What screwdriver do I need to unscrew my New 3DS?

[MrSaturn99]

After five-and-a-half faithful years, I figured it was time to retire my Smash-themed 3DS XL, what with the Circle Pad worn and corroded from intense Smash 4 play (the absent rubber I can deal with, but there's notable input delay now.). Of course, I couldn't just abandon all the eShop games and DLC I hoarded on the little handheld, and off I went to search for a suitable New 3DS replacement for a System Transfer.

Good news? I found a pristine used SNES-themed New 3DS during an NYC trip last fall. A perfect successor! Bad news? I need to replace the new sysem's microSD card (my original 3DS uses a 32gb card), and I discovered one must remove the New 3DS's backplate to access its SD card, which requires a screwdriver. I have a few choice words for Nintendo about that particular design choice (the stress of a stripped screw!), but for the sake of time, let's observe what we're dealing with here.

Click to shrink...

Click to shrink...

Click to shrink...

The two screws and a Phillips #00 Screwdriver – the closest I have to Nintendo's recommended size (a #0). As you may've already noticed, the right screw's (the second pic) a tad more worn, and was more stubborn than the left-side screw. As I understand it, one only needs to loosen the screws as opposed to removing them completely, but it's looking likely I'm using the wrong screwdriver. Since I'm at a loss, I figured I'd turn to ERA. Any advice?

 

[Raccoon]

you need a tiny fucken phillips head

you can get cheap sets with a bunch of tiny and rare bits, like torx and stars and everything

 

[Shoichi]

Nintendo 3DS XL 2015 Teardown

Nintendo's newest 3DS XL is literally called the *New* 3DS XL, but just how new is it? We'll have to tear it open to really find out. Looking for...

www.ifixit.com

you just need a tiny phillips screwdriver. I fix tech all the time so I am used to having a bunch. But there are many sets you can buy online. I bought mine from ifixit though because they usually are pretty well made. (I also never completely screw that cover over the sd card in all the way cause I hate having to remove mine...)

 

[lobdale]

ya know what

 

[StrangeRoboMemory]

I have a small set of apple screwdrivers for Mac, I think one of those did it.

 

[Nuclear Muffin]

Just a normal phillips head screwdriver will do the job.

Just make sure it's the right size.

Note that it doesn't actually come out completely, but rather you just need to loosen it. It's very very easy to do.

 

[Gaardus]

I'm not sure I understand what your asking. You need a #0 Phillips head screwdriver, like Nintendo said. Any brand will do.

It'll probably be fine even with the stripped screw.

 

[Video Games Are Dumb]

You need a #0 Phillips head screwdriver,

Click to shrink...

Yup. Simple as that. Though you should buy a cheap set and keep them where you remember. Most of the time, the need for a screwdriver can pretty time sensitive.

 

[mrchad]

I have this set of precision screwdrivers and it's excellent.

 

["D."]

Lucky its not a triwing screw...I don't even think they sell those screwdrivers in stores.

 

[dallow_bg]

You just need the one Nintendo recommended?

Strange thread. No pun intended.

 

[MrSaturn99]

I'm not sure I understand what your asking. You need a #0 Phillips head screwdriver, like Nintendo said. Any brand will do.

It'll probably be fine even with the stripped screw.

Click to shrink...

You just need the one Nintendo recommended?

Strange thread. No pun intended.

Click to shrink...

I like having options -- while you could say that feeds into my stress with how many suggestions there are, I prefer research and seeking counsel before committing to a purchase such as this.

Regardless, I'll probably go with the #0 in the end; thanks for whoever suggested Ifixit.

Most of the time, the need for a screwdriver can pretty time sensitive.

Click to shrink...

What cases would those be?