How to Take Apart Your Nintendo DS and Safely Put It Back Together

Nintendo Product Recycling

Video game products have significant nostalgic value and are still fun to play and own even decades after they are first purchased. Unlike other electronics, such as cell phones, computers and televisions, video game systems usually are kept, resold, or handed down to family and friends. As such, we see very limited demand to dispose of video game products.

Because video game systems retain significant value, Nintendo of America offers a number of options to maximize their continued use, while also offering recycling options to consumers and businesses to help minimize the waste disposal of video game products.

How Nintendo of America helps minimize the waste disposal of video game products:

• We offer a free and convenient Take Back Program for consumers and businesses that would like Nintendo to recycle their products for them. The Take Back Program uses a network of thousands of UPS locations across the country to ship the products at no cost to consumers. We even will recycle a competitor’s home console for consumers who have purchased a Nintendo system.
• We offer reasonably-priced and convenient repair options to maximize continued use of current Nintendo systems.
• We continue to offer repair support for Nintendo systems for years after retail sales have ended.
• We remanufacture or refurbish retailer and consumer returns and utilize them for repair and replacement programs, as well as for sales.
• We recycle close to 100 percent of the materials from any returned products or repair parts that cannot be re-used, and partner with a certified recycler to ensure responsible recycling practices*.
• In calendar year 2017, Nintendo of America processed 200 tons of returned products (U.S., Canada and Latin America) with a 99 percent recycle rate. Nintendo of America also reused almost two-thirds of returned products in their original form, which is the most environmentally friendly recycling option.

How to recycle or repair Nintendo products:

Take Back Program – Free!

We provide a free courtesy product Take Back Program for the recycling of Nintendo hardware, software, accessories, and rechargeable batteries to consumers in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, we will also accept video game consoles made by other companies from consumers who also have purchased a Nintendo console.

To participate in the Take Back Program, we need to send you a shipping label so that you can send in your products for recycling. Send an email to [email protected] and we will send you complete instructions.

Recycle locally and responsibly**

A variety of programs allow you to recycle your Nintendo products locally. Nintendo recommends that you choose a recycler with a commitment to supporting environmental stewardship who will handle the donated material in a responsible way.

• U.S. Residents, please use the following link to find a recycler in your area:
• Canadian residents, please use the following links to find recyclers in your area:

*Additional information on Nintendo of America’s recycling efforts:

Nintendo supports the goals of certifications such as R2 and e-Stewards, and we believe that a successful national recycling certification program must be supported by government, business and affiliated associations. Nintendo partners with an R2 certified national recycler with a commitment to environmental stewardship that meets our Corporate Social Responsibility goals and values, and we require the following from our recycling partner:

• Certified in Quality, Health and Safety, and Environmental management systems (e.g. ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001), and R2 Responsible Recycling guidelines published by the EPA.
• Prohibits the export of defective electronics for processing to non-OECD countries.
• Transparent and closed-loop recycling process.
• Full support for a zero electronics-to-landfill policy, and the utilization of domestic processors for preparation of materials for smelters and refiners.

Attn: Residents of the state of Illinois – All waste video game consoles, televisions, etc. generated by households in Illinois must be recycled. For more information about Illinois’ electronic waste law, please visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency website at:

Attn: Residents of the state of Maine – All waste video game consoles, televisions, etc. generated by households in Maine must be recycled. For more information about Maine’s electronic waste law, please visit the Maine Department of Environmental Protection website at:

Attn: Residents of the state of Maryland – Waste televisions, hand-held video game consoles, and other electronic products with display screens exceeding 4 inches generated by households in Maryland must be recycled at no cost to the consumer. Nintendo provides a free courtesy product Take Back Program – Send an email to [email protected] and we will send you complete instructions. If you require packaging, please note that in your email to the Take Back Program. For information about Maryland’s electronic waste law, please visit:

Attn: Residents of the state of New York – All waste video game consoles, televisions, etc. generated by households in New York must be recycled. For more information about New York’s electronic waste law, please visit the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website at:

Attn: Residents of the state of Vermont – All waste computer, televisions, printers, monitors, etc. generated by households in Vermont must be recycled. For information about Vermont’s electronic waste law, please visit the Vermont E-Waste Recycling Program website at:

Attn: Residents of the state of West Virginia – Waste televisions, hand-held video game consoles, and other electronic products with display screens exceeding 4 inches generated by households in West Virginia must be recycled. For information about West Virginia’s electronic waste law, please visit the West Virginia Solid Waste Management Board website at:

**Your personal information:

If your Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Wii, Nintendo DSi or family of Nintendo 3DS products is functional enough to do so, remove any personal information from it before you sell, donate or recycle it. For steps to remove your personal information, use these links:
Wii U Wii Nintendo DSi / Nintendo DSi XL Nintendo 3DS family systems

For consumer protection, we dismantle and crush all items received through our Take Back prior to shipping them out to be shredded for recycling. This process permanently destroys all consumer data contained on the system before it leaves our facility.

More about Nintendo of America and the environment

For additional information on Nintendo of America’s efforts to protect the environment and better the community, please read our Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

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Our hackmasters Will O’Brien and Ben Heckendorn weren’t satisfied with their one-slot-per-week How-To gig, so we had to come up with a new way for them to get the word out about some simpler hacks and projects. Enter the Mini How-to.

We’ve all seen them before, the weird inverse Torx styled Nintendo security screws. Sure you can — gasp — SPEND MONEY buying a special bit for them on eBay but it’s pretty easy to hack your own tool for the job. In this mini how-to we’ll show you a couple of ways to do it. Today’s the day many a Nintendo fan has been waiting for. Many of you are probably waiting in line for your Wii right now — so let’s crack these Nintendos open!

The tool(s) we’re about to create will open most modern Nintendo consoles, from the SNES, SNES 2 (mini-SNES), Nintendo 64, Gamecube, to — we presume — the Wii. To open the cartridges themselves you’ll need to create a slightly smaller tool than the sizes mentioned. The theory is by making a “fork” to grab onto either side of the screw we can twist it out. Here’s a top-down and profile drawing of the screw head that explains the basic idea:

We’ll cover 2 ways of making a Nintendo-busting screw.

Screwdriver version – Tools Required:

• A Dremel tool with a cut-off disc. The reinforced kind with the checkerboard texture works best. They usually include a few with a Dremel so unless you’ve busted them all trying to, I dunno, cut diamonds or leftover Malt O’ Meal off bowls, you should have one laying around.

• A flat-head screwdriver you don’t care about. I used one with a tip width just slightly smaller than a pencil. As long as it fits inside the device’s screw well you should be good. The exact width of the end of the screwdriver I used was .225 inches.

The notched screwdriver. Looks like a metal version of one of those KFC “sporks”, doesn’t it? Great, now I’m hungry for some greasy deals.

Using your screwdriver:

1. If it isn’t already, scrap the driver across an old magnet to magnetize it. Speakers work well, cabinet magnets, really hefty ones on your fridge.
2. Slide the screwdriver into the screw well. (Pretty obvious, but I’m contractually obligated to say the obvious.)
3. Center the shaft in the well and fit in the teeth. If you latch around the screw properly you should feel it – the screwdriver won’t slip.
4. If you can’t get a good grip try carving out a bit more of the hole. Also you might want to grind on the flat edge of the screwdriver to make the teeth a little sharper.
5. Make sure you get a good grip before applying any major force – otherwise you might strip the screw. Pressing down on the screw hard before / while turning will help.
6. Once you’ve found purchase you should be able to twist out the screw. The biggest part is coaxing it loose – once you do that the rest is easy.

The screwdriver holding a screw. Note how the head of the screw fits into the slot we carved.

Pen version – Tools Required:

• A pen – the clear plastic type work best. Since about 50% of the pens in the average household don’t work anyway you should be able to find one to sacrifice.
• Some sort of flame source, lighters, matches, gas stove. Sigh — kids, ask your parents to help with this part.

This pen is about to do a far, far better thing than it has ever done. Writing? Whatever. The hack is mighter than the sword.

What to do:

1. Have your Nintendo system ready and close at hand, screw wells exposed and up.
2. Remove any plastic caps and then light the end of the pen. It should burn quite well. Don’t let any gunk drip onto yourself, it’ll probably hurt. Worse than solder. It will also stink, so open a window if possible.
3. Once it’s burned for a few seconds and the plastic has kind of melted shut the hollow opening, cram it down into the screw well and onto the screw.
4. Don’t move – let it cool for about 15 seconds. The plastic is forming to the shape of the screw.

Carefully pull the pen out – you should see the shape of the screw in the plastic.

It’s a bit blurry but you should get the point. (Auto-focus is my sworn enemy.)

You can now use this pen as a screwdriver — simply stick it in and twist. Make sure you feel the grooves latch into place, then press down hard as you turn for best results. If the plastic bits strip out you can always relight the pen and make another mold.

This SNES is as good as opened!

Well there you go — now you can help yourself to the guts of modern Nintendo consoles. Remember, to open cartridges you just need to make a slightly smaller tool. Regardless, the days of opening Nintendo systems with sledgehammers is over!

Introduction: How to Cure a Floppy Hinge on a DS Lite

In this instructableI will show you how to repair a crack that is making your DS hinge floppy and unsafe for it. All you need is super glue, time, and screwdrivers to get the top open. (Or the bottom too, if you don’t want to risk hurting the ribbon cable like I did)

Step 1: Tools and Materials

For this project, you will need a couple of tools and materials to repair your DS.
1: Super glue. I got mine from the dollar store for just $1! It dried clear and you cant even tell its there. Beware though, most super glue bonds skin on contact
2: A small philips screwdriver. You need this to take apart the top of the DS (The one that looks like a +)
3: A Nintendo tri-wing screwdriver. (Optional) If you want to take the bottom apart, you will need one. Get one here: Note you will have to wait for 2-3 weeks for it.
4: An X-acto knife or pin. So you can take off the rubber pads to get to the screws
5: A cotton swab (better known as the q-tip). So you can wipe off any excess glue
6: A DS Lite with a cracked hinge. The small crack is the only reason your ds isn’t clicking

Step 2: Take It Apart: the Bottom

Now It’s time to take apart the DS. If you aren’t going to take apart the bottom, skip this step.

To take the bottom apart, you are going to need a X-acto knife or pin, a Nintendo screwdriver, and a philips screwdriver. (The one that looks like a +)

Start by taking off the rubber pads and the battery cover on the bottom of the DS.
Remove the battery cover and the battery. Stick the pads to the outside of the cover so you don’t lose them.
Locate all of the philips screws (+) and remove them. DON’T LOSE THEM! There are 2 under the battery cover and 2 under the pads.
Locate all of the 3-wing screws and remove them too. DONT LOSE THESE EITHER. There are 2 on the bottom, 1 by the DS card slot, and 1 inside the battery compartment.
Remove the back cover, exposing the electonics that are the DS. Do your best not to damage anything.
Find the white and the black wires that connect close to the DS card slot on the motherboard. Carefully disconnect these and unthread the black wire from under the DS card slot. (carefully!)
Lift up the motherboard and flip it over. Carefully disconnect the orange ribbon cable that comes from the top. You can now move the motherboard aside. Unscrew the 2 philips screws by the hinge. You can now fully remove the top from the bottom. Carefully slide the ribbon cable through the slit in the plastic faceplate. Pull the white and black wires through the hinge hole. The top part is now entirely disconnected from the bottom.

Step 3: Take It Apart: the Top

To take apart the top you need:
– An X-acto knife or pin
– A small philips (+) screwdriver

To take apart the top, you need to remove the 4 rubber pads on the corners. Remove these either with a pin or an X-acto knife. Poke either of them under the edge of the pad and lift it up. Stick the pads somewhere so you dont lose them.
Next, remove the 4 philips (+) screws.
Slide the top half ay from the hinge area until you can pull it off of the rest.

Step 4: Apply the Glue

For this stepyou will need:
– Super glue or your glue of choice
– A cotton swab

To apply the glue, pull the crack apart and put some glue in the crack. Try not to get any on your fingers, or you will be washing them for about 1/2 an hour trying to get the glue off. Press the crack together for about 30 seconds (Or put a clamp on it and leave it for a while) let the glue set for about 15-30 minutes. Super glue generally takes about 5 minutes at most. Wait a while before handling it though.

Step 5: Reassemble the DS

Now put your DS back together in the reverse order that you took it apart. (In other words, do everything you just did backwards)

Now your DS has been cured of FHS! (floppy hinge syndrome)

Be the First to Share

Did you make this project? Share it with us!

For Parents

Learn how to make your next family game night a big success with multiplayer video games for Nintendo Switch systems and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

Nintendo Switch systems

Nintendo Switch

Lesson 1: Find a game the whole family can play

Lots of great games for the Nintendo Switch offer multiplayer gameplay. For example, up to 4 players can race on one system in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game. Plus, the Smart Steering feature makes it easy for kids to stay on track.

Not sure where to start your search for a family-friendly Nintendo game? Our game finder can help! Just answer a few questions to get real-time recommendations.

Lesson 1: Find a game the whole family can play

Lots of great games for the Nintendo Switch offer multiplayer gameplay. For example, up to 4 players can race on one system in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game. Plus, the Smart Steering feature makes it easy for kids to stay on track.

Not sure where to start your search for a family-friendly Nintendo game? Our game finder can help! Just answer a few questions to get real-time recommendations.

Lesson 2: Flip the stand to share the screen

In tabletop mode, you can use the stand on your Nintendo Switch system to share the screen—and then share the fun with a multiplayer game. Note: Please be aware that the Nintendo Switch Lite system does not include a built-in stand.

Lesson 2: Flip the stand to share the screen

In tabletop mode, you can use the stand on your Nintendo Switch system to share the screen—and then share the fun with a multiplayer game. Note: Please be aware that the Nintendo Switch Lite system does not include a built-in stand.

Lesson 3: The more, the merrier

With local wireless, you can link up to eight Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems together for multiplayer fun.

You can also hop online to play with family and friends who are far away. Don’t forget to use the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls mobile app to set guidelines for online features at any time.

Lesson 3: The more, the merrier

With local wireless, you can link up to eight Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems together for multiplayer fun.

You can also hop online to play with family and friends who are far away. Don’t forget to use the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls mobile app to set guidelines for online features at any time.

Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer modes; sold separately. Multiplayer features vary by game; see individual games for details.

Nintendo Account and Internet connection required to use the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. Data charges may apply.

Additional accessories may be required for multiplayer modes; sold separately. Multiplayer features vary by game; see individual games for details.

Nintendo Account and Internet connection required to use the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. Data charges may apply.

Nintendo 3DS family of systems

Nintendo 3DS family of systems

Lesson 1: Take advantage of local wireless

The Nintendo 3DS family of systems can communicate over local wireless connection (no internet needed!). Use this feature with certain games and applications to play multiplayer games or share certain game data between users who are within range of each other’s systems.

Lesson 1: Take advantage of local wireless

The Nintendo 3DS family of systems can communicate over local wireless connection (no internet needed!). Use this feature with certain games and applications to play multiplayer games or share certain game data between users who are within range of each other’s systems.

Lesson 2: Connect online to play with other users

You can connect online to play compatible games with other users. Internet access also lets you purchase and download games and apps from the Nintendo eShop.

Lesson 2: Connect online to play with other users

You can connect online to play compatible games with other users. Internet access also lets you purchase and download games and apps from the Nintendo eShop.

Bonus Lesson: Games for the Whole Family

Why should kids have all the fun? Get your play on with an extensive selection of games that will entertain and amuse kids and parents alike.

Bonus Lesson: Games for the Whole Family

Why should kids have all the fun? Get your play on with an extensive selection of games that will entertain and amuse kids and parents alike.

Connect with us and learn more about our products.

You can find friendly characters, fun activities, and fantastic video games on Play Nintendo!

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The professional gadget teardowners at iFixit got their hands on Apple’s new AirPods and they gave them a repairability score of 0, zilch, nada. Now, each earbud weighs only 4g – not a lot for a headphone, battery, proprietary wireless chip (Apple W1), beamforming microphones, proximity sensors and an accelerometer.

An impressive feat of engineering, but Apple sealed it in tightly. Each earbud had to be sliced open and it turned out that everything inside was secured with a hearty dose of glue.

A tiny battery and the antenna are snuggled up in the “stem” of the earbud, the shiny ring on the bottom is the charging contact and conceals the main microphone. As you can imagine, there’s no way to put Humpty Dumpty back together again.

The remains of the AirPods • And their charging case

The charging case of the AirPods has less glue in it, but its disassembly proved no less destructive. A 3.81V, 1.52WHr battery is at the heart of this case, extending the playback time of the wireless headset to 24 hours.

The final verdict is a damning one – 0/10 repairability score, only negatives and no positives. Worse still, X-ray imagery suggests that Apple rushed the AirPods production leading to sub-par soldering. It remains to be seen how this will affect the longevity of the product, but it is so unlike Apple (which usually perfects even its chargers).

Source: iMore

So, you bought a brand new Nintendo Switch, eh? Well, let us help you set it up! The Nintendo Switch is a pretty unique console, with it allowing you to play a variety of different ways to accommodate any situation. As such, we wouldn’t blame even the savviest of techies for needing a bit of help after taking it out of the box for the first time.

That’s why we’ve compiled all of our help and how-to articles that will help you get up and running on your Nintendo Switch after you’ve taken it out of the box. From the first setup to playing your favorite games, let us show you just how easy it is to get going.

If you’ve already set up your Switch, and now you’re looking for advanced features, check out our ultimate guide to Nintendo Switch instead.

• How to setup your Nintendo Switch
• Getting Started
• Parental Controls
• Best Games
• Troubleshooting

How to set up your Nintendo Switch

Source: iMore

Don’t waste too much time after you’ve taken the Nintendo Switch from beneath the tree and unwrapped it — we need as much time as we can to play it, after all! These tips will help you get your Nintendo Switch setup in a hurry.

Getting Started

Source: iMore

Once you have everything set up, you’ll want to get everything ready to go for people to start playing games. This includes making your profiles and accounts, changing the settings to make it work exactly how you want, and getting online.

Parental Controls

Source: iMore

Parents, if you’re buying a Switch for your little ones and you have concerns about the content they’ll access, do know that there are powerful parental control options available to you. By the end of it, you’ll have full control over what your kids can download, see, and play, as well as how long they can play on any given day.

Best Games

Source: iMore

You should be ready to play now! Pop in a game and have some fun! Need suggestions on new games to buy? We’re constantly checking out all the latest titles so we can bring you the best recommendations on what to play. Be sure to explore all of the Switch’s best games with the following links.

For even more details on the best games in all the categories, check out our ultimate guide to Nintendo Switch games.

If you’re wondering what games are available on Nintendo Switch, we’ve got a list of every single one of them (we’ve been keeping track).

Troubleshooting

Source: iMore

Running into trouble with your Nintendo Switch? We can help! The following articles will help you solve the most common problems you might run into. Try everything you can to solve any problems you have with your Switch before opting to call Nintendo.

Play On

Nintendo Switch is one of the best gaming consoles Nintendo has ever made, but it’s also one of the most unique. You’re bound to hit a snag or two in your setup process, so be sure to check back here if there’s something you’re unsure about!

This is just the beginning. When you’re ready to go further, be sure to check out our ultimate guide to Nintendo Switch.

Applies to: Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 2DS XL, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS, Classic Edition Series, NES Classic Edition, Super NES Classic Edition, Wii U Deluxe, Wii U Basic, Wii, Wii mini, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DSi XL, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite

Important: As we continue to follow the preventive measures put in place related to the COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with local guidelines, Nintendo Online Store is now able to gradually restart orders for a limited catalog. During this time, it is possible that your order may experience processing and shipping delays. Due to the popularity of some of our catalog items, it is possible that some products go out of stock. We are working as quickly and safely as possible to expand the catalog, meet the demand, and deliver your ordered product(s) on time. We appreciate your understanding.
Stay up to date with the latest information on the status of our Nintendo Online Store at store.nintendo.com.

Part orders

• What is the status of my order?
• How long will it take to receive my order?
• Can I change or cancel my order?
• How do I solve a problem with my order? (Changes or returns, wrong item, missing item, etc.)
• How do I obtain a refund or return an item I purchased from Nintendo?
• How do you use the personal information (name, address, etc.) I provide?
• I’m from outside the United States and Canada, may I order from Nintendo’s online store?
• Are coupons accepted on purchases made directly through Nintendo of America?

Authentic Nintendo Refurbished Products

• What is the condition of Authentic Nintendo Refurbished Products?
• How do Authentic Nintendo Refurbished Products differ from refurbished products offered by retailers?

Part orders

What is the status of my order?

You can find this information on our Order Status page. Select the order number link on the status summary page for order information.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Please see Shipping & Processing for detailed information.

Can I change or cancel my order?

If your order has not been shipped, please contact us for support.

If it has already been shipped, you will need to refuse delivery or return the package to Nintendo with a written request to refund or exchange the items you ordered.

How do I solve a problem with my order? (Changes or returns, wrong item, missing item, etc.)

If you have questions about your order, please contact us for support.

How do I obtain a refund or return an item I purchased from Nintendo?

Please see Returns and Exchanges for detailed information.

How do you use the personal information (name, address, etc.) I provide?

For information on how your personal information is handled, please check out Nintendo’s Privacy Policy.

I’m from outside the United States and Canada, may I order from Nintendo’s online store?

Unfortunately, we are unable to ship orders placed on our online store to addresses outside the United States and Canada. If you live in a country other than the United States or Canada, you will want to contact the local retail location in your area for information on the availability of products. Please visit one of our global regional websites for more information for your area.

Are coupons accepted on purchases made directly through Nintendo of America?

Coupons are for use at local, participating retailers and are not valid on purchases made directly through Nintendo.

Authentic Refurbished Nintendo Products

What is the condition of Authentic Nintendo Refurbished Products?

Authentic Nintendo Refurbished Products may have minor cosmetic defects, such as small scratches or dents. However, they are held to the same functional specifications as our new systems and come with the same one-year warranty as our new systems.

How do Authentic Nintendo Refurbished Products differ from refurbished products offered by retailers?

Authentic Nintendo Refurbished Products are the only refurbished products in the market that have been cleaned, tested, and inspected to meet Nintendo’s high standards. They come with a one-year warranty, the same warranty we offer on our new products. These products are only available directly from Nintendo.

Who we are

Nintendo’s mission is to put smiles on the faces of everyone we touch. We do so by creating new surprises for people across the world to enjoy together. We’ve forged our own path since 1889, when we began making hanafuda playing cards in Kyoto, Japan. Today, we’re fortunate to be able to share our characters, ideas and worlds through the medium of video games and the entertainment industry.

Nintendo of America, established in 1980 and based in Redmond, Wash., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd. We are committed to delivering best-in-class products and services to our customers and to investing in the well-being of our employees as part of the global Nintendo family.

Our history

We’ve been dedicated to our mission for a long time—since 1889, in fact.

Fusajiro Yamauchi began a small business manufacturing “Hanafuda” playing cards in Kyoto, Japan.

Announced a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc. (NOA). Started selling the Game & Watch™ product line.

Developed and began distribution of the coin-operated video game Donkey Kong™. This video game quickly became the hottest selling individual coin-operated machine in the business.

The Nintendo Entertainment System™ (NES™) launched in America and became a smash hit.

Mario™ was first introduced in the Super Mario Bros.™ game.

The character Link™ made his first appearance in the Legend of Zelda™ game for NES.

Introduced Game Boy™, the first portable handheld game system. Originally bundled with the Tetris™ game, it was an instant phenomenon.

The 16-bit Super Nintendo Entertainment System™ (Super NES™) was released in the U.S.

The Nintendo 64™ system launched in the U.S. on Sept. 29, along with the critically acclaimed Super Mario 64™ game.

Nintendo introduced Game Boy Color™. Pokémon™, a breakthrough game concept for Game Boy, was introduced to the world and generated a nationwide craze to “Catch ‘em All!”

Launched the Game Boy™ Advance and the Nintendo GameCube™ systems. The Nintendo GameCube was the first Nintendo system to use optical discs instead of cartridges for its games.

Launched the Nintendo DS™, an innovative, dual-screen handheld gaming system.

Nintendo introduced the Wii™ system and with it several advanced features. Wireless motion-sensitive controllers, built-in Wi-Fi capability, and a host of other features made Wii the best-selling later-generation console system in the world.

Wii became the first system purchased by more than 10 million Americans in a single year.

The Nintendo 3DS™ system launched, letting users view and play 3D content without special 3D glasses.

The Wii U™ system launched with the innovative Wii U GamePad controller that offered users new ways to play together, including off-TV. This system also introduced support for amiibo™ accessories.

The Splatoon™ game launched, introducing the squid-kids known as Inklings.

The Nintendo Switch™ system launched, along with hits including Super Mario Odyssey™ and The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild.

The Nintendo Switch Lite system launched. Designed specifically for portable play, the compact system plays the library of Nintendo Switch games that work in handheld mode.

Join us in putting smiles on the faces of people around the world.

“At Nintendo of America, we are constantly working to deliver surprises and “ultimately” smiles to our many customers throughout the Americas.”

Doug Bowser President

“At Nintendo, we believe in advancing responsible business practices, supporting human rights, and ensuring that we are continuing to reach ever-higher standards with our business partners and employees.”

Devon Pritchard Executive Vice President, Business Affairs

“We believe in fostering an inclusive workforce and cultivating an employee base where opportunities are truly available to anyone.”

Robyn Corr Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Our commitments

Being accountable to our customers is one of our most important values. Our goal is to deliver surprises and, ultimately, smiles to our many Nintendo stakeholders, including our business partners, customers, and employees throughout the Americas. That means advancing responsible business practices, supporting human rights, and ensuring we continue to reach ever-higher standards as we grow and learn.

Smiles for our consumers

To provide all of our consumers with safe and enjoyable gaming experiences, we strive to continually create products of even higher quality by learning from consumer feedback.

Smiles for our supply chain

We strive to create an environment that providers our consumers with better products, and therefore we create beneficial relationship with our production partners, development partners, and sales partners.

Smiles for our employees

We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment where every employee can take advantage of their strengths and realize their maximum potential.

• Read about how we live these values in our Code of Business Conduct.
• Learn about our efforts to responsibly dispose of our products through our Product Recycling and Take Back Program.
• To understand our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts as a global organization, please read our Nintendo Corporate Social Responsibility report.
• Learn about our CSR metrics by exploring our Numerical Data.
• Review our policies in Management and Compliance.

Contact us

Whether you need customer support, are interested in doing business with us, or have other questions, here’s how to get in touch.

Accessibility:

Nintendo endeavors to provide products and services that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. If you have questions about the accessibility features of Nintendo’s products or services, please contact us using one of the methods below.

TTY/TDD Phone:

Customers who use a TTY/TDD device can contact Nintendo by using their TTY or dialing 711 on their telephone. This will automatically connect you to a TRS operator.

As we continue to follow the preventive measures put in place related to the COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with local guidelines, some of our repair centers are now able to gradually restart services. We are working as quickly and safely as possible to get you playing again and appreciate your understanding.

While repair centers ramp up operations, repair orders will be prioritized in the order that they have been set up and received, including products currently held at repair centers that were in-process and not completed due to the closures. If you have an existing repair order, we will notify you via email when your product can be shipped to us. When you receive this notification, please ship your repair order promptly and we will fix your product as soon as possible.

Stay up to date with the latest information on the status of our repair centers and get answers to frequently asked questions at

Nintendo no longer offers factory repairs for the original Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo 3DS XL systems; however, repair service is still available for newer Nintendo 3DS family products, including the New Nintendo 3DS XL and Nintendo 2DS. If you aren’t sure which system you have, check the serial number on the back of your system. If the serial number begins with CW or SW, you have an original Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo 3DS XL system. Visit our support site for information on replacement and upgrade options.

Nintendo no longer offers factory repairs for the Wii console; however, repair service is still available for the Wii mini console. If you aren’t sure which system you have, check the serial number on the back of your system. If the serial number begins with LU or KU, you have a Wii console. Visit our support site for information on replacement and upgrade options.

Our upgraded online repair set-up is fast, easy and secure:

1. Accept Nintendo’s Online Repair Terms and Conditions
2. Log in or set up a new repair profile so we can securely communicate with you about your repair
3. Check the warranty status of your system
4. Confirm the repair, shipping, and any billing info
5. DONE!

Start a Repair Request

New to Online Repair? Below are FAQ’s about Nintendo’s Repair Process:

Q: Why do I need to create a profile?

A: Nintendo allows you to set up repairs for both in and out of warranty systems. We want to protect all your personal data and make sure we can contact you for status updates and questions. This profile also allows you to log in and see your repair status anytime.

Q: Why do I have to accept terms?

A: In rare instances some data can be lost during the repair process. Nintendo strives to ensure no data is lost, however we want to ensure you are fully informed of that possibility.

Q: What does Nintendo Store have to do with repair?

A: Our new online repair set-up has additional security and allows you to actively manage an address book, billing methods, and multiple repairs. This repair process is powered by the same system as the new Nintendo Online Store.

(Discussion of this topic can be found at the Ben Heck forums at )

Overclocking your Game Boy Advance

Need more Speed?

Have you ever been playing a game and wished that you could make everything run faster? For example, in RPGs you spend a lot of time leveling up. It would be real useful if you could speed up the game so that you can get more done in a shorter amount of time.

I have discovered a way to make this happen. I have “overclocked” my Game Boy Advance so that it can run at double the normal speed.

I am not familiar with how computers are overclocked, which I think has something to do with BIOS settings, but this is a totally hardware based project. You don’t need to change any programming in the games. You just need to be able to solder small areas of the Game Boy’s circuit board.

I don’t remember exactly how I got the idea, but there was an old website that I found explaining how you can replace the Crystal Oscillator in an original Game Boy to change how fast it plays. I have spent a good amount of time researching this topic, and now that I have overclocked my own GBA, I decided that it would be a good idea to show other people how to do this. I don’t know of a good place that explains in detail (in English) how to overclock a Game Boy, so I will now present a step by step guide in how to overclock a Game Boy.

A Quick Summary

As I’ve been writing this guide, explaining all the details, it has turned out to be pretty long. Before explaining in depth, here is a quick summary of how to overclock a Game Boy Advance.

• Unscrew and remove the back cover of the GBA.
• Unscrew and lift the circuit board to reveal the front circuit.
• Solder an 8 Mhz crystal oscillator in parallel with the 4.194Mhz surface mount oscillator that is on the circuit board. Connect a switch between the connection of both oscillators so that you can disable the mod whenever you like.
• Cut/drill a hole in the case and affix the switch into that space.
• Put the GBA back together and enjoy!

The CPU & Crystal Oscillator

The reason that a Game Boy is able to play games is because it has a microprocessor; kind of like a PC. This processor is kind of like a brain that tells the rest of the Game Boy what to do. It reads the game data in from the cartridge and communicates with the other electronic components, allowing the game to be played. The processor (I’ll call it a CPU for now) runs at a set speed that is controlled by an oscillator crystal.

The oscillator crystal has an internal structure that vibrates at a controlled frequency, allowing an electronic pulse to be created at that frequency. These pulses are sent to the CPU, telling it when to take its next step. Since every pulse is separated by the same amount of time, the CPU runs at a constant speed.

Changing the Speed

The Oscillator Crystal in all Game Boys, original up to Micro, has a frequency of 4.194 Mhz. This means that 4.194 million pulses are created every second. If an oscillator with a different frequency was connected to the GB circuit, it would run at a different speed. This can also be done with a Nintendo DS, but using greater valued crystals than the Game Boy.

Double Speed Game Boy

By connecting an oscillator with a frequency greater than 4.194Mhz, you can make the GB run at a greater speed. I didn’t want to kill my GBA by speeding it up too fast, so I decided to use an 8Mhz crystal to allow me to run at double speed (Yes, I know 2 x 4.194 doesn’t equal 8. Its close enough.) By connecting the contacts of the faster oscillator to the same points in the circuit where the original oscillator are connected, this will cause the Game Boy to run at the faster speed. I used a switch to connect the faster oscillator to the circuit, so I can disable it when I want to run a game at normal speeds.

• Game Boy
• soldering iron & solder
• 3 thin wires – stranded wire will work best
• 8 Mhz oscillator crystal – the aluminum can type that has two leads
• a small 2 position switch
• epoxy (optional)

Do not modify your Game Boy unless you are willing to take the risk that you will break it. This will void your warrentee and I can not guarantee that these overclocking instructions will work as well for you as they did for me. I don’t know how stable it will be in the long run. Mine runs fine now, but there are chances that overclocking may shorten the life of the Game Boy’s components. Do not attempt this process unless you are confident in your abilities to take things apart and put them back together the same way. You need to be able to solder two small spots on the Game Boy’s circuit board without touching any other spots, or applying too much heat.

If you want to practice soldering beforehand, find a VCR, computer, or other device that someone threw out (that has a circuit board with surface mount components). Practice soldering wires to small surface mount components without causing them to be damaged. If you apply too much heat to the component, you can destroy it and cause it to come off the board.

Before opening the Game Boy, find a clean, static free workplace that has good lighting. You don’t want to loose any screws or destroy any static sensitive components.

Open the Game Boy Advance

The GBA is held together by a few “triwing” screws. These look like similar to a philips head screw, but with only 3 slots.

GBAtemp.net is not held liable for any damage done as a result of this Guide

Contents

• 1 What is Flashme?
• 2 What you will need
  • 2.1 Flashme files (latest versions as of 17.6.06)
• 3 Are there any risks involved?
• 4 Installation Instructions (on a DS Lite)
  • 4.1 Video overview of the SL1 hole + General Flashme tips
  • 4.2 How to make a DS Lite Flashing tool (filmed and provided by Gamerman1723, thanks!)
• 5 Quick Installation Overview
• 6 Things to Remember
• 7 Tips for using your newly flashed DS

What is Flashme?

The standard version of Flashme removes the DS intro screen (including the Warning screen) when booting up. If you wish to keep this boot up screen please use Flashme_Stealth, which leaves it intact.

What you will need

– A Passme2 + Compatible game/Passcard device

– A GBA flashcart

– An insulated conductive tool to bridge the SL1 connection

– A small Phillips head screwdriver

Flashme files (latest versions as of 17.6.06)

Flashme will work for both the original DS and DS Lite, the installer will detect which DS you have.

Noflashme (Flashme Uninstaller, not recommended – do not use on DS Lite)

Are there any risks involved?

The only other thing to note is that you void your Warranty by installing Flashme.

Installation Instructions (on a DS Lite)

1. Make sure you have everything you need and have your DS charged on a full battery. It is also recommended to plug in the AC adapter as a precaution.

2. Copy Flashme or Flashme_Stealth to your flashcart

3. Unscrew the battery cover. Make sure you hold the battery into place to prevent it falling out.

4. Using your Passme2 or Passcard device boot up the flashme installation file (Settings may depend on your passme or flashcart device, if you are inexperienced a Passcard device may be preferable as it requires no setting up). On an EZ-Flash 4 I believe you can get it to work by changing the extension of flashme from .nds to .bin. So try that if you are having troubles.

5. If you receive a warning screen telling you your Firmware is not recognized do not panic. This is normal for later DS Lites. However be aware that if you install flashme on an unrecognized firmware you may run into complications if you uninstall flashme at a later date. Uninstalling flashme is not recommended or necessary at any stage. Later versions of Flashme can be installed on top of your current version of Flashme, you do not need to uninstall it first before installing any possible later version.

6. If you received the warning screen wait 5 seconds and it will tell you to press START to continue anyway.

7. The next screen will advise you that losing power during the installation can harm your DS. Press the button combination X, B, X, B to continue.

8. The installation will now begin. At the bottom of the screen 0% will be shown. You now have to bridge the SL1 connection to make the percentage rise. The SL1 hole is the hole on the left underneath the battery cover. You will need a metal conductive tool that will fit inside the hole. Please remember to insulate the entire tool except for the very tip with something non-conductive. I insulated my nail head with scotch tape. People have reported that a toothpick covered in foil and then insulated with tape works well for bridging the SL1.

9. The hole next to the SL1 is known as the VR. If your flashing tool makes contact with both the SL1 and VR your DS will turn off so be careful when bridging the SL1. Also on the left hand side of the SL1 hole on the DS Lite only is a thin piece of metal not seen unless you open the DS Lite. This piece of metal connects back to the VR so if your flashing tool makes contact with this tiny piece of metal and the SL1 the DS will also turn off. That is why the flashing tool MUST be insulated.

10. If the SL1 is bridged you should see the installation percentage increasing. Installation will only take about 20 seconds. If the percentage is not moving you have not bridge the connection correctly. Wiggle your tool around slowly and carefully until the percentage starts going up. If you lose the connection at a certain percentage of the installation don’t worry, just make the connection again and the installation will continue automatically.

11. Once the percentage reaches 100% you can safely turn off your DS. Do NOT turn your DS off before it reaches 100%.

12. Enjoy your new homebrew enabled DS! You will now never have to worry about a passme or passcard device again! You may now commence celebrating.

So I decided that I should replace the scratched touch screen on my original DS, so I took it apart following steps I found on Youtube. I put it back together, and the bottom screen was completely blank (but the light came one). So I took it apart again, and put it back together, and same thing.

So then I decided to put the old screen back in, but when I tried booting it up this time, the bottom screen flickers for a second and then the DS shuts off.

Any tips, tricks, or help? I am really kinda bummed that I decided to mess with it.

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  sell it to game stop.
  use the credit toward a used one, they only cost like 60 bucks anyways

  Are any wires getting pinched in the between the two halves? I had something similar happen with a old Powerbook. Reseating the wires fixed it.

  I’m guessing your not under warranty anymore?

  @johnpowell what do you mean being pinched in between the two halves?

  @sjmc1989 You are correct. I got it about a week after it was released in November 2004.

  Ignore me.. I thought you were talking about the screen on the top.

  @buckyboy28 Damn! My whole top screen got smashed after some seriously competitive night of Mario Yes I have some issues I’m working on it 🙂 and they fixed it completely. My only advice is don’t take things apart by youtube instructional videos and take it to a game store usually someone can tell you if it is fixable or if you should give it up and by a new one.

  @sjmc1989 Yeah, I think I learned my lesson, but I feel like I can probably just retrace my steps and attempt to fix it before I go to a game store where they will tell me that it is a dinosaur and that I can buy the shiny new one for $130.

  @buckyboy28 Yeah if I had to buy a new one I would feel like I was cheating on my old DS. We have been through some things and it is worn out just perfectly 🙂 Agreed. Try to fix it!

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