Step-by-step

1. 1

   Power Down the Console

   1 min

   Press and hold the power button for three seconds, then select Turn Off from the power options menu. Ensure the console is not in sleep mode.

2. 2

   Eject MicroSD Card

   1 min

   Flip open the wide kickstand on the back of the Switch OLED. Press down on the microSD card until it clicks, then pull it out of its slot.

3. 3

   Remove Rear Housing Screws

   3 min

   Use a Y00 tri-point screwdriver to remove the four outer corner screws on the back cover. Store them carefully as they strip easily.

4. 4

   Remove Top and Bottom Screws

   2 min

   Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the single screw on the top edge and the two screws on the bottom edge near the USB-C port.

5. 5

   Remove Kickstand Area Screws

   2 min

   Fold open the kickstand completely and use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the small screw hidden under the stand.

6. 6

   Detach Outer Rear Shell

   2 min

   Gently lift the plastic rear shell off the chassis starting from the bottom edge. Set the rear housing panel aside.

7. 7

   Unscrew Aluminum Shield Plate

   3 min

   Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the six screws securing the metal shield plate to the inner frame.

8. 8

   Remove Aluminum Shield Plate

   2 min

   Lift the metal shield plate straight up off the console. Be mindful of any leftover thermal paste on the underside.

9. 9

   Disconnect the Battery

   2 min

   Use the pointed end of a plastic spudger to pry the battery connector straight up out of its socket on the motherboard.

10. 10

    Unscrew the Heat Sink

    2 min

    Remove the three Phillips #00 screws securing the copper heat pipe over the central processing unit.

11. 11

    Remove Heat Sink Pipe

    2 min

    Gently pry up the heat sink to break the bond of the old thermal paste and lift it out of the console chassis.

12. 12

    Unlock Card Reader ZIF Connector

    2 min

    Use the edge of a spudger to flip up the thin locking flap on the game card reader ribbon cable socket.

13. 13

    Disconnect Card Reader Ribbon Cable

    2 min

    Slide the flex ribbon cable out of its ZIF connector socket on the main motherboard using fine tweezers.

14. 14

    Unscrew Card Reader Assembly

    3 min

    Remove the three Phillips #00 screws holding the game card reader daughterboard to the chassis frame.

15. 15

    Extract Defective Card Reader

    2 min

    Lift the entire game card reader assembly and integrated headphone jack board out of the console housing.

16. 16

    Install New Card Reader Assembly

    2 min

    Align the replacement game card board into position and seat it flat against the mounting posts.

17. 17

    Secure Card Reader Board

    3 min

    Insert and tighten the three Phillips #00 screws to hold the replacement game card reader firmly in place.

18. 18

    Reconnect Card Reader Ribbon Cable

    2 min

    Slide the ribbon cable into its ZIF socket and flip the locking flap down to secure the connection.

19. 19

    Reconnect the Battery

    2 min

    Press the battery connector press-fit plug directly back down into its motherboard socket until it clicks.

20. 20

    Reinstall Shield and Outer Shell

    5 min

    Place the heat sink and metal shield plate back in position, then reassemble the outer screws in reverse order.