Game consoles use tamper-resistant screws to discourage casual disassembly. If you are upgrading a PS5 SSD, repasting an Xbox or replacing a Joy-Con joystick, you need the right driver before you start.
PS5, Xbox Series X and Switch screwdriver sizes
PS5 screwdriver size: a Phillips PH1 opens the SSD bay cover and the stand screw, and that is all you need for an SSD upgrade. The PS5 Torx screw size for a full teardown is T8 Security, the pin-in-centre kind. A plain T8 will not fit. The PS5 controller uses PH0 screws.
Xbox Series X screwdriver size: T8 Security for the case screws hidden under the rubber feet and stickers, then T9 and T10 inside. The Xbox Series S uses the same T8 Security outside and T9 inside. Xbox One and One X swap to T9 Security on the case.
Nintendo Switch screwdriver size: Tri-Wing Y00 for the back plate and PH0 or JIS #0 inside. The Switch Lite is the same. Steam Deck only needs PH1 and PH0.
One bit covers most consoles
- PS5: PH1 (SSD bay), T8 Security (teardown), PH0 (controller)
- Xbox Series X and S: T8 Security outside, T9 and T10 inside
- PS4 and PS3: T8 Security outside, PH0 inside
- Nintendo Switch: Tri-Wing Y00 outside, PH0 inside
Console Screwdriver Mapping
| Console | External Case Screws | Internal Screws | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 | Phillips PH1 (SSD bay cover) | Torx T8 Security | SSD expansion requires only PH1; full teardown needs T8 Security |
| PS5 Slim | Phillips PH1 | Torx T8 Security | Same as standard PS5 |
| PS4 / PS4 Pro | Torx T8 Security | Phillips PH0 | Security Torx for case; Phillips inside |
| PS3 | Torx T8 Security | Phillips PH0 | - |
| Xbox Series X | Torx T8 Security | Torx T9, T10 | Hidden screws under stickers and grille |
| Xbox Series S | Torx T8 Security | Torx T9 | - |
| Xbox One / One X | Torx T9 Security | Torx T8, T10 | - |
| Xbox 360 | Torx T8, T9, T12 | Torx T8 | Plus proprietary opening tool for case clips |
| Nintendo Switch | Tri-Wing Y00 | Phillips PH0 / JIS #0 | Tri-Wing for back plate; Phillips for internals |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | Tri-Wing Y00 | Phillips PH0 | - |
| Nintendo Wii / Wii U | Tri-Wing Y | Phillips PH0 | - |
| Game Boy / GBA | Tri-Wing | - | Original Tri-Wing security application from Nintendo |
| Steam Deck | Phillips PH1 | Phillips PH0 | Valve deliberately uses standard screws |
PS5 SSD Upgrade
The PS5 SSD expansion slot is the most common reason gamers pick up a screwdriver. You only need a Phillips PH1. Remove the stand screw, slide off the side panel (no screws), remove the SSD bay cover screw, install the M.2 drive, and secure it with the included standoff screw. No security bits required for this job.
Security Torx: Why Consoles Use Them
Security Torx (also called tamper-resistant Torx or pin-in-Torx) screws have a small post in the centre of the star recess. Standard Torx bits will not fit - you need a security variant with a matching hole in the tip. Console manufacturers use these to void warranties on unauthorised teardowns. A T8 Security bit costs a couple of dollars and is the single most useful bit for console repair.
A T8 Security Torx bit opens PS3, PS4, PS5 internals, Xbox Series X, and most Xbox One models. If you only buy one security bit, make it T8.
