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Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Joystick Module Replacement

Use this guide to replace the joystick control...

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Difficult 35 - 40 minutes Guide 127716

Licensed iFixit integration

This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.

Guide overview

Before you begin

Use this guide to replace the joystick control modules on your Nintendo Switch Controller. To complete this project, you must be able to solder. Care should be taken in the removal of the plastic body pieces and the internal circuit board of the device to avoid damage that could render the device inoperable. This project also involves the removal of a lithium-ion battery, and if swollen, be sure to take appropriate precautions.

Step 1

Remove the screws

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP JIS 00 Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Flip the controller over so the model stickers face the ceiling.
Use a JIS #00 screwdriver to remove the two black 8.4 mm screws that secure the handles, located at the ends of the handles.

Step 2

Remove the handle covers

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Carefully remove the handle covers by pulling them away from the main body.

Step 3

Remove the screws

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP JIS 00 Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Use a JIS #00 screwdriver to remove the four silver 6.8 mm screws that secure the clear back plastic cover.

Step 4

Unclip the plastic cover

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Carefully pry away the clear plastic cover using your fingernail.

Step 5

Remove the clear plastic cover

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Remove the clear plastic cover.

Step 6

Remove the battery

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Remove the lithium-ion battery by using a fingernail or plastic opening tool to pry it up on the left side.
Only a small amount of force is needed.

Step 7

Remove the screws

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP JIS 00 Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the five 5 mm screws from the back of the controller.
The two case screws above the handgrips and the single case screw below the battery bay have a shallow seat. These three screws can be easily removed.
The two case screws adjacent to the ZR and ZL shoulder buttons have a deep seat. Use an extension or a narrow PH1 Phillips screwdriver with a longer shaft to reach these screws.

Step 8

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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There's an adhesive pad located in the center of each handle. It will require a bit of force to pry away the front cover, but be mindful of the attached ribbon cable.
Delicately take off the plastic cover from the controller.
Don't completely remove the front cover just yet, as it's still attached to the motherboard via a white ribbon cable.

Step 9

Open the flap

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP iFixit Opening Picks (Set of 6) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Use the tip of an opening pick to open the black flap of the ZIF connector by pushing it upwards.

Step 10

Disconnect the interconnect cable

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Use your fingers or a pair of blunt nose tweezers to disconnect the interconnect cable from its connector.

Step 11

Remove the front case

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Remove the front case.

Step 12

Remove the joystick caps

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With light force pull the two joystick caps off of the controller.

Step 13

Unscrew the motherboard

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP JIS 00 Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Use a PH1 Philipps screwdriver to remove the four 5 mm-long screws securing the motherboard.

Step 14

Remove the LED light

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP JIS 00 Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Use your fingernail or a pair of tweezers to pry the LED light away from its slot.
Set aside the LED light with its corresponding screw for reassembly.

Step 15

Loosen the circuit board

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Loosen the circuit board off the chassis by gently pulling at the bottom right corner.
Lift the circuit board up to expose its backside.
Avoid using too much force when lifting the circuit board to prevent damaging the wires.

Step 16

Desolder the joystick module

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Turn to the backside of the circuit board for clear access to the solder joints.
Desolder all of the outlined solder joints.
Remove the joystick module from the circuit board.
Refer to the following solder guide if necessary: How To Solder and Desolder Connections