Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement

Use a JIS 00 screwdriver to loosen the 4.2 mm‑long screws on the top edge of the back cover.

Use a plastic opening tool to pry off the clips securing the back cover, starting at the top corners and working your way down.

Use your hands to remove the back cover.

Insert the plastic opening tool into the opening located on the right side of the battery.

Pry the battery out of its recess and remove it.

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

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

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

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.

Disconnect 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.

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.

Using a plastic opening tool pop off the circle pad joystick.

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.