Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement

Written By: Jan De La Cruz
  • Comments: 5
Nintendo 3DS XL Top and Bottom Outer Casing Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

7

Time Required

15 minutes

Introduction

This guide provides information on how to replace the top and bottom cases on your Nintendo 3DS XL 2015 (model number SPR-001). Whether you're looking to give your device a new look or fix damage, replacing the panels can be a straightforward process with the right tools and instructions.

Before beginning, be aware that swollen batteries can be potentially dangerous, so it's essential to handle them with care. Additionally, removing power or disconnecting batteries can sometimes cause data loss, so be sure to back up any important information beforehand.

To complete this replacement guide, you'll need a set of tools, which we'll list in the guide. While this process doesn't require any special skills, it does involve disassembling your device, so proceed with caution.

If you have concerns before or after following the guide, such as the device not turning on, a defective power button or a defective microphone, etc., please refer to the 3DS XL troubleshooting page.

With that in mind, let's get started!


  1. rt1O6SmgZyYaruHX
    rt1O6SmgZyYaruHX
    KKatSdXwIwpmRmop

    • Ensure that the system is turned OFF.

    • Place the device on a hard surface with the rear panel facing you.

    • Unscrew the two 2.0 mm screws in a counterclockwise motion using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.

    • A "click" sound will be made after each successful unscrewing.

  2. OHUTHA1IshLZ2yYy
    OHUTHA1IshLZ2yYy
    WZSiQoVrrHOMESer
    W3IcWZcgtuuMNHyS

    • Pry open the wedges of the rear case by using a pick.

    • Unhinge the corners with a pick if the case is not coming loose easily.

    • Detach the rear case by pulling it away from the device.

    There are little cutout things on the top side of the bottom outer shell where you can open with your finger, it’s unnecessary to use a pick on that part

    Frazix -

  3. BuUXQmfQ5MB2WoUY
    BuUXQmfQ5MB2WoUY
    HmB4RCYNfMlMGH4i

    • Make sure the battery is in its seated position.

    • Place the replacement rear case onto the rear panel of device.

    • Snap the new case in place by pressing its wedges onto the rear panels.

    • A click sound will indicate successful locking of the wedges.

    • Screw in a clockwise motion the 2.0 mm screws using the Phillips #00 screwdriver.

    The replacement pieces I got doesn't have the black pads around the edge my original has(there's 1 on the og bottom and 6 on og top). Am I meant to peel these off and transfer?

    Caity -

    Hi Caity,

    I'm not sure what you mean by black pads. I assume it'll be fine for you to go ahead and peel it off and then transfer it to your new casing if you'd like. The most important thing you have to make sure that your replacement has are the screws since that's what holds everything together. Other than that, I cannot help you any further without a visual or clarification.

    Jan De La Cruz -

    I have a question. I have a replacement back coming in, however I have lost the original screws over the years. The problem I am facing is that for the life of me I cannot pinpoint the exact diameter and length of the screws I need to buy. I see this article lists 2.0mm but that would only cover 1 of those 2 dimensions.

    Favna -

  4. hBtbUT1aR3KiQcgx
    hBtbUT1aR3KiQcgx
    6qxLJDAyhq4vVp15
    bFyqtZ6FfUQdjn4o

    • Flip the device over to its top side and open its lid.

    • Be careful when using the tools close to the screen.

    • Remove the rubber pieces with the help of tweezers.

    • Unscrew the 2.0 mm screws in a counterclockwise motion with a Phillips #00 screwdriver.

  5. ZPODtvIZfClfSVhd
    ZPODtvIZfClfSVhd
    ZeDMOkTcROpw4UDF

    • Close the device's lid and position it so that the top panel is facing towards you.

    • From the hinge, slide the outer portion of the top shell so that it separates from the inner portion.

    • Once the casing is loose, detach the top case by lifting the casing off.

  6. ILQAJESMYXURlDPH

    • If your replacement case comes with its own camera lens, this step does not apply to you and you may proceed to the next step.

    • Pull the camera lens from the original case with the help of tweezers.

    • Slot the camera lens into the new case.

    • Repeat the steps above for the second camera lens.

  7. aCqqFEDisLFgTNZN

    • Reassemble the top case with the replacement piece by following instructions in reverse.

Conclusion

It is important to exercise caution while reassembling the device to prevent damage to the LCD screen and screws. Therefore, make sure not to overtighten the top case screws during the reassembly process.

Author

Jan De La Cruz

Member since: 21/02/23

199 Reputation

One comment

This is wrong for the top cover. You have to slide it out and be careful with how two little locks slot back in on the back side.
https://youtu.be/lQ1qtj5N1p0?si=Pkeq6PoT...

ravenrue -