Disassembling Nintendo DSi Bottom case

Last updated on August 2, 2024

45 minutes - 1 hour

Moderate

In Progress

Incorrect Tools

Missing Steps

Archived Guide

This guide is retained solely for historical purposes. Use the updated version of the guide to perform your repair.

Introduction

This guide has been updated by iFixit staff! Read the new, official guide here.

A guide on how to disassemble the bottom case assembly, including removing the LCD and buttons.

Parts

Tools

Careful: steps 1-2 are sourced from a guide that's marked as in-progress.

Loosen the two screws on the battery panel. Then lift the panel up to remove it.

L Button.
Top of the battery pack.
To remove the battery pack, place your fingernail or a spudger at the top of the battery near the L button. Gently lift the battery out.

Careful: steps 3-4 are sourced from a guide that's marked as in-progress.

Remove 4 Phillips screws from the board.
Lift the main board from the bottom end and flip it over to reveal the last connector.
Keep the main board fairly close to the case, making sure not to damage the last ribbon cable holding it in place.

Disconnect the ribbon cable by gently using a plastic opening tool to flip up the black connector latch. The cable should easily slide out from the connector.
The motherboard should now be free from the rest of the device.

Remove the rubber front-panel button membranes from the device. Pay careful attention to where the buttons go, so you can replace them correctly.
A/B/X/Y button assembly
Select/Start button assembly
D-pad
Power button

Remove the plastic buttons and keep them in a safe place.
All of the buttons have "key" notches to prevent them from being inserted incorrectly (backwards or in the wrong place), but it can take a while to figure out where everything goes if they get shuffled around.