Nintendo 3DS XL 2015 Motherboard Replacement

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Using a JIS #00 screwdriver, remove the six 6mm screws around the edges of the secondary cover.

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Using tweezers, carefully pop out the rubber bumpers located at the top side of the 3DS. Removing them will reveal another two 6mm screws. Remove these screws using a JIS #000 as well.

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To separate the cover, carefully lift it up and away from the hinges (in order to clear the headphone port), then pivot it towards the hinges to expose the circuit boards.

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Use a pair of tweezers to lift away the two plugs that latch the L/R/ZL/ZR button ribbons to the motherboard. You can now remove the back cover completely and set it aside.

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Use tweezers to flip up the small, hinged locking flap in order to unlock the ZIF connector securing the Circle Pad ribbon.

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Using a JIS #000 screwdriver, remove the two 8 mm screws securing the circle pad.

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Lift the circle pad casing upward to remove it. There will be some friction, but it should not require excessive force.

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Locate the gold terminal plug with a red cable at the top left of the motherboard. Using your fingers, carefully pull the plug straight upward to remove.

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Using tweezers, gently pull the four marked ribbons out of the ZIF connectors along the sides of the motherboard.

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Using a JIS #000 screwdriver, remove six 4mm screws along the edges of the motherboard.

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Carefully pivot the motherboard 90 degrees toward the hinges to reveal two more ZIF connectors on the underside of the motherboard.