Console · Nintendo · 3DS XL
Nintendo 3DS XL Power Supply Repair
Power Supply Repair guide for the Nintendo 3DS XL
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #00 Screwdriver
- Spudger
- Precision Tweezers
- Plastic Opening Pick
- Soldering Iron
- Desoldering Braid / Solder Wick
Parts / materials
- Replacement 3DS XL DC Power Jack
- Rosin Core Solder
- Liquid Flux Pen
- 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
Safety
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flux splatter during soldering.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling soldering fumes.
- Ensure the battery is completely removed before using metal tools inside the console.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Unscrew the Battery Cover
2 minLoosen the two captive Phillips #00 screws located along the top edge of the rear cover.
- 2
Pry Off the Rear Cover
2 minInsert a plastic opening pick into the corner pry slots and snap the outer rear cover away from the body.
- 3
Remove the Battery
1 minUse a spudger to lift the battery out from the notch at the bottom of the battery compartment.
- 4
Remove the Stylus and SD Card
1 minPull the stylus straight out of its slot, then push in on the SD card to release and remove it.
- 5
Unscrew the Lower Housing
3 minRemove the six Phillips #00 screws securing the inner lower housing to the frame.
- 6
Pry the Lower Housing Free
2 minGently lift the bottom housing upward, opening it like a clamshell toward the top edge.
- 7
Disconnect the Shoulder Ribbon Cables
3 minUse precision tweezers to carefully unclip the left and right shoulder button ribbon cables from the motherboard.
- 8
Disconnect the Wi-Fi Module
2 minUnclip the Wi-Fi board from its socket and carefully pop off the golden antenna coaxial connector.
- 9
Remove the Circle Pad Assembly
3 minRemove the two screws holding the circle pad, flip open the ribbon cable latch, and slide the cable out.
- 10
Unscrew the Motherboard
4 minRemove the remaining Phillips #00 screws anchoring the motherboard to the upper chassis.
- 11
Disconnect the Display Ribbon Cables
4 minUse a spudger to flip up the dark locking gates on the ribbon cable connectors and slide the display cables free.
- 12
Lift Out the Motherboard
2 minCarefully tilt and remove the main motherboard assembly from the console casing.
- 13
Apply Flux to the Power Port
2 minApply liquid flux generously across all anchor legs and pin connections of the damaged DC charging jack.
- 14
Desolder the Damaged Power Port
8 minHeat each anchor joint with a soldering iron and use desoldering braid to absorb the old solder until the port is freed.
- 15
Clean the Solder Pads
3 minClean off any leftover flux and debris using a cotton swab dipped in 99% isopropyl alcohol.
- 16
Position the Replacement Port
2 minAlign the anchor pins of the new DC power jack with the holes on the motherboard and press it firmly into place.
- 17
Solder the Replacement Port
6 minApply fresh solder to the structural anchor legs first, then solder each electrical contact pin to its pad.
After your Nintendo 3DS XL power supply repair
Power the 3DS XL back on and test the power supply repair 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 3DS XL 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 3DS XL repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
