Nintendo DS Main Circuit Board Replacement

Introduction

This is a guide that teaches how to replace a Nintendo DS motherboard, also known as a circuit board.

The Nintendo DS is a video game console released by Nintendo, featuring two screens working in tandem with wireless connectivity and an integrated microphone.

The main circuit board holds and facilitates all communication between components of the device. Therefore, whenever communication between functioning components takes longer than expected or fails entirely, replacing the motherboard is a necessity.

The removal of the main motherboard of the DS is essential to access the screens and to replace other imperative components.

The replacement can be done in 10 simple steps.

Tools Required

• ? iFixit Opening Tool (1)
• ? Spudger (1)
• ? Phillips #00 Screwdriver (1)
• ? Tri-point Y00 Screwdriver (1)
• ? Tweezers (1)

Parts Required

• ⚙️ Nintendo DS battery (1)
• ⚙️ Nintendo DSi Motherboard (1)

Step 1 — Battery

? Remove the cartridge from the console.

? Use a Phillips #00 Screwdriver to remove the screw securing the battery door to the rear case.

? Remove the battery door.

? In the images, a flathead screwdriver is shown being used. This flathead screwdriver will work just like the Phillips #00 Screwdriver.

Image Description: The back of the Nintendo DS is shown. A screw on the battery door is highlighted. Another image shows the battery door being removed with a screwdriver. A third image reveals the battery compartment after the door is removed.

Step 2

? Use a plastic opening tool or spudger to pry out the battery from the bottom. If a plastic opening tool or spudger isn't available, your fingernails may work.

Image Description: A hand is shown using a blue plastic opening tool (spudger) to carefully pry the Nintendo DS battery out from its compartment at the bottom of the device.

Step 3

? Remove the battery from the Nintendo DS.

Image Description: A hand is shown using a blue plastic opening tool (spudger) to lift the battery completely out of its slot within the Nintendo DS.

Step 4 — Back Panel

? Remove the seven Y00 screws located on the back of the console.

? If your DS has a lanyard attached to it, you can remove it to make the process of opening the top-left screw easier.

Image Description: The back of the Nintendo DS is shown with seven red circles indicating the locations of the Y00 screws that need to be removed.

Step 5

? With your hands, pry the back panel off the main case.

? Separate the back panel from the front section, and set it aside.

Image Description: Hands are shown carefully separating the back panel from the main body of the Nintendo DS. Another image shows the back panel lifted away, revealing the internal components and motherboard.

Step 6 — Motherboard Replacement

? Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, remove the four screws on the circuit board.

⚠️ Be careful NOT to slip with the screwdriver, as you can damage the circuit board!

Image Description: A close-up view of the Nintendo DS motherboard is shown, with four red circles highlighting the screws that secure it to the console's frame.

Step 7

? Unlock the two large ribbon cables by moving the black clip upwards.

? Carefully pull the ribbon cables down and out with your fingers.

⚠️ Do not use pliers to pull the cables, as they can be damaged easily.

Image Description: The motherboard is shown with two large ribbon cables connected. One image shows a finger lifting the black locking clip on a connector. Another image shows a finger gently pulling a ribbon cable downwards and outwards from its socket.

Step 8

? Locate the two small ribbon cables, positioned beneath the rightmost large ribbon cable.

? Slide the locks for the small ribbon cables down to the side, and remove the cables.

? It may be useful to use tweezers to remove the small ribbon cables.

⚠️ Be careful not to damage the delicate ribbon cables.

Image Description: The motherboard is shown with two small ribbon cables highlighted. One image shows tweezers being used to slide the locking mechanism on a small ribbon cable connector. The other image shows the small cables being removed.

Step 9

? Locate the Wifi antenna pigtail connector.

? Remove the antenna by grasping it at the head with tweezers. Using a slight rocking motion, pull up to dislodge the connector.

Image Description: The motherboard is shown with the WiFi antenna pigtail connector highlighted. A hand is shown using tweezers to grasp the connector and gently rock it upwards to disconnect it.

Step 10

? Feed the ribbon cables through the opening on the board.

? Pull up and remove the circuit board, and set it aside.

Image Description: A hand is guiding the ribbon cables through an opening in the console's frame as the main circuit board is lifted and removed from the Nintendo DS.

Reassembly

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.