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Official iFixit API visual reference

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Front Button Replacement

The front buttons on a Nintendo switch pro...

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller Moderate 10 - 15 minutes Guide 127758

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

The front buttons on a Nintendo switch pro controller are supposed to be free flowing and have lightning fast response time. If your controller is not performing at the highest level it can then that means you will keep losing games. The controller has to be the best it can possibly be so that you can play up to your ultimate potential. If your front buttons are sticky, unresponsive, or will not press down all the way, use this guide to remove and replace your buttons. This guide requires a Phillips #00 screwdriver for screw removal.

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 screws

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

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Remove the two 6.8 mm-long screws on the top circuit board using a Phillips screwdriver.

Step 13

Open the ZIF connector

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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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Use a spudger to flip up the locking tab on the ZIF connector.

Step 14

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Remove the black ribbon cable from its connector.
Only a small amount of force should be needed to remove the ribbon cable.

Step 15

Repair step

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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 trigger buttons from the plastic cover.

Step 16

Unscrew front button board

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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 screwdriver to remove the 5 mm-long screw securing the front button board.
There may be an additional screw. If so, remove it now.

Step 17

Remove the board

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Remove the front button board.