Anyone have experience replacing a 3DS XL Circle Pad?

I have zero experience taking electronics apart, I've looked at some videos and it looks straightforward, but the step where you unlatch the last ribbon looks risky for an amateur. I'd almost rather send it to someone here who has the tools and experience. If anyone can share some tips and what replacement circle pad you bought, that would be much appreciated.

This won't help you much, but...

I've taken apart DS Lites and PSPs. The clips holding the ribbon cables in are fragile and break easily. I almost broke one once. The ribbons themselves are pretty sturdy, since it's just conductors in a sheet of plastic.

Check to see if it's under warranty first?

elessar123 said:

This won't help you much, but...

I've taken apart DS Lites and PSPs. The clips holding the ribbon cables in are fragile and break easily. I almost broke one once. The ribbons themselves are pretty sturdy, since it's just conductors in a sheet of plastic.

Check to see if it's under warranty first?

Click to expand...

Missed warranty by a few months. Are the clips easy to replace? I would pick up a few spares just in case.

raiden_86 said:

Missed warranty by a few months. Are the clips easy to replace? I would pick up a few spares just in case.

Click to expand...

I don't think they're easy to replace, no. The slots that hold the ribbon cables are soldered on the bottom with a lot of conductors, and the clips just tightens down on the ribbon cables so they don't slip out. Maybe you can replace the clip itself, but I'm not sure.