Console · Nintendo · Switch Pro
Nintendo Switch Pro Hard Drive Replacement
Hard Drive Replacement guide for the Nintendo Switch Pro
Before you begin
Tools
- Tri-point Y00 screwdriver
- JIS #00 screwdriver
- Precision tweezers
- Spudger
- Plastic opening pick
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- Replacement eMMC storage module
- Thermal paste
Safety
- Ensure the console is completely powered off before starting disassembly.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to avoid electrostatic discharge damaging microcontrollers.
- Always disconnect the battery before removing or installing internal components.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Off Console
1 minHold down the power button on the top left of the console, select Power Options, and turn the Switch completely off. Remove any installed microSD card from under the kickstand.
- 2
Remove Kickstand Screw
2 minFlip open the kickstand on the back shell. Use a JIS #00 screwdriver to remove the single screw located inside the kickstand recess.
- 3
Unscrew Rear Panel Screws
3 minUse a Tri-point Y00 screwdriver to remove the four corner screws on the plastic rear cover.
- 4
Remove Edge Screws
3 minUse a JIS #00 screwdriver to remove the single screw on the top edge and the two screws on the bottom edge flanking the USB-C port.
- 5
Remove Side Rail Screws
3 minRemove the center JIS #00 screw from both the left and right Joy-Con attachment rails.
- 6
Lift Off Back Cover
2 minInsert a plastic opening pick into the seam along the edge and lift the back plastic cover off the chassis.
- 7
Unscrew MicroSD Card Reader
2 minUse a JIS #00 screwdriver to remove the single retaining screw holding down the microSD card reader board.
- 8
Disconnect MicroSD Card Reader
2 minPry the microSD card reader press-fit connector straight up from the motherboard using the flat end of a spudger.
- 9
Remove Shield Plate Screws
4 minRemove the six JIS #00 screws securing the large silver aluminum shield plate to the internal midframe.
- 10
Detach Shield Plate
2 minLift the aluminum heat shield plate straight up off the console, minding the layer of thermal compound on the reverse side.
- 11
Disconnect Battery Connector
2 minInsert a spudger under the battery connector wires and lift straight up to disconnect power from the motherboard.
- 12
Unscrew Storage Module
2 minLocate the rectangular eMMC storage board near the center of the motherboard and remove its single JIS #00 screw.
- 13
Remove Old Storage Board
2 minGently lift the eMMC daughterboard straight up to disconnect it from its board-to-board header.
- 14
Install Replacement Storage Board
2 minAlign the connector socket of the replacement eMMC storage module and press down firmly until it seats onto the motherboard.
- 15
Secure New Storage Board
2 minThread and tighten the single JIS #00 screw to lock the replacement storage module in place.
- 16
Reconnect Battery
2 minAlign the battery plug over its socket and press straight down until it clicks into position.
- 17
Reassemble Shield and Back Cover
5 minReinstall the metal heat shield, reconnect the microSD card reader, and secure the back panel using all original screws.
After your Nintendo Switch Pro hard drive replacement
Power the Switch Pro back on and test the hard drive 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.
