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How to Unbrick a DS

Many third-party software and hardware modifications are available for the Nintendo DS portable video game system. Several of these require modification or complete replacement of the device's BIOS to install. If the installation is performed incorrectly, or some other catastrophic error occurs, it often results in corrupting the BIOS, rendering the DS completely inoperable or "bricked." In this case, the only sure way to restore the device to working order is to replace the chip that the BIOS is on with a healthy chip from another Nintendo DS.

Things You'll Need

Jeweller's screwdriver
Tri-wing screwdriver
Small tray
Needle or pin
Replacement DS BIOS chip
Anti-static or grounding bracelet

Instructions

Opening the DS
- 1
  Remove any and all game cartridges and game flash cards from the DS system.
- 2
  Remove the DS stylus from its holding slot.
- 3
  Unscrew the screw holding the battery cover in place with a jeweler's screwdriver and expose the battery by prying the cover off with a pin or needle.
- 4
  Remove the battery with the pin as you did the cover.
- 5
  Remove all the screws that are now exposed within the battery compartment, as well as the other screws visible at the corners of the DS's underside with both the jeweler's and the Tri-wing screwdrivers.
- 6
  Search for a small, black-colored screw next to the flash card slot and remove it.
- 7
  Open the DS case by gently pulling apart the halves with your fingers. Set the back cover aside and lay the remaining half face down with the motherboard and internal electronics facing you.
Remove the Corrupted BIOS Chip
- 8
  Orient the DS so that the shoulder "L" and "R" buttons are at the top. The BIOS chip that you will be replacing is the metal rectangle located just below the "R" button that has a square of black foam covering on top.
- 9
  Don an anti-static or grounding bracelet.
- 10
  Insert a jeweler's screwdriver very carefully beneath the microphone connection. This is a small black wire running from the BIOS chip and the back of the screen. Gently pry upwards to pull out the connector at the BIOS end.
- 11
  Grasp the BIOS chip between your forefinger and thumb and gently pull it from the motherboard. Set it aside. If your replacement chip remains attached to another motherboard, remove it in the same fashion.
Install a New Chip
- 12
  Orient the new chip into position, fit its pins into the white chip slot and push it down into place.
- 13
  Line up the pins inside the microphone wire connector to the port on the replaced BIOS chip, then gently push it in with your fingertip.
- 14
  Nudge the microphone wire into the crevice where it was originally tucked away so that it will not be damaged when the cover is replaced.
- 15
  Pick up the back cover and orient it to the DS. Slide the power switch all the way down (towards you) and the volume slider all the way to your right.
- 16
  Press the cover into place, and re-install all screws.

Video Game Accessories