ribbon/flex cable is on correctly, I ordered a new board same issue. Im currently waiting on a new flex/ribbon cable. but the one I have im not sure shows signs of issues. is there any next steps to try or trouble shoot before I have to just get a new main board?

all the other buttons and functions from that board are 100% fine is really just the y button.

⟐ Commented July 10, 2026 at 0:05 MST

Nintendo Switch: Missing SMD component near Joy-Con rail FPC connector

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:09:16 -0700

Hi everyone,

I recently successfully replaced the M92T36 IC on a Nintendo Switch motherboard using a hot air station. The console now boots up and charges normally. However, I am now facing an issue with the Right Joy-Con.

When I slide the right Joy-Con into the rail, the console does not detect it as attached (it stays on wireless mode). I opened up the console again to inspect the area and noticed that the ribbon cable and the FPC connector look perfectly fine.

However, upon closer inspection of the small SMD component cluster right next to the FPC connectors, I noticed that one SMD component at the very bottom of the row is completely missing (likely blown away or knocked off accidentally during my hot air rework of the M92T36).

I have attached a micro photo of my board showing the missing component's empty pads, alongside some reference screenshots from the iFixit teardown guide for comparison.

My questions are:

1. Is this missing component a resistor (in-series) or a filter/bypass capacitor (to GND)?

2. What is the exact value/specification of this missing component (looks like a 0402 package)?

3. If it is a resistor on a data/detection line, can I safely bridge the pads with solder or a jumper wire to restore the detection functionality?

I have a multimeter, soldering iron, and hot air station ready to fix this. Any guidance or schematic insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Nintendo Switch 2: Nintendo Switch 2 IC (USB-C) chip replacement

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:00:06 -0700

Hello,

Nintendo Switch 2 has IC chip fried, need a replacement, Ive found out the type of chip theyre using CP10359at, and at other website its identified as cypd6228-96bzxi,,would this be a correct replacement to have it repaired? Can I buy CP10359at chip here?

Currently the Switch is not charging and battery has died.

⟐ Commented July 08, 2026 at 15:00 MST

New Nintendo 2DS XL: 3ds will not charge not even the orange light is on

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:49:10 -0700

Note:

I'm uncertain about the issue I'm experiencing. It could be related to the AC adapter not functioning properly, a problem with the charging port on the device, or a faulty battery. I need to troubleshoot to determine which component is causing the problem.

⟐ Answer accepted July 07, 2026 at 11:49 MST

Nintendo 3DS XL: 3DS XL lower hinge barrel sticking out

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:56:41 -0700

Hi. I just purchased a used 3DS XL. All is working fine, except for one presumed flaw at the hinge barrel. As you can see in the photo, the lower half of the center hinge barrel sticks out slightly compared to the upper half, about 0.5 millimeters. The hinge opens and closes normally though.

I wonder if this should be a concern and should I be doing anything about it to prevent any breaking down in the future. All advices are appreciated. Thanks!

⟐ Answered July 07, 2026 at 5:56 MST

Joy-Con: Stripped back panel screw on Joy-Con - rubber band and foil didn't work

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:09:54 -0700

I am trying to replace the joystick in my Joy-Con using the iFixit guide, but I am stuck on the very first step. One of the four Tri-point Y00 back panel screws is stripped. I've already tried the rubber band trick and using aluminum foil, but both just puncture because the screwdriver is so sharp and pointy.

What are some other ways to remove such a small, recessed, and stripped Tri-point screw without damaging the plastic shell? I don't want to drill it out if I can avoid it. Any advice from people who have dealt with this specific Joy-Con issue would be appreciated!

⟐ Commented July 06, 2026 at 22:09 MST

Nintendo 3DS XL 2015: question about my New 3DS XL A button.

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:06:48 -0700

the A button on my "New" 3ds XL is still responsive, but i hold the button down and wiggle my thumb, it registers that I'm pressing it again. I'm trying to figure out if its a sign of wear or just a normal quirk.

⟐ Commented July 06, 2026 at 22:06 MST

Nintendo DSi: My Game Card Slot 1 isn't working properly,even tho I hear the click.

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 23:52:52 -0700

l still heard the click of the Game Card Slot 1, but there's no game appearing on the screen. How this happened is l got my DS-i and my little brother was impatient at the time. Very impatient to the point where he put the game card in REVERSE, causing the Slot 1 to not work.

⟐ Answered July 05, 2026 at 23:52 MST

Nintendo 3DS XL 2015: Why won’t console charge the battery but will turn on

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 14:18:10 -0700

I just replaced the charge port and the console will say that it’s charging but the battery won’t actually charge, the only idea I have left is to replace the power board

⟐ Commented July 05, 2026 at 14:18 MST