R36S Shoulder Button Upgrade

Outcome

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

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

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

Tools Used

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

¹ _{Buying 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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