Nintendo Switch OLED Model Rear Case Replacement

Written By: Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Comments: 7

Nintendo Switch OLED Model Rear Case Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 40 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the rear case in your Nintendo Switch OLED.

The Switch OLED uses JIS screws, but you can use a Phillips screwdriver in a pinch. Be very careful not to strip the screws. iFixit's Phillips bits are designed to be cross-compatible with JIS-style screws.

Tools

Parts

Nintendo Switch OLED Console Rear Case

Step 1

Before you begin this repair, make sure the device is completely powered off.
Press and hold down the small round button on the back of the Joy Con controller.
While you hold down the button, slide the controller upward.

Step 2

Continue sliding the Joy Con upward until it's completely removed from the console.
Repeat this same process for the other Joy Con.

Step 3

Use a Phillips driver, or a JIS driver, to remove the 2 mm-long screw securing the top of the rear case to the frame.
To prevent these tight screws from stripping, apply firm downward force, work slowly, and try another JIS or Phillips driver if the screws won't come out.

What if I don't have the screwdriver and I can't buy it

Ivan ROSTRO jr -

Step 4

Use a Phillips driver to remove the two 2 mm-long screws securing the bottom of the rear case to the frame.

Step 5

Use a Phillips driver to remove the 3.8 mm screw securing the right Joy-Con sensor rail to the rear case.
To prevent these tight screws from stripping, apply firm downward force, work slowly and try another JIS 000 or PH 000 driver if the screws won't come out.

all 3 need to be removed, not just the one.

Roger -

Step 6

Use a Phillips driver to remove the 3.8 mm screw securing the left Joy-Con sensor rail to the rear case.

all 3 need to be removed, not just the one.

Roger -

Step 7

Use your finger to flip up the kickstand on the back of the device.
If there's a microSD card in the microSD card slot, remove it now before you continue to the next step.

Step 8

Use a Y00 screwdriver to remove the two 4.3 mm screws securing the rear case to the frame.

Before the next step remove any game cards in the console

Zach -

Step 9

Lift the rear case up from the top of the device and remove it.
If you're having trouble removing the case, use an opening pick to pry up the plastic clips.

Just a heads up that, even after removing the screws, the rear plate is still heavily clipped in place. I recommend using an opening pick or opening tool to carefully pry it up starting at the top and working your way down the sides. Once you get to the bottom, the speaker grilles are a little tricky. They're attached to the rear plate, but they can get stuck easily as you're removing the back plate.

Craig Lloyd -

Conclusion

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Nintendo Switch OLED Answers community for help.

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before you install it.

Author

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 16/01/22

163004 Reputation

2 comments

Where do I buy the rear case from not listed in this article

Ruben Canas -

Hi Ruben!

I added the part to the guide. Unfortunately, at the time of me writing this, we are out of stock. You can get notified when we get more in stock on the part's page!

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl -