Console · Nintendo · Switch Pro
Nintendo Switch Pro Fan Replacement
Fan Replacement guide for the Nintendo Switch Pro
Before you begin
Tools
- Y00 Tri-point screwdriver
- Phillips #00 screwdriver
- Plastic spudger
- Precision tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Opening pick
Parts / materials
- Replacement cooling fan
- High-grade thermal paste
- 91%+ Isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
Safety
- Always disconnect the battery connector before touching internal electronic components.
- Use an anti-static wrist strap to avoid damaging delicate circuitry with electrostatic discharge.
- Handle ribbon cables and ZIF flip-latches gently to prevent tearing or breaking connector clips.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power off the console
1 minPress and hold the power button to completely shut down the console. Remove the microSD card from beneath the kickstand.
- 2
Remove the rear tri-point screws
3 minUse a Y00 tri-point screwdriver to remove the four outer screws located on the rear panel.
- 3
Remove the top and bottom screws
3 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the single screw on the top edge and two screws on the bottom edge near the USB-C port.
- 4
Remove the side rail screws
3 minRemove the center Phillips #00 screw from both the left and right Joy-Con attachment rails.
- 5
Lift off the back cover
2 minGently lift the plastic rear casing away from the body of the console and set it aside.
- 6
Unscrew the microSD card reader
2 minRemove the single Phillips #00 screw securing the microSD card reader board to the metal shield.
- 7
Disconnect the microSD card reader
2 minPry the microSD card reader connector straight up off the motherboard using a plastic spudger.
- 8
Remove the metal shield screws
4 minRemove the six Phillips #00 screws holding the aluminum heat shield plate in place.
- 9
Lift off the metal shield plate
2 minCarefully lift the large metal shield plate off the console to expose the internal hardware.
- 10
Disconnect the battery cable
2 minPry the battery connector straight up from its socket on the motherboard to disconnect main power.
- 11
Remove the heat sink screws
3 minRemove the three Phillips #00 screws securing the copper heat sink over the processor.
- 12
Remove the heat sink
2 minGently lift the copper heat sink up and out of the console body to break the old thermal paste seal.
- 13
Disconnect the fan ribbon cable
3 minFlip up the tiny locking latch on the fan ZIF connector with tweezers, then pull the ribbon cable out.
- 14
Remove the fan mounting screws
3 minRemove the three Phillips #00 screws securing the cooling fan assembly to the plastic housing.
- 15
Lift out the faulty fan
2 minLift the old cooling fan straight out from the console frame.
- 16
Install the new fan
3 minPosition the new cooling fan into the frame recess and secure it with the three mounting screws.
- 17
Connect the fan ribbon cable
3 minSlide the fan ribbon cable fully into the ZIF socket and press the locking latch down flat.
- 18
Clean and reapply thermal paste
5 minClean remaining thermal paste off the heat sink using isopropyl alcohol, apply a fresh dot of paste, and screw the heat sink back down.
After your Nintendo Switch Pro fan replacement
Power the Switch Pro 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 Switch Pro 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 Switch Pro repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
