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Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone Replacement

Introduction

Voice recognition not working? Screaming at your Nintendo 3DS XL in hopes the game will finally pick up your voice? This guide will take you through the steps necessary to install a new microphone to have you back playing your favorite games in no time.

What you need

  1. Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone 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 Microphone Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone 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 Microphone Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone 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 Microphone Replacement, Microphone: step 4, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone Replacement, Microphone: 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 Microphone Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

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

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

    Edit

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

    • 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 Microphone Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone 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 Microphone Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 3 Nintendo 3DS XL Microphone Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

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

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

    • The attached microphone can now be removed.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

4 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 5 other contributors

Charlene Donlon

Member since: 04/08/14

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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

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44 Guides authored

2 Comments

Hello! Do these instructions apply to the New 3DS XL as well? I followed steps from 1-8, but when I get to step 9, the layout is different and I can’t find the mic. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Melissa Cardenas - Reply

please learn to repair the mic of new 3ds xl

andrew.hws - Reply

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