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Shoulder Buttons, Side Bumpers, and Power Switch Removal

This guide shows how to remove the shoulder...

Nintendo Game Boy Advance Moderate No estimate Guide 191725

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

This guide shows how to remove the shoulder buttons (L + R), side bumpers, and power switch cover in a Game Boy Advance.

Step 1

Prepare your Game Boy for disassembly

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Before working on your Game Boy, turn the power switch to the OFF position and unplug any cables.
If you have a game cartridge installed, remove it.
Since your Game Boy will be laying screen‑side down for most of your repair, consider placing it on a clean cloth for protection.

Step 2

Remove the battery cover

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Release the battery cover tab with your finger and swing the cover away from your Game Boy to remove it.
During reassembly, insert the tabs on the bottom edge of the cover into their cutouts and press the cover into place.

Step 3

Remove the batteries

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Remove the two AA batteries.
If the metal terminals are corroded, follow this guide to clean them.
When installing batteries, use the diagram in the battery well to properly orient them.

Step 4

Remove the back shell screws

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP JIS 1 Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tri-point Y0 Screwdriver Bit Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Remove the seven screws securing the back shell:
Six 9.4 mm‑long tri‑point Y0 screws
One 8.5 mm‑long JIS 1 screw
You can try to use a non-iFixit Phillips driver in a pinch, but you risk damaging or stripping screws. Push down firmly on the driver and twist slowly.

Step 5

Remove the back shell

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Lift the back shell straight up and remove it.
During reassembly, squeeze the shell firmly around the edges and ensure the shoulder buttons and bumpers are properly seated with no large gaps. Gently test the buttons to make sure everything feels correct.

Step 6

Remove the shoulder buttons

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Lift the shoulder buttons (aka L and R buttons) straight up to remove them.
During reassembly:
Since your Game Boy is laying upside down, the L button will go on your right‑hand side, and the R button will go on your left‑hand side.
Slide the buttons into place, making sure the peg on the button goes into its circular cutout and the button itself is over the actual button mechanism.
The shoulder buttons will sit on the inside edge of the side bumpers.
Gently test the buttons to make sure they feel correct. If they don't, reposition them and make sure the metal arms aren't stuck in a weird position under the board.

Step 7

Remove the side bumpers

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Remove the side bumpers.

Step 8

Remove the power switch cover

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Remove the power switch cover.
During reassembly, make sure the switch cover is properly slotted around the arm on the switch mechanism.