Home >> Internet Games >> GameCube

How to Open a Nintendo GameCube to Clean It Out

While a rare occurrence, a game system may become so dirty internally that the only solution is to open the console to clean it out. Much like any other home gaming console on the market, you can open the Nintendo GameCube with simple tools. Once you have opened the GameCube, you will then be free to clean the innards of the console with a simple electronics cleaner.

Things You'll Need

Socket screwdriver (Phillips head)

Instructions

- 1
  Place a GameCube disc in the GameCube disc drive to protect the drive lens during disassembly, and then unplug all cords from the console.
- 2
  Remove the four screws from the bottom of the console with your socket screwdriver. You can now remove the top casing of the GameCube. Place the console upright and remove the top casing with your hands.
- 3
  Use your hands to undo the snaps on the front and back panels of the console. Be sure not to disturb the wire that attaches the front panel to the console.
- 4
  Use your screwdriver to remove the two screws on the underside of the front panel, the two screws on either side of the system fan and the four screws on the memory card grounding brackets (the part of the console connected to the front panel). Remove the system fan and disconnect the wire that connects it to the console.
- 5
  Remove the five visible screws on the metal casing. Pull out this portion from the rest of the console and remove the five screws on the underside of this casing.
- 6
  Remove the three wires that connect the electronic board and the disc drive on the portion of the GameCube you have just separated. The brown wire will require that you slide the black part of the connector over slightly. You can remove the other two wires by gently pulling on them.
- 7
  Remove the four screws on the electronic board connected to the disc drive. Remove the board from the disc drive, but be careful not to damage or remove the remaining wire connecting the two parts.
- 8
  Remove the metal plate on the disc drive by undoing the four plastic tabs on the plate. You can now fully separate the disc drive. Use your hands to loosen the three tabs next to the GameCube disc and separate the drive.
- 9
  Return to the base of the console and remove the front panel by disconnecting the front panels wires from the base of the console. Disconnect the large metal component from the base by removing the six screws connecting this part to the base. You can now remove this part with your hands.
- 10
  Unscrew the four screws holding the metal plate in place on the base of the console, and then remove the plate. You should now have access to all of the internal parts of your GameCube for cleaning.

GameCube