Use the flat end of a spudger or your fingernail to flip up the retaining flap on the speaker assembly ribbon cable ZIF socket.
Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, NOT the socket itself. Damaging the socket or cable will result in a 3DS that will blink its power LED when you press the power button - and do nothing else.
Disconnect the speaker assembly ribbon cable with a pair of tweezers.
Continue lifting the motherboard assembly and rotate it until it is resting next to the rest of the device.
Use the flat end of a spudger or your fingernail to flip up the retaining flap on the LCD ribbon cable ZIF socket.
Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself. Damaging the socket or cable will result in a 3DS that won't have a functional top screen.
Starting at the bottom right corner, insert the flat end of a spudger between the touchscreen and LCD frame and gently pry the touchscreen off the LCD.
Do not run the spudger down the side of the display assembly to loosen the touchscreen. The two components of the display assembly are held together by a fairly weak adhesive tape, and running the spudger between the two could tangle or damage the tape.
Insert the spudger into the top right corner between the two pieces and pry the touchscreen off the LCD frame.
I had no problem with the screws. A while ago I invested in a multi bit precision screwdriver. If you are going to be taking apart electronics this is worth the $20-$30 investment in the long run. If you strip a screw then you have the wrong bit, stop what your doing and wait until you can get the right tool.
This guide could have at least some tips on putting the 3ds back together. It is a true test of your patience. I got mine back together with lots of swearing and having to remove the motherboard several times. It could have been mentioned to keep in eye on your volume and wifi switch position. because I got mine back together and the volume is stuck on full blast and the wifi switch is stuck on. I am going to wait to strip it down again because I have to replace a shoulder button soon anyway.
Also removing the frame on the touch screen was not mentioned and it is really easy to break because it is taped down onto the touch screen.
we're having trouble trying to put the lcd board's small ribbon cable back into the motherboard. if anyone could help we would be very grateful. thank you
all right, we got that, but now we're having trouble with redoing step 18--it's impossible to put the very short ribbon cable under the flap. any suggestions?
Fantastic guide and pictures. Just finished replacing the touch screen in my daughter's 3DS. I had to take the unit apart again and re seat the top screen connector but otherwise no problems.