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Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement

Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement

David Hodson

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Replacing the SD board in your 3DS may help resolve issues you're having loading and saving content.

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  • Phillips #00 Screwdriver
    Phillips #00 Screwdriver
  • iFixit Opening Tool
    iFixit Opening Tool
  • Spudger
    Spudger

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  1. Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement, Loosen the rear screws: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
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    Phillips #00 Screwdriver
    $5.49
    • Use a Phillips PH00 screwdriver to loosen the four screws along the top of the back cover.

    • All screws in this device are JIS screws. Official iFixit PH000-PH1 Phillips screwdrivers are designed to be compatible with JIS screws, so they are safe to use. Using a screwdriver other than an official iFixit screwdriver or a JIS screwdriver may result in stripped screws.

    • The screws are held in place by locking washers, and will not come out of the back cover.

  2. Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement, Remove the rear cover: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement, Remove the rear cover: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Hold the device in one hand and turn it over.

    • Grab the top edge of the back cover with your opposite hand so that the cover does not fall back into place.

    • Flip the 3DS over again so that the back cover is facing up.

    • Pull the back cover up and away from the rest of the device to remove it.

  3. Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement, Battery: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement, Battery: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement, Battery: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Insert a plastic opening tool into the notch in the lower case above the battery.

    • Pry the battery up with the plastic opening tool.

    • Grab the top edge of the battery and lift it out of the lower case.

  4. Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement, Lower Case: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a JIS #00 screwdriver to remove the nine 6.3 mm black screws from the lower case.

    • JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) screws are not the same as Phillips. To avoid stripping these screws, make sure you are using a JIS #00 screwdriver and not a PHILLIPS #00 screwdriver. You can use a PHILLIPS #00 with a lot of downwards force but be warned this will deform the screw head and you risk stripping it.

    • iFixit's Phillips head screwdriver is desinged to reduce damage on JIS head screws so it should be fine to use, still apply more force. Make sure it's iFixit's official Phillips screwdriver as we are unaware of any other manufacturer who does this.

    • Use a JIS #00 screwdriver to remove the 2.4 mm silver screw above the game cartridge slot.

    Had to give up at this point. Tried using the ifixit #00 phillips screwdriver to take out two screws and ended up stripping them.

    Demios - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Stuck at the same spot, those screws are in there really tight.

    John Pasula - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Ruined my screws because of incorrect head, thanks!

    3dsuser - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I had so much trouble with these screws, I gave up. Unfortunately, I can't accept failure so tried again. I figured out if you turn it right before you loosen it worked. Maybe it was just me, but I turned it right then kept pressure as I turned to loosen. I was surprised I hadn't stripped any screws out.

    Nicole Bauer - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Does anyone have any idea of how to remove these screws. I've pretty badly stripped the screws and I've gone to 20+ pages trying to figure this. I'm considering just prying the !@#$ thing.

    Vino - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    use a dremil and make it a flat head

    Ralph Prowant -

    ruined my screws here too...what the !@#$ nintendo?

    trying to survive a nuclear meltdown inside the !@#$ thing

    Hamza Jarkas - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    More like trying to subtly enforce planned obsolescence by not allowing you to make repairs to your device.

    Ullyssys -

    I used a #00 Philips 1/8" bit with no problem; however, the narrow diameter of the counter sunk hole can inhibit making secure contact with the screw head. You can be using the right bit (#00) but if the diameter of the bit shaft is too big you won't get proper contact.

    I found this to be an excellent guide. Thanks

    Dave W - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Unscrewed the nine 6.3 mm screws using the J000 bit from the iFixit 54 bit driver kit without much effort & without stripping the screw heads. Just gotta really position the bit correctly on the screw to have a proper fitting & not strip the screw heads.

    STZ9 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    The screws didn't strip but the philips screw driver did? @__@

    These are rough either way.

    John Zhou - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I used a "Whia 273 - PH000x40" screwdriver and held it firmly pushing the palm of my hand on the yellow end of the screwdriver and rocked the screw slightly (counter clockwise and clockwise) until it started to move. Then, without letting up on the pressure I carefully backed it out. The screwdriver is excellent because it is hardened (unlike some cheapo's out there) and the very tip is blunt not sharp. If the tip is too sharp, the point will bottom out in the screw and the sides that do all the work, won't be able to fully contact the inside of the screw. This screwdriver fits so well that the screws actually stick to it once they are removed. If the screwdriver moves AT ALL when you initially try it in the screw, STOP and find a better one. Also, start with the screws in the center, somehow they seem a little easier until you get the feel for it.

    Paul -

    Push down hard and turn counter-clockwise, or push down and rotate 3DS counter-clockwise until screw is loose.

    Jonathan - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Had the exact same problem, even tried the #000 screw driver too. Stripped the screws due to how tightly they are screwed in there and how easy they strip. I am now unsure what to do from here or if all I can do is give up.

    Sean Baldwin - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I second the one who suggested the Whia 273 PH000x40 screwdriver. I had a terrible time unscrewing these screws, and almost stripped them using a cheaper #000 screwdriver. Also tried a 3/16" flathead and destroyed the screwdriver. I bought the Whia and glad I did. It fit perfectly and did not slip at all. DEFINITELY recommend purchasing this high-quality screwdriver. Cost about $10 but well worth it to avoid the hassle.

    pbrazis - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    The best way I found that works quite well, if you find a screwdriver or bit that is good enough: hold the screwdriver or bit with tons of pressure, and rotate the 3DS clockwise! It will come out in 5-6 rotations, you can do this step in about 10 minutes this way (put down a cloth first, don't scratch the front!)

    Gannon Trueman - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I HAVE A WAY TO GET OUT THE STRIPED SCREW. Like you, I had screwed up and tried everything to get the screw out. Do NOT try the glue in that tiny hole, you will get the screw glued permanently in there. The rubber band doesn't work in that tight space either. As desperate as I was, I was trying anything from nail polish to cramming the screw driver in as hard as I possible could. Until I realized that I had a drill. Yes, with the smallest head, I drilled into the screw a little bit, messed with the part I was trying to get out, drilled a little more, messed around, and then finally on my last attempt, I had successfully drilled off the top of the screw rendering the part free. It doesn't matter which drill you use as long as you can fit the head into the hole. Then drill forward like you are trying to drill a hole through wood. Now the only problem is that the remainder of the screw will be stuck in its place. All you really have to do is get a set of pliers and twist that puppy out. And there you go!

    YuuChan - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Most likely though, if you have all the other screws out and only have one striped screw, the part should just pop off and you wouldn't have to drill the entire head off the screw.

    YuuChan - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Got a brand new #00 screw drive and it striped the first time used it. So now I'm using eyeglass repair kit screw driver and it lasts longer that the one I got of of eBay.

    Acrobatic Mars01 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    And I tried all of those tactics that people have been giving and none of them are working.

    Acrobatic Mars01 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    The wiha 273 PH #000×40 unsrews it easily! It has a magnet on it!

    Najee - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I’m cant get these %#*@ screws out i want to die…

    FRØSTBIT3 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Oh god, someone help i can’t get them out.

    Mark LaPierre - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    omg everyone is struggling in here smh. I used my PH000 screwdriver made sure it went in aligned to the screws and applied pressure while turning counterclockwise. once it started the screw started lifting i stopped applying pressure and they lifted beautifully. saved damaging my screws with this technique. I also used the same screwdriver size to remove the orange screw where the game slot is. Yall are welcome lol

    Evelyn Avalos - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    USE A DIFFERENT SCREWDRIVER.

    I was stuck on this for an hour. If your screwdriver is very thin, you won't get the grip necessary if your screws are on tight. I thought my screws were stripped but I switched to a bigger screwdriver and it was effortless. Just MAKE SURE IT IS A 00 PHILLIPS HEAD.

    brendon - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Use a JIS screwdriver, not Phillips! I bought the recommended screwdriver from this website and couldn't remove any screws. I went and purchased a J00 screwdriver and removed them quickly.

    danielle - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I used what I believe is a 1.5mm screwdriver which I received in one of those 60 in 1 precision screwdriver sets. It fit perfectly and much more snugly compared to any of the J0 - J000 bits.

    Andrew - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    You should change the Screwdriver Type used. A Philipshead can damage Screws and/or Console. Use JIS Type-J00, which iFixIt sells, yes.

    J022 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Lmao I've been using a Philips #00 for years and not known it was the wrong type. I ended up being fine here every time, a magnetic head helps. It's actually almost satisfying getting these ones out.

    FarmYard Gaming - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    using a J00 head. no luck at first (that's why i'm here lol) read one comment here saying turn a little bit clockwise and then try to unscrew and that did the trick!

    also, held the console with one hand and the screwdriver with the other for applying pressure but not to much or at least to grab the other side of the pressured place instead of letting the hinge press against the table.

    Thomas - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

  5. Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Lift the bottom edge of the lower case off the rest of the 3DS.

    • There are still two ribbon cables connecting the mother board to the case, so be sure not to pull the lower case all the way off.

    • Use a plastic opening tool to pry the shoulder button ribbon cables off their sockets on the motherboard.

    • Remove the lower case from the device.

  6. Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement, SD Board: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the two 4.5 mm Phillips screws securing the SD board to the motherboard.

  7. Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • The connector for the SD board sits underneath the Circle Pad ribbon cable.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the SD board ribbon cable connector off its socket on the motherboard.

  8. Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Nintendo 3DS SD Board Replacement: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Insert the flat end of a spudger between the SD board and the motherboard.

    • Run the spudger along the sides of the SD board to free it from the adhesive pad holding it in place.

    • Once completely freed, lift the SD board straight off the motherboard.

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

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David Hodson

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Where can i purchase the sd card board replacement part? Does amazon carry them?

Jen - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

You can usually find them on ebay to around $3 to $6 dollars (non oem and oem)

David Vokas -

Is there a way to do this with the older 3ds xl version? I didn't see any screws holding the sd board in when I opened it up.

NickySeley - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Would this work for my problem? My problem is that the SD Card won't stay in, it just pops back out. Would this method still work? I'm not that experienced or knowledgeable about fixing these sort of things, so I'm not sure if the spring is part of it or not, lol. Also, where could I buy an SD Card board replacement part for cheap in Canada?

Caitlin Lumsden - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Usually that is the locking mechanism, you can replace the SD card slot for around $6 or $3 if you buy the non oem part.

David Vokas -

Be careful when removing the SD Card Assembly, as lifting too hard will bend the metal plate it sits upon.

Ricky Gonce - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Could this cause bads reads. My 3ds wont detect my sd cards any more.

Matthew Chometa -

The silver shielding plate beneath will lift with the board itself, don't panic. Just separate the adhesive and you're on your way.

FarmYard Gaming - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

I'm currently wondering if a new SD card slot come with the adhesive foam or if I have to buy the adhesive foam separately. If I do have to buy the foam separately (which is most likely), then is it just normal isulating foam or if its electrically bonded to the metal shield through the foam

Jerhyn York - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

do i have to desolder anything?

Ryan Massa - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

no soldering necessary.

Matthew Chometa -

this is great. but how do you know if the card reader is good or bad?

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