Console · Nintendo · Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Disc Drive Repair
Disc Drive Repair guide for the Nintendo Nintendo Switch
Before you begin
Tools
- Tri-point Y00 screwdriver
- Phillips #00 screwdriver
- Plastic spudger
- Precision tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Clean workspace mat
Parts / materials
- Replacement Nintendo Switch game card reader board
- Thermal compound
- Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
Safety
- Always disconnect the battery before handling internal electronic components.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent ESD damage to sensitive microchips.
- Use non-conductive plastic tools when prying near power connections.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Eject Media Cards
1 minPower off the console completely. Eject the game card and microSD card from their respective slots.
- 2
Remove Back Cover Tri-Point Screws
2 minUse a Tri-point Y00 screwdriver to remove the four outer screws located on the rear housing.
- 3
Remove Top and Bottom Screws
2 minRemove the single Phillips #00 screw from the top edge and the two Phillips #00 screws from the bottom edge.
- 4
Remove Side Rail Screws
2 minRemove the central Phillips #00 screw from both the left and right Joy-Con guide rails.
- 5
Remove Kickstand Screw
1 minFlip open the kickstand and remove the single Phillips #00 screw hidden inside the card bay.
- 6
Detach Rear Housing
1 minGently lift the plastic rear cover straight up and off the metal frame.
- 7
Unscrew MicroSD Card Reader
1 minRemove the single Phillips #00 screw holding the microSD card reader bracket in place.
- 8
Disconnect MicroSD Card Reader
2 minUse a spudger to pop the microSD reader press-fit connector straight up from the motherboard.
- 9
Unscrew Metal Shield
3 minRemove the six Phillips #00 screws securing the aluminum shield plate.
- 10
Remove Shield Plate
1 minLift the metal shield plate away from the motherboard to expose the internal components.
- 11
Disconnect Battery Cable
2 minInsert a plastic spudger under the battery connector and pry it upward away from the motherboard socket.
- 12
Unlock Game Card Ribbon Cable
2 minUse precision tweezers to gently flip up the locking flap on the ZIF connector for the card reader cable.
- 13
Unscrew Game Card Reader Assembly
2 minRemove the three Phillips #00 screws securing the game card reader board to the chassis.
- 14
Remove Defective Game Card Reader
1 minLift the broken game card reader assembly out of the motherboard cavity.
- 15
Position Replacement Card Reader
1 minLower the new game card reader assembly into the console frame and align it with the screw posts.
- 16
Secure Replacement Card Reader
2 minReinstall the three Phillips #00 screws to hold the new game card reader assembly in place.
- 17
Lock Ribbon Cable
2 minSlide the ribbon cable into the motherboard connector and flip down the ZIF locking lever.
- 18
Reconnect Battery
1 minPress the battery connector firmly down into its socket on the motherboard.
After your Nintendo Nintendo Switch disc drive repair
Power the Nintendo Switch back on and test the disc drive 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 Nintendo Switch job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Prefer a professional repair?
Book Nintendo Nintendo Switch disc drive repair at LML Repair in Seattle — same-day options available.
