I think the article that linked to it said they'd already broken it, and were taking it apart just to see.
I've often taken things apart. Usually it's more difficult than you'd expect because you need a gambit screwdriver most of the time. If you use a normal screwdriver, like I do, the more you take it apart and back together again, the more mashed up the screw becomes. I've never taken apart an actual console, as for one this voids the waranty, and two, if I go wrong it'll be quite a shame. Broken things, fine.
What I have done is modify my (GameCube) controllers - I've added an extra Z button on the underneath to two, and added LEDs the flash when it rumbles. Not that I was the first to do stuff like that...