Tap your console, cartridge or controller to see exactly which screwdriver bit opens it.
Retro hardware is full of odd screws. Nintendo used three-winged and hollow security screws to keep people out, while Sony, Sega and Microsoft use a mix of regular Phillips, Japanese JIS and security Torx heads. Using the wrong bit is the fastest way to strip a screw you can’t easily replace. Pick every system you plan to open below and the finder builds one bit list for all of them.
No match. Check the full chart below, or try a shorter search.
Tap one or more systems to see the bits you need. Pick several to build one shopping list.
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Console Canyon earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Full console screwdriver chart
The same data as the finder, grouped by system. “Opens the shell” is what you need to get the case open. “Also inside” covers the screws you'll meet once it is apart.
Nintendo consoles
| System | Opens the shell | Also inside |
|---|---|---|
| NES (front-loader) | Phillips #2 | Phillips #2 |
| Super Nintendo (SNES) | 4.5mm security bit | Phillips #2 |
| Super Famicom | 4.5mm security bit | Phillips #1 |
| Nintendo 64 | 4.5mm security bit | Phillips #1, Phillips #2 |
| GameCube | 4.5mm security bit | Phillips #1, Phillips #2 |
| Wii | Tri-wing Y0/Y1, Phillips #00 | Phillips #0 |
Nintendo handhelds
| System | Opens the shell | Also inside |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy (original) | Tri-wing Y0/Y1 | Phillips #0 |
| Game Boy Pocket | Tri-wing Y0/Y1 | Phillips #1 |
| Game Boy Color | Tri-wing Y0/Y1 | Phillips #1 |
| Game Boy Advance | Tri-wing Y0/Y1, JIS #1 | — |
| Game Boy Advance SP | Tri-wing Y0/Y1, JIS #00 | — |
| Game Boy Micro | Tri-wing Y0/Y1 | Phillips #00 |
| Nintendo DS (original) | Tri-wing Y0/Y1, Phillips #00 | Phillips #00 |
| Nintendo DS Lite | Tri-wing Y0/Y1, Phillips #00 | Phillips #00 |
| Nintendo DSi | Phillips #00 | Tri-point Y00 |
| Nintendo 3DS | Phillips #00 | — |
| Nintendo 3DS XL | Phillips #00 | Phillips #000 |
| Nintendo Switch | Tri-point Y00, JIS #00 | JIS #00 |
Cartridges and controllers
| System | Opens the shell | Also inside |
|---|---|---|
| NES cartridge | 3.8mm security bit | — |
| SNES cartridge | 3.8mm security bit | — |
| N64 cartridge | 3.8mm security bit | Phillips #1 |
| Game Boy / GBC cartridge | 3.8mm security bit | — |
| Game Boy Advance cartridge | Tri-wing Y0/Y1 | — |
| N64 controller | Phillips #0 | — |
| GameCube controller | Tri-wing Y0/Y1 | Phillips #0 |
| Wii Remote | Tri-wing Y0/Y1 | — |
| DualShock 2 | Phillips #00 | — |
| Xbox 360 wireless controller | Torx security T8 | — |
Sega
| System | Opens the shell | Also inside |
|---|---|---|
| Master System II | Phillips #1 | — |
| Genesis / Mega Drive | Phillips #1 | — |
| Game Gear | 4.5mm security bit | Phillips #00 |
| Saturn | JIS #1 | — |
| Dreamcast | Phillips #2 | Phillips #1, Phillips #00 |
PlayStation
| System | Opens the shell | Also inside |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation (PS1) | Phillips #1 | — |
| PSone | Phillips #1 | — |
| PS2 (original “fat”) | Phillips #1 | Phillips #0, Phillips #00 |
| PS2 Slim | Phillips #1 | Phillips #00 |
| PS3 (original “fat”) | Torx security T8 | Phillips #1, Phillips #2, Torx security T10 |
| PSP 1000 | Phillips #00 | — |
Xbox
| System | Opens the shell | Also inside |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox (original) | Torx T20, Torx security T10 | Torx T15 |
| Xbox 360 | Plastic pry tool, Torx security T10 | Torx security T8 |
The bit types, explained
Tri-wing and tri-point (Y-type)
Nintendo's handhelds, the Wii, its controllers and Game Boy Advance cartridges use three-pronged screws. Shops sell matching bits as “tri-wing” or “tri-point,” sized Y0, Y1 and Y00. Repair guides don't agree on Y0 versus Y1 for the Game Boy family, and both often fit, so a set with both sizes is the safe buy. The Switch needs the much smaller Y00.
3.8mm and 4.5mm security bits
These hollow bits fit Nintendo's round security screws, often sold as “gamebits.” The 3.8mm bit opens most NES, SNES, N64 and Game Boy cartridges. The 4.5mm bit opens SNES, N64 and GameCube consoles, plus the Sega Game Gear. They are usually sold together.
Phillips and JIS
Most PlayStation, Sega and Nintendo DS-era screws are cross-head. Many Japanese consoles actually use JIS screws, which look like Phillips but have a slightly different shape. A Phillips bit of the same size usually works, but a JIS bit seats deeper and is less likely to cam out and strip soft screws.
Torx and security Torx
Microsoft consoles and controllers, and the original PS3, use six-point star screws. Security Torx screws have a pin in the center, so they need a hollow bit marked “TR” or “security.”
Don't improvise: Melted pen tubes, flathead screwdrivers and needle-nose pliers can turn security screws, but they often round them off. A proper bit costs a few dollars and keeps the screw reusable.
Shop on Amazon: Tri-wing screwdrivers · 3.8mm and 4.5mm security bits · precision screwdriver sets · Torx security bits · plastic pry tools
Frequently asked questions
What screwdriver opens a Game Boy?
Original Game Boy, Pocket, Color, Advance, SP and Micro shells use tri-wing screws, so you need a Y0 or Y1 tri-wing bit. Small Phillips screws hold the parts inside. Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges are different: they use a 3.8mm security bit.
What size gamebit do I need for SNES and N64?
Both: a 4.5mm bit opens the consoles and a 3.8mm bit opens the cartridges. Most sets include both sizes.
Do I need a special screwdriver for a PS2?
No. The PS2 and PS2 Slim use regular Phillips screws. On the original model, the case screws hide under the rubber feet and plastic covers on the bottom.
Can I use a Phillips screwdriver on JIS screws?
Usually, if the size matches. A JIS bit fits better, though, and matters most on soft or tight screws like the ones on a Sega Saturn or a GBA SP battery door.
What screwdriver do I need for a GBA SP battery replacement?
Only a small JIS or Phillips #00 for the battery door. You don't need a tri-wing unless you open the shell. See our GBA SP battery replacement guide.
Is opening my console safe?
Unplug it first and leave the power supply section closed, because its capacitors can hold a charge after unplugging. Sort screws as you go, because lengths often differ within the same system.
Sources
Screw types come from the tool lists in iFixit's repair guides for each system. Production runs and regional models can differ, so check one screw before you buy a full set.
- iFixit: NES (front-loader) guide
- iFixit: Super Nintendo (SNES) guide
- iFixit: Super Famicom guide
- iFixit: Nintendo 64 guide
- iFixit: GameCube guide
- iFixit: Wii guide
- iFixit: Game Boy (original) guide
- iFixit: Game Boy Pocket guide
- iFixit: Game Boy Color guide
- iFixit: Game Boy Advance guide
- iFixit: Game Boy Advance SP guide
- iFixit: Game Boy Micro guide
- iFixit: Nintendo DS (original) guide
- iFixit: Nintendo DS Lite guide
- iFixit: Nintendo DSi guide
- iFixit: Nintendo 3DS guide
- iFixit: Nintendo 3DS XL guide
- iFixit: Nintendo Switch guide
- iFixit: NES cartridge guide
- iFixit: SNES cartridge guide
- iFixit: N64 cartridge guide
- iFixit: Game Boy / GBC cartridge guide
- iFixit: Game Boy Advance cartridge guide
- iFixit: N64 controller guide
- iFixit: GameCube controller guide
- iFixit: Wii Remote guide
- iFixit: DualShock 2 guide
- iFixit: Xbox 360 wireless controller guide
- iFixit: Master System II guide
- iFixit: Genesis / Mega Drive guide
- iFixit: Game Gear guide
- iFixit: Saturn guide
- iFixit: Dreamcast guide
- iFixit: PlayStation (PS1) guide
- iFixit: PSone guide
- iFixit: PS2 (original “fat”) guide
- iFixit: PS2 Slim guide
- iFixit: PS3 (original “fat”) guide
- iFixit: PSP 1000 guide
- iFixit: Xbox (original) guide
- iFixit: Xbox 360 guide