R36S Shoulder Button Upgrade

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Outcome[edit]

  • R36S (original screen version) - R36S (panel 4 version) - R36Plus

    • The new buttons have a very nice matte look. The ergonomics have improved a lot when playing games that require the shoulder buttons. The clickiness has not changed with this upgrade. Will probably fix this with a foam mod next.

    Disassembly and Changing Buttons[edit]

  • Preparing the patients
  • Remove the 6 screws in the back and pull the battery through the small section to separate the back cover from the rest of the device
  • To easily remove the shoulder buttons, apply some outward force with your thumb at the bottom of the button and wiggle with something very flat (like a slot screwdriver) at each side. The button should pop out very easily if you use an appropriate tool (I tried 4 different screwdrivers till I found the correct one).
  • Trying different screwdrivers. Best results have been with a bit from my Bosch kit.
  • The tip of the screwdriver has to be very flat like the left one. The right one was too thick and I had to stop before breaking the plastic.
  • Takes like 5 seconds with the correct technique and tool.
  • Just push the new buttons in evenly.
  • Time for reassembling.

    • 3D printed Shoulder Buttons[edit]

    You can print them yourself (.stl file), or get them on AliExpress1 for around 3€ per set (search for "R36S buttons").

    Tools Used[edit]

    1. Ultra cheap "25 in 1 screwdriver set" for 2€ (for removing the back screws) - AliExpress1 - bought it without expecting anything and now it's my #1 tool for disassembling handhelds because I don't own good precision screwdrivers
    2. Bosch Professional Bit Set for 25€ (very flat bit for removing the buttons) - Amazon1 - a really great set I can recommend for every household
    3. Makita D-58833 (for holding the bit) - Amazon1 - very good Ratchet Driver

    1Buying through these affiliate links helps support the wiki. Your price stays the same. Commissions go toward devices, testing, documentation, and server costs.

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