PS Vita Slim Buttons Replacement

Last updated on August 18, 2023

15 minutes

Moderate

Introduction

Note::: taking apart your device may void the warranty on the device, please proceed with caution and consider having it sent in first if possible to be worked on by the company. This guide's goal is to help you replace the buttons on the PS Vita Slim. You may need to do this if the buttons get sticky, worn out, or damaged. The buttons should be a simple procedure. As long as you take your time and you carefully interact with the system you should be fine.

What you need

Parts

Tools

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Step 1 Back Panel

PS Vita Slim Buttons Replacement, Back Panel: step 1, image 1 of 1

Please make sure the system is completely powered off and all SD storage cards are removed before starting the removal process
All 6.35mm screws were removed using a J00 bit from the iFixit pro toolkit.
There are four screws on the back of the device, remove them as shown.

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Step 2

There are two screws on the bottom, near the charging port, remove them using the J00 screwdriver on the 6.35mm screws from the iFixit pro toolkit.
Finally, remove the top screw under the dust cover using the J00 screwdriver on the 6.35mm screws from the iFixit pro toolkit.

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Step 3

PS Vita Slim Buttons Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

The next step will require the opening tool.
Please carefully separate the back from the front completely. You will need to disconnect the small ribbon cable on the inside before completely removing the back. Otherwise you may end up hurting the ribbons on the inside.
While separating the back, carefully pry all the way around the back. You will hear popping noises while going around and this is a good sign.
Upon removing the back panel you will need to slowly and carefully remove the ribbons connecting the hardware to access the needed parts to be repaired.

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Step 4

Once the ribbons have been removed, then the back is fully removed and you can access the hardware within.

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Step 5 Buttons

PS Vita Slim Buttons Replacement, Buttons: step 5, image 1 of 3

PS Vita Slim Buttons Replacement, Buttons: step 5, image 2 of 3

PS Vita Slim Buttons Replacement, Buttons: step 5, image 3 of 3

We are starting on the left side of the device. This is where the D-pad is, or in other words the left, right, up. and down directional pad.
The next step is to take the ribbon off of the green casing on the left.
Then simply unscrew the two screws holding down the green casing using a J00 bit from the iFixit pro toolkit, they should both be 6.35 mm .
Now simply raise the last restraint, a metal bar that is holding the casing down. Once it has been removed you can take off the green casing.

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Step 6

After the green casing has been taken off you should be able to see the back of the D-pad.
Once it is removed you should be free to interchange the buttons as needed.

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Step 7

PS Vita Slim Buttons Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

Now it is time for the right side buttons. Which is the replacement of the D-Pad on the right side or in other words, where the box, triangle, circle, and X buttons are.
First step is the removal of the ribbons on the green casing.
Once the ribbons have been removed, next you will want to remove the two 6.35 mm screws using the J00 screwdriver.
Now you should be able to remove the green casing.

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Step 8

PS Vita Slim Buttons Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

Once the green casing has been removed you are now be able to see the button pads that need to be removed.
The D-pad and other such buttons can now be replaced or simply cleaned.

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