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Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement

Introduction

So you managed to break your circle pad and can't play your favorite games? Don't fear, the circle pad can be replaced!

What you need

  1. Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Loosen the two #00 Phillips 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.

    Edit

  2. Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 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 it aside.

    Edit

  3. Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 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.

    Edit

  4. Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement, Circle Pad Joystick: step 4, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement, Circle Pad Joystick: step 4, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

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

    Edit

  6. Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the six 6.2 mm screws using a Phillips #00 screwdriver

    Edit

  7. Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the 2.3 mm screw located above the game cartridge slot with a Phillips #00 screwdriver.

    Edit

  8. Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Make sure the SD card has been removed. 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.

    Edit

  9. Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  10. Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2

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

    • Locate the circle pad on the right side of the device.

    • Remove the two 7.5 mm screws on the upper left and the bottom right corners.

    Edit

  11. Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Using a plastic opening tool pop off the circle pad joystick.

    • Do not use excessive force with the plastic opening tool. There is a ribbon attaching the circle pad joystick to the motherboard that will remain attached.

    • There is a loose washer located in between the circle pad joystick and the circle pad. Use caution and do not lose this piece.

    Edit

  12. Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Circle Pad Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Using the flat head side of the spudger carefully lift up the retaining flap that attaches the circle pad ribbon to the motherboard.

    • Remove the ribbon and circle pad joystick.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

102 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 7 other contributors

Charlene Donlon

Member since: 04/08/14

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8 Guides authored

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Team

Cal Poly, Team 9-13, Regan Spring 2014 Member of Cal Poly, Team 9-13, Regan Spring 2014

CPSU-REGAN-S14S9G13

5 Members

44 Guides authored

31 Comments

Thank you very much.Perfect repair the circle pad.

The circle pad link:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-New-Anal...?

mouyi chen - Reply

Great guide, just upgraded my joystick. Bought my replacement from shapeways. The replacement is metal so it won't break like the last one. Also it's a lot more comfortable.

 

Anyway highly recommend this replacement:

https://www.shapeways.com/product/76RHQ7...

Omniwheel -

I'm having trouble removing the plastic case in step 7, it seems it refuses to come apart at the SD card part. What should I do? What is holding it down?

brittanylikespie1 - Reply

Remove the SD card

Daniel Sze -

My son broke the circle pad on his 3DS XL while playing Super Smash Bros.. I purchased 2 circle pads just in-case from http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-New-Anal...

Excellent replacement, just like the original circle pad. The write-up and pics were very helpful. Highly recommend for anyone needing to buy and replace the circle button on a 3DS XL.

RickyB - Reply

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