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How to Take Apart a GameCube

You may need to take apart a Nintendo GameCube to replace or repair the lens that reads the game discs. You should only do this on consoles that do not have a warranty, as by opening the console the warranty becomes null and void.

Things You'll Need

5/32-inch nut driver

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the console upside down and remove the four large screws at the base of the GameCube using the 5/32-inch nut driver. Turn the GameCube upright and lift off the top of the device shell.
- 2
  Remove any memory cards or controllers and snap forward the panel attached to the green circuit board at the front. Remove the purple back panel by simply tilting it forward and lifting it off.
- 3
  Remove the screws attaching the green circuit board to the front panel. Lift off the front panel.
- 4
  Remove the two screws attaching the cooling fan to the GameCube. The cooling fan can be identified by the red and white wires connecting it to the console. Gently disconnect the power cable from the fan.
- 5
  Remove the screws that secure the grounding brackets on the memory card.
- 6
  Remove all screws that are currently visible. Lift off the drive assembly. Remove the five screws at the base of the drive assembly and lift off the metal plate.
- 7
  Remove the brown and white ribbon cables from the drive assembly PCB by unclipping.
- 8
  Gently remove the blue wire beside the lever sensors.
- 9
  Remove the four screws attaching the drive assembly PCB to the console; keep the washers with the screws.
- 10
  Remove the drive assembly PCB. It will lift off easily, however it is attached to the drive assembly via a soldered wire. Do not disconnect the wire when removing the PCB.
- 11
  Remove the metal plate under the PCB by removing the four plastic clips around the edges of the plate.
- 12
  Turn the drive assembly upright and remove the three clips around its perimeter. You will now have access to the lens component.

GameCube