DualSense Partial Disassembly for D-Button Installation

Note: this is all of the disassembly required for D-Button installation. Other DIY mods may require further disassembly, and are not covered by this guide.

Model Identification

There are five major DualSense revisions out in the wild: BDM-010, BDM-020, BDM-030, BDM-040, and BDM-050. The controller disassembly process may vary in minor ways between these models, though the general steps are the same. To find the model of your DualSense controller before opening it:

1. Plug your controller into a PC via USB, then navigate to https://dualshock-tools.github.io/#.
2. Press the large Connect button, then select the controller in the pop-up window and press Connect once more.
3. After connecting the controller, the main interface appears. The left side of the page contains controller info. In this section, find the line labeled Board model to find your controller model. After, proceed to the appropriate disassembly instructions.

Note: if your controller is from Battle Beaver, using this tool or finding the model number on the board itself are the most accurate identification methods.

(For more information about using the DualShock Calibration GUI, click here)

BDM-010 Disassembly

Follow the disassembly instructions shown in the video above.

BDM-020 to BDM-050 Disassembly

As the purpose of this page is to install D-Buttons, we only need to partially disassemble the controller. You will not need to solder, cut, or otherwise meaningfully modify any part of the controller, other than swapping the buttons.

Gather the following tools:

• Spudger, plastic pry bar, or other similarly blunt, hard, and flat plastic tool
• Philips #00 screwdriver
• Tweezers

Quick Instructions

• Use a spudger to remove the trim piece and the L1/R1 bumpers.
• Unscrew all four rearshell screws, then open the controller.
• Remove the battery.
• Unplug the two ribbon cables at the bottom-middle of the board.
• Unscrew three midplate screws: one on each side, above the rumbles, and one in the battery tray.
• Remove the battery tray, then unplug the Touchpad ribbon cable at the top of the board.
• Separate the midplate from the faceplate, making sure that the Touchpad ribbon cable doesn't catch on anything.

Detailed Instructions

Use this section if you prefer a more detailed written explanation. 

1. Remove the Trim piece

The trim piece is the plastic section in the middle of the controller that surrounds the thumbsticks and reaches down towards the handles. Find the area where the trim piece hooks around the bottom of the handles, then insert the tip of a spudger to open a gap. From there, pry the trim piece up until it partially releases from the handle, then repeat the process on the other side of the controller. Once both sides are free, pull the rest of the trim piece away from the controller until it releases. Set it aside.

2. Remove the L1/R1 Bumpers

Insert the spudger along the front of a bumper, either R1 or L1, then pry it straight up and out. This will take a decent amount of force, but these pieces are fairly hardy. Repeat on the other bumper.

3. Remove the four Rearshell screws

There is one rearshell screw in each bumper area (L1/R1), and one rearshell screw at the bottom of each controller handle, for a total of four screws to remove here. Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove them, then set them aside. If you have a magnet handy, attach them to it for safekeeping.

4. Open the controller shell

Look at the newly exposed area below the PlayStation and Mute buttons to find two retaining clips. Use a spudger to separate these clips while gently pulling the shells apart, starting at the bottom of the handles. These retaining clips have a tendency to lock themselves back into place, so you may need to alternate sides as you work. With both clips unfastened, the controller should start to open similarly to a book. Gently work it open until the rearshell comes free, then set it aside.

Note: up to this point, the BDM-010 video will match this basic process, though the tools used may differ. If you'd like a visual aid, that video should help.

5. Separate the midplate from the faceplate

First, locate the battery. Pull it away from the battery tray, then carefully unplug it from the board. Set it aside. At the bottom of the board, find two ribbon cables coming up from below. Unplug them both. Next, find three screws: one in the battery tray, and one on each side of the midplate, above the large handle rumbles. Unscrew all three, then set them and the battery tray aside. (One of the ribbon cables is at the bottom of the battery tray. Keep it there as you remove the tray.)

After, look along the top of the board and locate the ribbon cable reaching from the faceplate. This is the Touchpad ribbon cable. Use tweezers to carefully unplug this from the board. Important: this cable is easy to tear. Use caution and go slow. With the Touchpad ribbon cable unplugged, the midplate is now free from the faceplate. Separate them, making sure to avoid catching the Touchpad ribbon cable on anything, then set the midplate/board combo aside.