Nintendo Switch WiFi chip replacement (part 1)

Part 2 here: • Nintendo Switch WiFi c...
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[@tomickescape]

Even though I have no hope of doing this myself in the near future, I do now have a new hobby I might be interested in. Soldering/Testing/Replacing. You seem very knowledgeable and I love that you think out loud and take the viewer with you and explain what you are doing on why it might or might not work.

[@RetroTechCorner]

Thanks! That's exactly the idea - I don't think heavily edited videos that don't give any clues on how to get to the solution are very helpful. I mean - they look nice, sure (certainly nicer than mine :)) but when it comes to learning or solving a problem - real life experience is always better...

[@satishkarate4519]

Hi Guys .. I ran into a similar issue. Save yourself time and money repairing the console's Wi-Fi module by buying a simple cheap Wifi Ethernet Dongle (USB-C type) , connect using a physical ethernet cable download games, update console, backup etc .... I personally tried and tested and it works like a charm

[@dary0097]

Nice walk through , This is exactly what mine is suffering from and maybe gonna try it myself since They are charging me $125 for this

[@falconmick]

I’ve seen other chip repairs using a solder mask and applying solder paste this way, would this approach have any benefits or is the solder + iron approach sufficient?

[@vemelyn554]

Could I possibly ship my switch to you overseas? I can't get the chip off, I'm terrified to breakmy switch and lose everything, and I've no options left. If you take my comment into consideration I will link contact information, thank you for your time!

[@baimzgaminghealth3865]

mine had 2100-1100 it same hardware wifi chip problem?

[@zuppdemonz9884]

do you think this would work on switch lite as well? for months now and I can't connect to wifi and wasn't able to transfer my pokemon games to my new switch.

[@RetroTechCorner]

I don't see why it wouldn't work. But (as I mentioned in the videos) - you'd most likely need to use original Nintendo chip... EDIT: actually, on a lite you could probably use Chinese chip - if you don't need BT as lite has (obviously) hardwired joy cons... :)

[@MrDinakdakan]

the chip it start with cyw or bcm? 12usd one or 4usd, llooks likd cheaper one only wifi works and not bluetooth, maybe reball the original one if no cracks

[@RetroTechCorner]

I did recall the original one later. No luck - the chip was dead.

[@bananaboy3316]

hi what chip should i use to fix wifi on oled?

[@jet613]

I'm pretty sure they are interchangeable. My OLED came with the cyw chip.

[@HunterplaysminecraftKove]

What microscope are you using? That’s clear as day

[@cr4zyw3ld3r]

Came here to ask this!

[@RetroTechCorner]

Purchased a few years ago on aliexpress. Can't remember the brand but the most important thing it's based on Sony IMX290 sensor. Mine is autofocus but I disable autofocus anyway -it's annoying when soldering/working on electronics. Autofocus could be useful for PCB inspection though. Anyway - anything that has IMX290 should be OK. There's a lot of fakes (eg. IMX185 advertised as IMX290) so it's worth buying from trusted sellers. I've heard IMX385 is also good. BTW - it's 1080p/60fps. I don't see a point in going for 4k for soldering. I think this might be OK but again - make sure it's using genuine IMX385 sensor. www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005051033283.html

[@hove131]

Do you reball these chips before reinstalling?

[@RetroTechCorner]

Yes - if you remove BGA chip then you need to reball it (and clean the pads no the motherboard)

[@hove131]

@@RetroTechCorner yes I'm aware I repair consoles I just wasn't sure if you did because I've watched your videos and didn't see that process so was just curious

[@jet613]

What temps? Also did you use a preheater?

[@RetroTechCorner]

I don't use a preheater - it's a small board so no need for that. As for temperature - I use 470C and varying airflow. You just need to know your tools - there's no "golden recipe".

[@jet613]

​@@RetroTechCorner I ended up using a preheater at 200f and my hot air at 350c and got the old chip off pretty quick! Downside I tried putting the new one on and pressed on it. Which shots some balls out :'(. And then I bumped some components tooooo. After I replace the components from a donor I'll have another go.

[@yo27ju]

how do you test de oscilator

[@RetroTechCorner]

Remove the eMMC, solder a very thin wire to one of crystal pads (@3:15 it's the one on the bottom right and I'm pointing at it) and then slide the wire under the shielding. Put eMMC back on and attach the probe to the wire.

[@falconmick]

Do we need an special tool to measure like an oscilloscope? I’m trying to diagnose my wifi issue too

[@michaelw9192]

Will the Nintendo Switch turn on and work without the wifi chip?

[@RetroTechCorner]

Not sure, will try in next few days and let you know.

[@michaelw9192]

@@RetroTechCorner thank you.

[@RetroTechCorner]

ok, switch without wifi chip does work. Video proving it will be published today :)

[@michaelw9192]

@@RetroTechCorner Thank you for checking that out. So I am trying to figure out why my Switch will not turn on. I have everything connected but the wifi chip because the wifi chip was causing the Orange screen of death.

[@tungduy2469]

@@RetroTechCorner oh, really ?

[@randomweirdyoutubechannel8955]

Mine just died today another chinese made piece of crap to throw away had almost everything fail since last year's heatwave