How to Replace a DS Touch Screen

When you encounter difficulty with your Nintendo DS touch screen, the safest means of remedy is to contact Nintendo for a warrantied replacement. However, if your Nintendo DS is no longer covered under warranty, you might consider handling the repair on your own. With a few basic tools, some bravery and a steady hand, you can replace your Nintendo DS touch screen with a new, working one.

Things You'll Need

• Tri-wing screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Tweezers
• Replacement touch screen
• Nintendo DS
• Flat magnet

Instructions

1. Search online auctions for screen replacements or purchase a new touch screen from an online vendor.

2. Unscrew the back of the DS and remove the battery pack. Flip the DS unit so that the bottom faces up. Unscrew the six screws holding it in place using a tri-wing screwdriver on five and a flathead screwdriver on the remaining screw. Lift the GBA cover and pop out the battery pack. Put removed parts aside, placing metal pieces on the magnet to keep them securely in one place.

3. Remove the base of the DS. Unscrew the two screws underneath the battery pack with the tri-wing screwdriver. Pull off the bottom of the unit once the screws have been loosened.

4. Remove the shoulder (trigger) buttons. Gently dislodge the shoulder buttons by prying them away with gentle pressure. Remove the springs from the shoulder-button area on each side. Place the springs on the magnet for safekeeping.

5. Release the motherboard. Use a flathead screwdriver to unscrew the four screws securing the motherboard. Use your fingernails to gently pry the black bar near the first ribbon cable upward. Flip the primary ribbon cable over and carefully pull the four small black pieces that secure the two wires beneath. Release the cable fully and lift the motherboard off the unit, threading the other ribbon cable through its hole to release the motherboard.

6. Flip up the touch screen away from you gently. Remove the touch screen from the case, using your fingernails or tweezers to pry it off with extreme care.

7. Unwrap your new touch screen and hold it by its edges in one hand. Use your fingernails to remove the plastic protective covering from each side of the new screen. Line the new screen up with the matching shape and size case cavity and seat it in place gently.

8. Position the motherboard back in place, feeding the ribbon cable through the holes. Snap the black connectors back in place to secure the two underwires underneath the primary ribbon cable. Snap the black bar gently into place.

9. Attach the shoulder buttons by placing the springs back in each button and gently lodging them into place until you hear a click. Replace the two motherboard screws with a flathead screwdriver. Replace the bottom of the case, reattaching the battery pack and screwing the base of the DS unit on using the flathead and tri-wing screwdrivers on the appropriate screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Calibrate the new screen through the Nintendo settings interface after powering up your DS to ensure correct color.

• Never force any portion of the DS into place to avoid breakage. Do not touch the replacement screen on its flat surfaces as hand and finger oils can smudge and damage the screen.