Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone Replacement

  • Step 1 Battery

    • Loosen the two 4.2 mm-length screws located at the top of the back cover.

      • The screws have locking washers that prevent the screws from falling off of the back cover. Leave these locking washers on the screws; it is not necessary to remove the washers for this repair guide.

    Note: If your top or bottom screen was working before disassembly and doesn't work after reassembly, then it's likely that the connector is loose or dirty or damaged or not clipped or PLACED UPSIDE-DOWN. I had this issue with my Super3DS XL(2015) and it turns out that the reason why my top screen wasn't working after put together, was because I had the top LCD connector upside-down. After I correctly put the connector in, It worked again!

    what type screwdriver do i use?!? its so small!!!!

  • Step 2

    • Hold the device so that the cover is facing up.

    • Using a plastic opening tool, pry off the cover starting at the top right corner.

      • Hold the edge of the cover to ensure it does not reattach.

      • Look for the small section below the stylus compartment. Pry off the cover at that point if it is still attached.

    • Take off the cover of the device and set aside.

    Note that on the lower side (opposite to the hinges), there are small hooking tabs. These require you to lift the top (screw side) off towards you, then the lower area.

  • Step 3

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

    • Pry off the battery from the lower casing.

    • Lift the battery out of the case and set aside.

  • Step 4 Microphone

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

  • Step 5

    • Remove the six 6.2 mm screws using a Phillips #000 screwdriver.

  • Step 6

    • Remove the 2.3 mm screw located above the game cartridge slot with a Phillips #000 screwdriver.

  • Step 7

    • 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.

  • Step 8

    • Remove 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.

  • Step 9

    • Position the device such that the game cartridge slot is located at the top.

    • Locate the microphone in the bottom left corner.

    • Using tweezers remove the microphone.

    • There will be a ribbon that connects the microphone to the motherboard.

  • Step 10

    • Using the flat head side of the spudger carefully lift up the flap and remove the ribbon.

    • The attached microphone can now be removed.