Console · Nintendo · 2DS
Nintendo 2DS Fan Replacement
Fan Replacement guide for the Nintendo 2DS
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #00 screwdriver
- Spudger
- Tweezers
- Plastic opening tool
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- Replacement cooling shield assembly
- Thermal compound
- 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free micro-fiber cloth
Safety
- Power off the console and disconnect any charging cables before starting.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic damage to the motherboard.
- Use caution around ribbon cable ZIF connectors to avoid tearing fragile pins.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Remove Stylus and SD Card
1 minEject the SD card from the side slot and pull the stylus out from its slot on the top edge.
- 2
Loosen Battery Door Screws
2 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to loosen the two captive screws securing the rear battery cover.
- 3
Remove Battery Cover
1 minInsert a plastic opening tool into the notch at the top of the cover and lift it away from the console.
- 4
Disconnect and Remove Battery
1 minPry the battery upward from the bottom edge using a spudger and lift it out of the compartment.
- 5
Remove Outer Rear Screws
3 minUnscrew the ten Phillips #00 screws located around the outer edge and inside the battery bay.
- 6
Separate Rear Housing
2 minGently pry the rear housing away from the front assembly starting from the bottom edge.
- 7
Disconnect Shoulder Button Cables
2 minUse tweezers to carefully lift the left and right shoulder button ribbon connectors straight up from the motherboard.
- 8
Remove Rear Housing Assembly
1 minLift the rear housing completely off the console and place it aside.
- 9
Unplug Wi-Fi Board
2 minGently lift the Wi-Fi board straight up from its connector on the motherboard.
- 10
Unscrew Motherboard Mounts
3 minRemove the four Phillips #00 screws securing the motherboard to the front shell.
- 11
Unlock Ribbon Cable Connectors
3 minFlip up the small locking flaps on the screen, digitizer, and camera ZIF connectors using a spudger.
- 12
Lift Motherboard
2 minCarefully slide the ribbon cables out of their sockets and tilt the motherboard out of the housing.
- 13
Remove Cooling Shield Screws
2 minRemove the two Phillips screws securing the heat-dissipating shield over the processor.
- 14
Replace Cooling Assembly
4 minLift off the old heat sink shield, clean off old thermal paste, and install the new cooling unit with fresh compound.
- 15
Reseat Motherboard
4 minLower the motherboard back into the front frame and reinsert all ribbon cables firmly into their ZIF connectors.
- 16
Reattach Rear Housing and Screws
4 minReconnect the shoulder button cables, snap the rear housing back into place, and secure all ten rear screws.
- 17
Reinstall Battery and Cover
2 minInsert the battery into its bay, snap the battery cover closed, and tighten the two retention screws.
After your Nintendo 2DS fan replacement
Power the 2DS back on and test the fan replacement function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Nintendo 2DS job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Nintendo 2DS repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
