Introduction
This guide outlines the procedure for accessing the device circle pad. To access the circle pad, the entire device must be opened. This might be intimidating at first, but as long as the guide directions are followed, no damage to the device is expected. For more information, refer to our troubleshooting page.
What you need
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Before you begin, power off the console and remove:
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The stylus
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Any game cartridge
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The microSD card
Ask FixBot
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Use a tri‑point Y00 screwdriver to remove the four 6 mm‑long screws located at the four corners of the bottom panel.
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Use a spudger to gently pry around the two short edges and front edge (with the stylus cut‑out) to release the clips securing the back cover.
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Swing the back cover open from its front edge to release the clips along the hinge edge. Don't remove it fully—three cables are connecting it to the motherboard (two on each side and one in the rear).
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Tool used on this step:Tweezers$4.99
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Use tweezers to disconnect the two cables that connect the rear buttons on either side to the motherboard by gently pulling them upwards.
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Fold the back cover over the hinge edge, keeping the cable connected. Don't strain the cable.
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Use the flat end of a spudger to gently pry the battery out of its plastic enclosure.
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Flip the back cover over so it's resting on the motherboard. Reposition the back cover if needed to reveal the camera cable connector on the motherboard.
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Use a spudger to pry up the hinged locking flap on the camera cable ZIF connector.
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Use tweezers or your fingers to gently pull the cable out of its socket.
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two 7.5 mm‑long screws securing the circle pad.
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Lift the circle pad module off its face plate and flip it over to access its cable connector on the motherboard.
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Use a spudger to flip up the hinged locking flap on the circle pad cable ZIF connector.
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Pick up the circle pad module and pull its cable straight out of its connector to remove it.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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Team
Cal Poly, Team S18-G6, Forte Fall 2017 Member of Cal Poly, Team S18-G6, Forte Fall 2017
CPSU-FORTE-F17S18G6
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6 Guide Comments
I can’t seem to find a New 2ds XL circle pad replacement online, does anyone know if a regular 2ds circle pad works? (Or perhaps a 3ds one?)
Excellent guide, although I believe the 2ds XL requires a Y00 and not a Y0
Can confirm the other comment, the outside screws are Y00.
If you're not confident removing the top ribbon you can just flip over the back carefully and change the circle pad that way.
You also don't have to remove the battery if it's too hard to remove, my one was stuck down like crazy so I just left it and everything is fine.
I just used a generic 2DS/3DS XL replacement circle pad and it works fine.
