How to open a Nintendo Switch for repair
Disassembling the Nintendo Switch.
A step-by-step guide with photos of how to disassemble the Nintendo Switch to carry out any maintenance or Switch repair.
This guide will also cover the tools needed and the exact location of all the screws, missing steps I always find in other guides. I'm writing this guide from my real-world experience running a Hereford computer repair business.
Also, regarding how to reassemble it, please follow the steps in reverse.
If you're working on a Nintendo Switch Lite or Pro, even a Switch 2, you can look at this for reference, but you may need to check other guides for differences with your Nintendo Switch model.
Getting access to the Nintendo Switch enables repairs for:
Nintendo Switch battery
Nintendo Switch cartridge port
Nintendo Switch audio jack
Nintendo Switch microSD slot
Tools Needed,
Tools needed
1 x Tri-point (Y) 1.5mm Y00 Precision
1 x Special Tri Wing Screwdriver
1 x 2.0mm Phillips
How to Disassemble the Nintendo Switch.
Step 1, There is 5 screws to open the back cover
Note: remove the controller and place them both aside#
Back Scews Postions
The four long screws will need the Tri-Wing screwdriver, and the one small screw under the kickstand is a Phillips screwdriver.
Make sure the cartridge slot cover/door is open.
Step 2: There is a single screw in the middle of each side.
These two screws need to be removed to open the back cover.
Side screws to open Switch
It's a Phillips screwdriver, and only the middle screws on the left and right sides have to be removed from the back.
Step 3, You'll find 3 more screws in the top and bottom side
Top and Bottom Scews postion
There are all Phillips screwdrivers for the 1 at the top of the switch and 2 at the bottom of the switch.
Step 8, opening the back cover.
Back cover removed
The cartridge door needs to be opened. Then, pull apart from the top and work your way around, and the back cover will come free.
Step 4, There is a single scew holding the microSD slot.
This needs to be removed before you can remove the metal shield you see.
MicroSD screw postion
Remove the single Philips screw, gently remove the pad and the connector.
Step 10, Metal shield has 6 screws and can be lifted off.
Metal heat sink screw postions
There might be a slight bit of resistance in the bottom left, as there is some sticky thermal compound there.
Step 11, Now it's open, disconnect the battery before doing any work.
Disconnect Battery before servicing any elements
To reassemble, please follow the steps in reverse.