How to fix your Nintendo DS LITE broken Hinge, EASY REPAIR!!

Hello!!
This video is a guide to repairing your broken ds lite hinge, remember there are more ways than one to do any repair. Please watch this video entirely before attempting repair. PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE
THINGS NEEDED:
-00 size Phillips screwdriver
-tri wing screwdriver
-small flathead (not required, but helpful)
-replacement hinge housing
Links:
Complete Shell: amzn.to/3fkiMQ2
LCD Frame Hinge Panel: amzn.to/3IELESw
Tools:
amzn.to/3C1WoF6
amzn.to/2WGFBXT
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This is an easy job but can be tedious at certain points, please stay calm and take breaks as needed.
Thank you for watching and please remember to like and subscribe!
***Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. I use affiliate links. As a customer, you do not pay any more or less because of an affiliated link. A small percentage of the sale will go to the person who generated the link. Thank you for supporting my channel and helping me grow.

[@commoguydan]

Wow. This is a great video. It helped me realize that I am not going to fix mine. No way I could be this patient.

[@retro8696]

Mine I fixed with a rubber band lol.

[@___Sunflower]

LOL, this is basically what I was thinking while watching this video.

[@JesusG-cm2jx]

It’s actually not that hard, I believe in you guys !

[@kerioshin]

When you say easy repair, typically you don't go on to do what would be seen as 'DS heart surgery.'

[@loveinthelandfill1124]

Lol

[@art07v]

kerioshin lmaoooo

[@Mike-ch9sw]

it's really easy. you just change the ( upper ) shell. you don't have to solder or something like that

[@willfreethemfreethem7671]

Lol

[@thepaper888]

Heart surgery is just like any other effort, it just takes practice.

[@austinwilburn1772]

You are a godsend hero. You saved 2 Nintendo DS lites and made a uncle look like the coolest kid at the lunch table.

[@KTWEBS]

Finally found someone with a clear visual of how the springs go. I've been ripping my hair out not being able to find this info without resorting to like a manual! Thanks so much! Awesome video!

[@Shanegangster]

The right hinge is glass Joe The left hinge is Superman

[@spartanwarrior9755]

You 100% right!

[@CropDudia480p]

I think it's because most of use open the DS by holding the right side of the systems top screen. Or maybe it's just Nintendo being dumb... Probably that

[@Whiteythereaper]

@@CropDudia480p the right side is where the hinge lock actually is. It holds all of the pressure right on that barrel and it cracks the housing as they age and become more brittle. It's basically just a little lip that the barrel sits against and over time closing and opening puts more pressure on the little ring around it and it cracks through. It's a very poor design choice that they kind of fixed with the DSi

[@HoopyAmero]

@@Whiteythereaper Just to satisfy my curiosity: What improvements did Nintendo implement with the hinge on the DSi?

[@nackmack122]

@@Whiteythereaper For my DSI XL, the plastic area around the left hinge broke off and won’t stay in position. I don’t know if the hinge itself is broken or just the plastic area, but yes the design flaw continued well into the dsi and dsi XL

[@Witchsnitch666]

dude in what sense is that easy :'D

[@justaregularguy3071]

Lol same

[@screamcheese2464]

Easier than replacing screens. But I get what you mean.

[@tronpig]

Bruh I'm 1:06 in and it seems easy. Me: *looks at how long is left* Crap

[@king_of_dreams7655]

When you get good at repairs this is.

[@xavihernandez6598]

Thats what said lol🤣

[@screamcheese2464]

I've had my DS for almost 10 years, and I'm just now having hinge problems. Excellent video.

[@PK-wy5ri]

I'm having red lines on top screen just now, sucks!

[@beszt95]

@@PK-wy5ri sounds like a problem with the LCD ribbon cable :/

[@davestylehenry]

My hinge has a crack in it

[@giantasiansticker8068]

I have dead pixels on mine

[@user-nx7fr3qp3v]

I have Dead Pixels and a Small Crack on the Upper Shell of the Top Screen.

[@infiltraitor465]

Thank you, I just had my preowned DSLite the other day and this video is crystal. Both Tear down to restoration. I will be fixing mine soon.

[@ZealousWins]

How did the repair go?

[@mohammedyounus2660]

Bro I want to repair mine can you please help me out I have lot of memories with it

[@Mike-ch9sw]

thank you very much ! i just repaired my ds lite and it works :3 the hinge of my ds lite was broken for many years 😅

[@tentent1394]

Oh, so the problem lies within the shell and not the hinge itself?

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, that is correct

[@lucan1379]

@@TheFixTech So the Hinge itself is not broken, is just the shell right? If so I only have to buy a new shell

[@AlwayZash]

@@TheFixTech Thanks! This inspires me to fix mine!

[@clenchedgenie]

I appreciate this video so much. I was given a DS Lite that has the exact same problem and everywhere I’ve looked has just given me some crazy edited video with no instructions. Now I’m able to actually fix the thing. I appreciate you.

[@rodrich182]

A nice afternoon project. Take it step by step. I never repaired something until my $200 beats plastic broke down. They were just sitting there and decided to give it a go. This was 3 years ago and I still use them. It is also a nice plus to use something you repaired.

[@arlenevillalobos404]

Man!!, you are amazing fixing this things, but that ain't easy at all, good job, but I would change the word EASY on your video, that required some serious skills.

[@thepaper888]

Thank you for helping make my dream a reality. I'm going to buy a replacement case right now. I received a used ds lite with a broken hinge and now it all seems so possible.

[@loveinthelandfill1124]

Not easy. I truly appreciate your work.

[@forterrushil3088]

Thanks bro, I had my Nintendo DS lite broken for over 1 year and, now by referring this video, I repaired it and now I am playing it!!!!!!!

[@irlandajimenez6718]

I am so glad to have found this resuscitation chanel in case of any emergencies for my ds lite stopped working I think I might have a stroke... THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP AND YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME THE ABSOLUTE BEST.. I love the background music too btw

[@ragdolsaboveaverage]

Please contribute to do more videos like this I love the casual vibe and it’s very direct you don’t wast any time with the start of the take down and repair. I’ve been looking for a repair channel like this for a very long time

[@keften_]

Ourgh, what a help. My little nephew comes over and my pristine childhood DS lite has a broken hinge when I come home from work. What a mystery, lol. Ordering the parts now. Thank you buddy

[@James_Hocker]

This really helped me! I had to take it apart and redo about 10 times but in the end it was worth it! Thank you!

[@16bitsorhigher]

This is the best tutorial I’ve watched even though it has no narration. Well done!!!

[@jenipuff]

Thank you for this video, it was extremely helpful. I used it for my first DS repair attempt tonight. I made a small tear in my top screen ribbon cable... :'( But other than that, this video was very good and easy to follow along. Thank you so much. The most helpful parts of this video: You show how to do the hinge, and you show the shoulder buttons. Also you put in nice music ^_^ Thanks.

[@hanfreeman]

How do you remove this ribbon? I'm trying carefully but its not budging

[@lalalaland4552]

Same thing happened to me. Small tear in the ribbon cable. Already ordered a whole new screen as I didn't find a video on how to just replace the cable 🙁

[@3azyduz1t]

EASY REPAIR! * continues to take apart the whole ds lite *

[@ryangutierrez5354]

Such a straight forward no BS video I’ve decided to buy a cheap 28$ DS Lite on eBay with a broken hinge and a shell replacement kit to attempt this repair hope it goes well it will be my first go!

[@TheFixTech]

Just pay super close attention where the lcd flex cable slides through the housing. Be careful and do not force the cable out, it is the number 1 cause of lcd failure.

[@Mykasan]

That's a lot of work to access the shell.

[@TheFixTech]

It’s easier than it looks, just go slow and be patient during the repair.

[@Typhospam]

it's 2020 and it worked!! thanks so much!!

[@TizedesCsaba]

I stopped at 9:35, I will continue later. My thoughts: This is not (really) easy and the major problem: this is not repair, this is a replace - so if I have no new part, I can't to fix it with this method. BTW: really full and detailed video, thanks! EDIT: at 2:00 removing NFC chip (o.O)" NFC? Hmm, it is possible to use it for reading any cards with NFC chips?!?

[@EmersonKeeling]

This video (alongside the description) makes me want to attempt this. I have an old DS Lite, but the top screen has lines and discolouration. It could be the wires inside have bounced around, but maybe worth trying to crack it open and see! Thank you , very good video !!

[@CoronaHoax-nd2rr]

This is the best video on re-shelling DS Lites imo. You do things a little differently than other youtubers that make the process way easier. Do you have a patrion or anything? I'd love to support your work

[@rorykelly8275]

Hey what a great vid. These little devices are tricky, but if you do these repairs a lot it gets easier with time.

[@arturomail]

An amazing video. You have great talent. This is NOT as easy as it looks and I already ruined a DS trying to make a hinge repair once before. Now I have another broken hinge and I wonder if this time it will be better...

[@Rorexe99]

just restored my child hood DS lite with the help of this video thank you! :)

[@TheFixTech]

Your welcome!

[@ItzPixel08]

i'm just gonna have my uncle do this. he's an electric engineer

[@qui8495]

Thanks for this, everyone's saying that it has helped them restore their ds and I've just ordered a replacement shell. This video isn't 2 hours long like the rest of them so Im hoping this will help me alot when it's my turn when my new shell arrives in a few weeks 😅

[@Nepoqi]

Wow easy! And all this time I’ve been using a wad of paper I’ve been using to keep my screen in place. But for real, great tutorial :)

[@durkhutmacher6027]

This is a great teardown video in general! Thanks for posting!

[@ClickFilms123]

That took a lot of the guesswork out, for me. Thanks!

[@beck_3508]

this is the hardest this is the hardest repair I have ever seen in my entire life.

[@FazzeonGoogle]

Nice work, guy.

[@ryons1]

Great video and job. This is not worth the time and energy but I’m happy you got it fixed.

[@swotsy3455]

Take the number of hours this fix takes. Then divide the price of a functioning DS lite by that number. Then compare that number to your hourly wage. Dur dur. Lmao

[@andrewraebig9271]

Very good video. A few comments: 1. It would be nice to get a close-up of removing and reinstalling the black wire on the motherboard, specifically threading it through the card slot. 2. What do the pots next to the volume slider affect? How can we screw up the system by mistaking those for screws? Asking for a friend. My hinge was only cracked along the top barrel, so once you got to the part about removing the top hinge piece, I was just able to get in with some Gorilla Glue. Thanks!

[@TheAudiencemember1]

Amazing guide

[@trajectoryunown]

Oh god, I should have bid on the one with the defective battery. :/ Excellent tutorial, my guy.

[@Kazukamichan]

Thanks, this will help me out in the future when I fix mine. I had my mint, no scratches condition black ds lite and the hinge cracked, I guess the hinge weakens over time even not in use.

[@damonnomad9028]

Thank you finally a decent video

[@gabrielhiromitsu9361]

im from brazil!!! thank you my hero!

[@jameswelch92]

I did it! After 5 hours i did it! It works!

[@TheFixTech]

Good job!

[@aazri29]

Hello sir. Great video I want to ask, are all the screws the same size? Or do i need to put them separately

[@TekuJames]

You're gonna have to put them separately

[@Gamma2Tech]

Just fixed mine up as of 5 minutes ago. It's powering on and immediately powers down (bottom screen flashes), but it did this before I worked on it - it eventually came on after a few minutes of charging before I opened it. Going to leave it charging and see what happens, but it's holding very well! Thank you for the excellent video!

[@TheFixTech]

Usually this means the top lcd cable is going bad, the top lcd will need to be replaced. Unfortunately this is a very common problem with these devices.

[@Gamma2Tech]

@@TheFixTech Thank you so much for the reply and info! Didn't know if I had the cable seated correctly after several attempts. Makes much more sense now.

[@theloudstarkirby4203]

Thank you now I can fix my ds

[@JesusSavesJohn3verse16]

Wow 😲 Helps you appreciate assembly workers 😅 3 tips if I may :-) 1. Take pictures for reference 2. Place screws, etc, in a pattern, to not forget what goes where 3. Work in a relaxed, calm environment (and ask God for patience and to love, not loosing temper) 😅 Bonus tip 😄 Ask parents for PERMISSION if needed. It’s not worth getting in trouble (I’ve been there) 😅 Thank you for the well detailed, thoughtful video ^_^ Hope you are all well and resting in Jesus saving love + grace ^_^ Blessings friends ^_^

[@TheFixTech]

Thank you

[@lululala1535]

Hi I hope you would reply to this, my nintendos top part has been separated from the right side for a very long time, do you think if I follow this video I can repair it by myself? The left side with the cable is still attached. Also I have no further experience with electronic device repairing.

[@Furbearies]

I cried watching this because now I have so much confidence in fixing my baby. 😫❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️thank you Mr.Fix ‼️ and I love how chill this video is it made it better for my anxiety 😭I don’t wanna break my child ya know

[@arielabraham6683]

Nice!! Really liked the video, currently ordering a triwing bit to attempt this on my DS Lite Edit: only thing I Wish he added was a ebay link to the upper screen housing part, cant find it. Can anyone help me out if they found one?

[@crypticfilm]

just search "nintendo ds lite replacement housing" on ebay and lots of listings should come up, some even include tri-wing screwdrivers

[@kaileyhannah1]

I have the same issue with my DS Lite. I hope I can get it fixed.

[@MthFckr7291]

Was thinking about doing this until I realized the complexity and I was like naaaah it ain't worth it I barely use my DS I'ma stick to duck tape

[@david2point107]

Donald Duck same

[@jais_mama]

Bruh it’s just replacing the top shell how is that complex

[@Unknown-ch000]

Jairus Medal maybe these types of things are complex for other people while for you is just a piece of cake not everyone has the same mental capacity like you

[@GiantKing360]

Unknown, it the first time I tried doing something like this and it was simple, you think it's complex because you haven't even given it a try.

[@Unknown-ch000]

Giant King i never said i wasn’t able i was just defending the guy😂

[@JoKoKilla]

Thank you for the informative vid! Do you recommend a good supplier for quality DS shell replacements? I've heard stories often replacement shells are lower quality than the originals, but you can't tell until it arrives (when purchased online). Thank you!

[@TheFixTech]

I usually buy dead broken ds in good condition for the replacement shells

[@JoKoKilla]

@@TheFixTech Oh I see. But if it's dead (but in good condition) isn't it easier to replace the motherboard? I suppose that depends on the situation. How can you tell if you have a lesser quality shell? I recently purchased a DS in excellent condition. I'm very pleased with it, but a part of me wonders if it the shell is not the original.

[@vladimir4526]

Nice skills 👌

[@HOTDOGGAMING]

thx soo much

[@danielocheita7576]

Great video, man. If my hinge doesn’t work but there’s no visible damage from the exterior, do you think the problem is in the housing or in the hinge barrel itself?

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, if no damage to the exterior then barrel hinge and or hinge mount are defective.

[@danielocheita7576]

@@TheFixTech Thanks for replying! I'll open it up to check

[@gub__gub]

do You need to replace the shell aswell? cant you just put a new hinge inside somehow?

[@BovineDesigns]

"I need my DS Lite repaired so I can watch my Night Court cartridge!"

[@T0DDACUS]

Where can I find the inner barrel hinge? I need both the barrel hinge and inner shell to fully fix my hinge problem. Im searching on Ebay but I can't find any reliable looking barrel hinge replacement parts.

[@nickabbott319]

My childhood man :),now I just need to fix mines and all will good

[@Furbearies]

Hey I have a request!!! I don’t have the drivers for the screws or w.e but can you do a video on how to fix the side part of a 3DsXL ! If I could send you a photo I would but it’s the part that shows you it’s on or about to die The lil vertical line thing ,anyway mine broke off completely and I just want to know if dissembling it was a lil different or fairly similar Plz help 🤕🤕❤️

[@Brittany123214]

This issue is so common among ds's especially the new 3ds xl that one had a really bad design flaw, they made the top screen so heavy and wobbly it has been known for the hinges to break not even a year after having it.

[@zacharyzuelzke1290]

Can I just replace the hinge and case has no cracks with my original case would I get it to sit up straight like u got a new one

[@npc_code]

Thank Youuuuuu

[@leroytrinidad6388]

Me: Reads the title.. skips quite a bit.. start seeing how complicated it looks... looks at the Ds Lite and say out loud "Nope not worth it"

[@ImNotaCasualty]

EASY REPAIR!!

[@punkman287]

Great video. Very informative, didn't take advantage of time lapse, which I personally love. Very easy to follow too. If you are going to continue to do this type of content I'm will definitely be back for more!

[@mr.finger8429]

The titel of this video cracks me up even more than my broken ds hinge. This was not an easy fix hahah xD

[@elbbel123]

How did you reatach the white and black wire during reassembly

[@celty9389]

"Easy" repair 😅But thank you for the video👍

[@MewAwesome]

can i just case swap it and would the hindge work?

[@noahhahn161]

So I'm in the middle of repairing my ds right now and I'm having trouble getting the top cover to slide back on. I've checked the assembly and positioning of the speakers and wires, and the screen is properly placed too. Is there something I'm missing? Could it be that the plastic was warped when it came in and I didn't notice, assuming that it would affect the reassembly that much? Any advice anyone can give is greatly appreciated

[@TheFixTech]

Check the small notches on the top cover, makes sure they are not bent out of shape. They slide into the housing, are plastic and look like little L shapes.

[@noahhahn161]

@@TheFixTech I checked all the notches and none of them on both parts were bent out of shape. Could it be anything else?

[@NateLikesComics]

So was the actual hinge itself broken ?? Or was it just the housing part that was broken? Because I have the same issue going on rn should I just buy both new parts as far as housing and hinge

[@TheFixTech]

Just the housing breaks, the hinges rarely break but they can.

[@NateLikesComics]

Thank you. The video is major help and looking forward to fixing the issue thanks to your video.

[@heartcrafts3426]

I remember trying to replace the top screen on my old 3DS. Getting the ribbon cable through the hinge was a nightmare and ended up with a torn cable the first time.. Second time round I rolled it up and put some tape on it. Will I try this to fix the hinge? NO WAY!! lol.

[@wolfpackflt670]

I'm in a pickle, my ds has the same issue but is it worth fixing? I emulate the ds on my computer and on my phone with the games I already own for the ds itself. Is it worth the hassle?

[@kbitgamesofficial]

Does this work on a DSi too?

[@vincenzodaniello8147]

where can i find that "spare part" for the nintendo ds lite?

[@rafaeleuribe_]

Great tutorial, I would strongly recommend against doing this. Both DS’s that I performed this on ended up with top screen not working and bottom screen blinking and then going dark. I had all the proper tools and took my time. I’m assuming the LCD strip is too sensitive and in this repair you have to mess with it in ways where you are prone to damaging it. Just buy a new one it’ll cost you less in the long run.

[@amogausmethod1926]

Can you give the link to the ebay page for the replacement?

[@Goldthecat]

I wonder why this was such a common problem with the ds lite? Mine has been this way since as far back as I can remember.

[@TheFixTech]

Almost all will break if stressed, bad design.

[@rickywhite2555]

Easy for you !!

[@TheFixTech]

It’s not too bad of a job.

[@rickywhite2555]

@@TheFixTech you think you could fix it for me for a price ? I have 2 ds lites with broken hinges

[@nvmtl]

Hey, one of my screws is broken, the right down corner one, how do I fix it?

[@AndresMartinez-ng2lc]

Hi! I had one issue while reparing my NDS and was hoping maybe u know what happened, so I followed step by step all the video and finally was able to change the hinge and set a new one, then reassebled It back as the video shows but now when i turn It on, the Green light stays for 2 seconds and down screen flashes White for 2 seconds also, then It turns off and no Matter how Many times i turn It on It always does the same, looks like if It was able to turn on but suddenly Lost all its energy don't know why, i also tried to charge It and the red charge light turns on when its Connected to the cable but even so when i turn It on takes 2 seconds and turns off again, do you know what could possibily happened or how to Fix it?

[@ombrablu7155]

I have the same exact problem, the only difference is that sometimes is the upper screen flashing

[@AndresMartinez-ng2lc]

@@ombrablu7155 I discovered which was the problem searching in some forums! The reason is beacuse the upper screen isnt connecting with the mother base as It should, when you try to Connect the cable to the mother base u need to check that It got all way in, but be very carefully bcs that cable is so brittle and if u twist It too much It will break, so carefully try to push It into the mother base all u can and check again, Tell me if It worked for you

[@TheFixTech]

If the upper lcd is not inserted all the way this is the result. Also you may have to replace the upper screen as it may have been damaged along the way.

[@brianc7282]

Top screen for DS isn't showing up as light and flickers after reassemble. I'm going to keep tinkering, but I didn't pinch anything and everything looks good so I'm not sure what could've happened. Help please.

[@johnclabby3644]

Same here. Did you figure it out

[@kayanowtoo7593]

Great Vid but definitely not easy !

[@monstermagnum56rayquaza]

Will the stylus get im the way when tali g it apart? My DS stylus is gorilla glued into the slot itself....

[@TheFixTech]

No, the stylus is attached to the cover, not the board.

[@monstermagnum56rayquaza]

@@TheFixTech ok, thank you

[@sirizalot]

How did that even happen?

[@CoronaHoax-nd2rr]

How do you get the 4 screw covers out without damaging them or the housing? I’ve tried several ways and always damages them a bit

[@TheFixTech]

Best way I’ve found is the method shown, thin razor blade. You can use a little heat to soften the adhesive…

[@CoronaHoax-nd2rr]

@@TheFixTech Thanks for the tip

[@AG-bp3ll]

I do not recommend this repair unless you are extremely confident. I tried following this and somehow damaged the ribbon cable on the top screen. I was very careful and it didn't matter. That cable is super fragile. I would have been better off just dealing with the bad hinge.

[@ypob2007]

You know what, I can live with a broken flip

[@star43able]

can you remove the top cover of the display without taking it off? my ds lite everything works but there is some damage on the top outer shell. thanks

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, you can remove just the top shell. The 4 screws around the top lcd, then slide the shell off.

[@star43able]

@@TheFixTech thanks and that won't mess with anything? Like nothings spring loaded or the top cover is attached or anything? Ribbon cables etc?I've never done this but I got a killer deal on a ds lite for 35 us

[@star43able]

@@TheFixTech how does the otherside of the hinge install? i get the one where the light is. thanks

[@gemma8551]

Can you use this same method to change the shell of your DS at the same time?

[@TheFixTech]

Yes you can, I will make a video of that soon.

[@gemma8551]

Okay thank you so much, appreciate it :)

[@riorattenrudel3907]

Pretty good step by step tutorial, but you don't point out the important and deep plugging in of the rippon cable, which is not so trivial and is usually the reason why the DS goes off again immediately after switching on. 0:02

[@kristofferellingsen7160]

will your game saves still be there after this repair?

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, the game saves are on the game cartridges.

[@VanirSavage]

It didn't mention at the beginning that you needed a new part. My DS is forever dead now. I suppose i might as well just get a pre-owned one later. it was fun getting to take it apart, though. Cool video, anyways. Thanks for the smart work.

[@benjamin8399]

Yeah that's why you usually watch the video entirely a first time before starting on your own ^^

[@VanirSavage]

Watch yourself. There's no need to be rude. Normally, a video fixing something will have a list of needed tools and parts in the beginning for viewers to avoid this exact dilemma.

[@benjamin8399]

Ursus Metallum I "watch myself"? I was rude? Damn I didn't mean it this way but if you say so I guess I will retire myself to a big introspection. Good luck with your DS anyway.

[@VanirSavage]

Alright, then. My apologies. I thought you were having a go at me. There is no hope for my DS, since I couldnt put it back together neatly, anyway. I'll have to go find a preowned DS somewhere. Hopefully, it will have a good hinge. 😅

[@akweasel2017]

Ursus Metallum did you break your ds?

[@darussianping61]

Ive fixed my hinge but now the top screen just flickers. Any idea where is an issue?

[@musicviolamusician4392]

I’m afraid if I do replace the hinge, I still won’t be able to fix this because idk what causing it to not turn on☹️