Fixing a New 3DS XL's Circle Pad/Joystick

[@BringusStudios]

The replacement circle pad can be bought here: www.ebay.com/itm/304130185853

[@lachieswagboi]

My DS have the same problem and I'm too scared to even try to fix it myself, I was wondering if you could help me because I gave it to eb games and they sent it away for 3 weeks to try and fix it and they couldn't repair it so they gave it back to me to keep, sometimes it's normal for awhile then it keeps going up by itself without any of my inputs, please do help me because I wanna buy games on the 3DS before the Eshop shuts down.

[@georgehysell2714]

What about the module piece?

[@lachieswagboi]

@@georgehysell2714 I have no idea what piece is the module piece

[@Mark-bl6pq]

Will it work on an original 3dsxl

[@vanimapermai]

The rubber bit of my circle pad broke off I replaced it with a button that fell of a pair of jeans ages ago it fully works and looks kinda cool.

[@StevenMilk]

It’s crazy Bringus is only two years old, it feels like we’ve been together for decades!

[@Squishy-zp3ic]

yeah

[@Alexyou5_experiment]

Yeah dude his editing .. everything changed bro. Hes a good youtuber. I like em. 👍

[@irissrandomchannel]

yeah

[@spk980]

Thank you for documenting this! You are the only person to replace the hardware on this model of 3Ds and I needed a reference.

[@BringusStudios]

No problem! I'm glad you got some use out of the video :)

[@tunafissh]

@@BringusStudiossquidward

[@natdude69]

@@BringusStudiossquidward

[@possibly_ben]

@@BringusStudios squidward

[@komidanohitouko]

@@BringusStudiossquidward

[@MegaKirbySuperstar]

Thank you! Found this very useful for replacing mine. It just broke on it's own, the plastic for them seem to deteriorate over time. I felt it as slick and wet even though I haven't been using it or had it near any heat source. I changed it to a pink one to match my Kirby theme. Appreciate the help.

[@Makitru]

A neat thing about this particular model is that if your cartridge slot gets screwed up, you can buy a new one and replace it without needing to know how to solder, because it’s on its own board.

[@UsielX]

How so? It is bad and gets broken really fast?

[@Makitru]

@@UsielX I can’t speak too much on that as I’m unaware if it was mistreated prior to my ownership, someone could’ve possibly shoved something down there and broke it. Also if I’m not thinking of a different 3DS model, I think this one lacks the tri-wing screws which means you don’t have to buy a specific screwdriver just to get into the 3DS, which is nice.

[@jimmyneutron5755]

I’ve had my 3ds XL for five years now and when it started drifting I was terrified. Thanks for all the help!

[@gorfelbt]

Can't believe this was my first experience with this channel... interesting times for me indeed!

[@BringusStudios]

This is probably my most sane video

[@SlyHikari03]

Mine was the CS Office computer video.

[@flamminia]

My circle pad disintegrated just today so thanks for the tutorial!

[@BringusStudios]

Glad I could help!

[@SJLamb-te3dt]

Omg you saved me! My New!3dsxl had downward drift in the joystick and watching your video taught me how to open it up and take out the joystick and clean all the parts snd put them back in. Thats all it needed! It fixed the problem! Thank you so so so much! I’d never even looked inside a gameboy before and ive never even touched a motherboard so it was super nerve wracking espically those little ribbon clips but I did it!!!!! Thankyou thankyou thankyou!!!!!!

[@jswbb]

Is it difficult ? Mine has an up and down drift and I plan to open the console as shown in this vid

[@JACloudy]

Thanks Bringus! I was already subbed to your channel but it was a nice surprise to see your video at the top of the recommendations when looking how to change the joystick on this model of 3DS.

[@IronBrutzler]

Hey videos like this save people so many hours and mostly save many 3ds Hardware, so thank you for that

[@BananaBaconyt]

and a legend was born.

[@CopperYeen]

Thanks, good to know this is gonna be an easy (if slightly annoying) mod. Surprisingly, my circle pad is holding up really well after eight years, only has a few scratches on the silicone cap. Still wanted to put on a fresh one though, as a white one will look nicer together with the white psp stick cap I'll replace the c-stick cap with.

[@SkylinkMC]

I absolutely love this video! One thing I cannot get over is how dirty the 3DS is. How did the past owner let it get so gross? Lol 🤢

[@benzjiman6931]

It was probably used by kids, my childhood ds was also super greasy and dirty at one point lol

[@surfsuptofino]

ouch!?

[@Jeremy_Watson]

​@@surfsuptofino ouch what?

[@JaydeZombie]

Crazy this is the birth of the HaHa funny man we know today!

[@fujiwaranovari]

random recommendation too

[@bojumaiah9998]

It has been a year since this video was uploaded, and yet i got the benefit of it. I thank you for that

[@BringusStudios]

It feels like only yesterday

[@Alexander-bq9mo]

@@BringusStudios where i can find the module place?

[@financialzero5684]

Bookmarking this once the rubber on my 2DSXL finally gives out. Held up since it was new, but it’s starting to get hard to keep a grip on it!

[@simonheadless7898]

Damn you were shy back in a day

[@lanadelphox]

Thank you! Mine has been having some atrocious drift lately and was so scared to replace it since all the videos I saw were on the 3DS XL and not the NEW 3DS XL. Saved this and now feel much more confident doing it on my own! 😁

[@LeonardoBarbosa-qw6fp]

Excellent video! I'll keep it on my saved playlist in case I may need in the future. I bought a second-hand New 3DS XL, and 'm learning more and more how to fix it before anything goes bad with it lol

[@senorcaruso8711]

My 3ds its been left to grave dust for quite some time, but I cant stand the feeling that such a loyal machine of mine would be left in such condition.

[@GoldenAngel3341]

I appreciate the video. Sounded so honest. Recorded the vid for documentation? You are awesome.

[@theMilkproductMk2]

I really enjoy the chill commentary

[@wattuh]

@Taelin Cusic lol same situation here

[@LeoFlipnotes]

And two years later, is it really chill anymore?

[@epicgaming11195]

it seems that i've stumbled upon the mythical "your 3ds can't do so much more" video

[@TehSystemError]

Did my repair today since my stick disintegrated a couple summers back. Decided to log into KZbin to comment on this video just to tell you this guide...didn't help me. Hate to say it. You didn't cover anything about the disassembly part, particularly the proper screwdrivers to use (Philips #00, for anyone reading this who needs to know!), just fast forwarding with Yoshi's Island music. Had to find another guide for that. I'm not sure if I'd detach the ribbon cables altogether like you did, either. I managed my repair while keeping them on - which is good, since the video and the others I found didn't cover taking them out or putting them back in, this one just saying to be careful with them (good advice mind you!). You could have also covered not needing to replace the electronic part; all I needed was stick replacement. Which to be fair simply boiled down to just not taking it out and plugging it back in after the stick replacement. I did need to fidget a bit with a flathead to get the dead stick and rings off that part since there was so little of it left it got pulled through. That said, it's not a bad video, and it has helped a lot of other people. Just trying to give a little constructive criticism with some of the issues I had with it! 🙂 (And if it comes across as meaner than intended, blame lingering stress)

[@RitzyBusiness]

Ive noticed that these flat style analog sticks like the ones in the switch that they are really sensitive to how tight you screw them in. They end up having nore friction if you overtighten even by a little. Might not me the issue in this situation, but it's something worth thinking about before you start lubricating.

[@BenBoi720]

thank you this helped me

[@returnofmerenguespersempre]

Hey! Nice one! What size of screwdriver did you use to unscrew the two outer shell screws? The screws look like they are literally made to be stripped. Thanks!

[@HeadPhonz]

Would honestly love to know too. Actually just read some comments below saying it's a Philips #00 or Philips #0, I'm not sure if there's a difference between them

[@sharopl6675]

The times where Bringus' table wasn't this scratched

[@Lanius_Crudelis]

My circle pad randomly went off when i was playing Mario&luigi dream team. After 2 years i now will try to repair this. I'll reply to this comment afterwards, to tell if it worked (atleast when i don't forget it)

[@Lanius_Crudelis]

It worked, had to open it up a couple times cuz the blue light went on and off again a couple seconds after but now it works

[@LolmandoYT]

Congrats! 🎉🎉🎉​@@Lanius_Crudelis

[@SuperYoshiBrosFan]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful and straight to the point.

[@vgxplaysdahood]

is this when a legend was born?

[@35151000]

Great video. Could you tell me what screwdriver you are using please. I’ve messed up a couple of systems by stripping the screws.. Thanks in advance.

[@FirlowXD]

My toxic trait is thinking I could do this myself.

[@truefitness4u]

Thank you so much Without your help we couldn't fix the 3ds

[@mikeridley6375]

Thank you for the video, theres so little tutorials out there for these models and i tend to avoid tutorials on KZbin!

[@Howudoing-7154]

The case with my 3ds is that only top rubber cover ripped. Can’t seem to find ppl selling JUST the top cover.

[@_Freezy]

this looks way easier than i thought it would be

[@TheGrandRevo]

This is gonna be a weird compliment but you should be a hand model

[@floppa-films.coolguy]

Oh nice! I got the same type of 3ds! New 3ds xl (no broken joystick luckily)

[@SKULL_K1DD]

hello, my name is Audrey and my nintendo 3DS is doing the same thing, I'm in the process of taking it apart for the first time. Did you need any new part for this project, if you did, what parts did you need? thank you sm for the tutorial!

[@MJ-ut9gp]

Wtf dude edit your videos, I'm following along and made the same mistake you did. I broke a piece trying to undo it and now the 3DS is unusable

[@TheDigitalzOfficial]

Womp womp, he makes his videos for fun, not for reference. So cry about it.

[@TheDigitalzOfficial]

Also dude he has more subs then me and you combined, AND look at his new videos, more.

[@NumminGames]

​@@TheDigitalzOfficial I mean, it's sucks that the part broke. But what does subs have to do with anything?

[@traviscrawford6516]

You’re telling me you didn’t even watch the whole video before just doing it yourself 😂

[@sillywillywillysilly]

or maybe just watch the whole video?

[@alanabennett6630]

How do you make sure the ribbons don’t get ruined when you first open it?

[@granniestack822]

found my old 3ds xl in this disgusting condition and will use this video as a tutorial when i get to fixing it thanks for it

[@jonathanvaladez5916]

been trying to even just get screws off for like 30 minutes, mine are so tightened and i fear that by now i've stripped a couple of them :/

[@OldMcDnald]

The plastic surrounding my analog stick is cracked. Is this fixable?

[@YannisYT10]

Old bringus man

[@daftgamer2881]

Hey quick question, I was thinking of replacing my circle pad on my new 3ds because I wore off the Grey plastic cover and it's a black disc now. Would you recommend replacing it cause I don't have any issue playing besides it being uncomfortable.

[@Planag7]

It's relatively easy.. Did mine recently because the grey pad did the same thing :0

[@AnnaGlanton3318]

I’m having so many issues getting those back screws off and I bought a #0 Phillips screwdriver. 😢

[@komidanohitouko]

use a little bit of downward force (like a very small amount, you can crack the screens putting too much pressure on it) when unscrewing them

[@bisugzzz]

Thanks a lot now i know how to repair mine! The circle pad of my 3ds is a little bit worn off

[@tjgroff8702]

Super smash bros got you too?

[@stfuplsok]

@Supreme Commander worn *out

[@joshuaespinoza2117]

Lol same here mines is tearing off and hanging on to dear life

[@stfuplsok]

@@joshuaespinoza2117 mine* is

[@skyrade4042]

Such a nice guide. Tried to follow it, but found out that my 3ds already was taken apart before, since one of the screw heads is busted

[@MyBoygod]

I’m so mad I was repairing mine and when I pulled out the ribbon cable I could never put it back in

[@PeterEnis69]

so you need to remove those rubber feet?

[@DreYeon]

I know this is old but i borrowed my 3ds years ago to my cousin and he super glued the stick because he was worried he broke something i prob can fix it as above but my question now is: Do i need those washers and if so are any ok and two what kind of screwdriver do i need. That's all thank you

[@CoffeeBorne]

this type of content is my ASMR these days lol

[@jester_raptor20064]

My 3ds is secondhand and it came like that, too! I already bought the pad and i believe i could indeed put it all together but im afraid ill mess something up and break the thing. Is it safe to try and fix it myself or should i pay someone to do it?

[@dimepia123]

so putting a bit of grease wouldnt cause any problems?

[@schmosbyus8443]

bringus what screwdriver did you use at 1:21 its for science

[@CrashFan03]

either a philips or a tri-wing

[@skiez7430]

its tri-wing. Nintendo doesnt use philips @@CrashFan03

[@Yami_Industries]

the cstick conviently fits the psp stick cap almost exactly and I modded my n2ds xl with one and its way better for camera movement in monster hunter and mgs3 3d because im not flicking a nipple to move the camera but pressing my thumb on a corner to move the camera

[@BringusStudios]

Hey that's pretty good

[@Yami_Industries]

@@BringusStudios most people would use a small screwdriver to pry the c stick and pull it out but people have seen problems with the rubber causing incorrect movements so it's recommended you open up the system to get the rubber nub off to be able to place it back on if needed

[@rimgarr]

dude how did you get the screws out so easily i think i just stripped 2 of them

[@pedrovitorsampaioify]

thank you for your help i needed to see this while fixing mine :)

[@trickerdgaming]

What grease do you use for the circle pad bro? I got a new one and I am not sure what type of grease to use for it ( it grinds a little) also where all do you use the grease?

[@Sleepybadger35]

Do you by chance know the link for the 2nd replacement part also? Not the thumbpad...

[@dextrip25]

That 3DS just got back from a nice long beach vacay in Jamaica.

[@tobo1]

Thanks for the vid, my n3dsxl thumb has just broke. Life saver 👍

[@Fciw]

Do you have the amazon link for the analog stick? My new 3ds xl is having the same problem and I I don't have the tool or another replacement stick.

[@serendipity4740]

Helped me a bunch. Thank you!

[@GoldenAngel3341]

There were 2 vids I watched on the 3DS on how to fix the circle button. Copying this comment over from PinkGorrila video but with some edits. Ok, so I fixed my 3DS circle button like a month or two ago, so I don't remember much. I did however(iirc) notice there wasn't much talk the black plastic/paper ring that is part of the 3DS button. There is a black ring that comes attached to the 3DS button. I wish there was a part in the vid where you pop out this plastic black ring. Pretty sure you got to be careful with that. Regardless, great video. My 3DS circle button works great again. Ty.

[@devlindysqyz6345]

Hi there! Good video since I was looking to fix my New 3ds XLs circle pad. Do you know what size screwdriver I need for the screws below the back covering?

[@m1tchy1]

You probably already fixed your 3ds but you need a Philips 0 screwdriver

[@Ryemoon062]

Gives me an idea of when replacing the thumbstick... My OG thumbstick completely decided to give up on me after 8 months (Its expected, but still a bummer) So now i have to replace the hinge AND thumbstick, but at least this gives me relief that the thumbstick isn't much as a pain to replace.

[@Whistler112]

Helped me out a lot man, thanks.

[@VideoGameMantis]

I remember an old 3Ds met this exact same fate. Didn't really have the ghost moving issue, but that circle pad definitely snapped off. oof!

[@RE0XY]

It wasn't entertaining but it helped me not tear off the Z buttons before opening the case and replacing the joystick good video!

[@better-windows]

Bro was shy back in the day

[@icheca5553]

The little clip broke :c is there any way to secure the cable again??

[@ratazilla]

the circle part of mine came off but i don’t have the drift issue… would i be able to just put a new piece on top or do i have to do the unscrewing as well?

[@ogpandamonium]

My circle pad fell off and disappeared and then the plastic bit underneath was super britlle and slowly fell apart, all I've got left is a little nub like you had there. Whoever had it before must've been playing their 3ds super violently. I'm a bit too scared to do any circuit stuff so I've settled for some blutack and a card circle. It's nit the most comfortable but its better than sharp plastic

[@blakeanderson5011]

You gotta do the psp nipple mod if you ever decide to mod/fix a 3ds.

[@KosherPorky]

Got a really nice japanese New XL for very cheap recently on ebay, beautiful condition except for the stick. Probably will have to do this

[@retrophoneshow]

I have a same problem with my limited edition XL Yoshi were could I take it to have it fixed thanks

[@SpicySkeleton]

Is the " new 3ds xl" the latest Nintendo ds?

[@stressking6165]

How do you get the replacement? How much do they usually cost?

[@CrashFan03]

pinned comment

[@MelodiousGroan]

Does the plastic washer actually go unter the thumbpad plastic between it the processing unit?

[@Kendrone]

What kind of screwdriver did you use? Did you use one or more?

[@Planag7]

Should all be Philips #00 or similar size. The rubber feet on the bottom on the unit? I scooped with one side of a tweezer

[@jefferyinscho1495]

Can a damaged game slot board cause issues with the d pad?

[@bentonhousand4187]

Do you have to take the DS a part just to replace the circle pad itself not the whole joystick mechanism?

[@w0ah]

yes

[@Inkki89]

Thanx to you I found out how to take off that cirkle pad from that hole. 🤓

[@timeking1]

Bringus me the studio.

[@mirellakacinskis1189]

Thanks for the tutorial! Unfortunately, the party I needed the most (how to disconnect and connect the cable of the joystick) was sped up, so back to searching... 😅

[@TheBlimpFruit]

You can put the video to x0.25 speed by pressing settings and then playback speed

[@LimeLoaf]

My circle pads cover is like falling? In the hole if i press it forewards, it really sucks because i mainly play pokemon

[@SJAutomotiveDesign]

Thanks for the video. Helped me a bit in changing the main joystick button.

[@a.bdioro5302]

The rubber pad on my joystick disintegrated today and has been all around functioning fine I’m wondering if there’s a way to just put a new pad on without having to completely… Take the whole thing apart because I’m very scared to do so

[@KabegamiTheGreat]

Mine never saw much use, and worked fine, and then one day years later i wanted to play again and now the joystick wont register up or down all the way, idk what to do

[@TheBritishSn0rlax]

Do I need to replace the whole thing if only the rubber bit is going?

[@ThePyschicBuzz]

The rubber part is just surface level

[@TheBritishSn0rlax]

@@ThePyschicBuzz k, thanks mate.

[@Kevin-jb2pv]

The real question is: How could you bring yourself to touch that thing without cleaning it, first?

[@angelozicarelli541]

That 3ds was definitely owned by some spoiled little brat who cried and cried to his parents annoyingly, begging them to buy him/her that expensive "toy". I can tell by the condition of it that this was most likely the case.

[@NewEvolutionTime]

Or maybe some kids just don't realize that stuff can break easily if not taken care of? Most kids don't really understand that they need to care for stuff and electronics now are not nearly as durable as they were back then. It's a little bold to assume the kid was spoiled and didn't enjoy it just because it wasn't in the best condition. Almost every kid breaks something at some point and that doesn't make them ungrateful.

[@angelozicarelli541]

@@NewEvolutionTime mmm if a kids parents are buying him/her a $200+ gaming console that they are not going to take care of they are spoiled. That's just how it is.

[@monkeygameplay5455]

i think that "kids" just bought a switch then he got rid of the 3ds or he sold his 3ds to buy a switch

[@casperas2]

@@NewEvolutionTime well thats a parent thing then, I got a ds lite as a kid and my parents made sure I took care of it, 2 of my friends had 3 different ones in a few years and I still own my original one and it works fine apart from a group of dead pixels on the top screen. Im 22 now and I was 7 when I got the thing.

[@NEMOsleeps24]

My nephew ripped the sticks off his new 2DS XL because he thought they would be better without it but then found out it didn't work out too well and got very angry and ended up smashing the screen

[@ThePyschicBuzz]

Excuse me, i have a defunct old model 3ds with functional stick but i currently own a 3ds XL. Are they going to be compatible or no?

[@crilat2295]

I have diificulties to unscrew the JIS #000 screws, it just won't budge and I'm scared to do it with too much force. What kind of screwdriver did you use to open it?

[@BringusStudios]

It's just a screwdriver from a crappy harbor freight kit, sorry I can't be more specific. But definitely don't put too much force into it or you'll risk stripping. I'd just go down to the hardware store and pick up a precision bit kit and hope one works well

[@crilat2295]

@@BringusStudios alright, thanks

[@Marten_Zeug]

Can I buy this?

[@rob110a]

Please clean the screen of the nds

[@TheFinnishTechie]

I bought a used new 3ds xl. Otherwise good condition, but the circle pad broke like this after not that much use. Replaced it, ended up breaking the ribbon cable’s connection lock, because of which i had to tape it on, which ended up twisting the ribbon cable, which made the circle pad not work anymore.