I Broke my Ultimate New 3DS XL

[@garlicidol7258]

Hey, pro tip for any 3ds screen repair. If you are just replacing the top screen, you do not need to roll out and take all the ribbons out at 9:55 All you need to do is take the red wire out and then roll up just the top screen cable and slide it out. When you replace the screen, you just slide in the new screen's cable and then the wire again. Everything stays in place and now you do not need to roll up 3 different cables at once for a screen repair.

[@elliotcoll]

This is incredible news I will try this. Thank you!

[@tlee656]

@@elliotcoll Sounds like the next video is gonna be a lot less stressful! :D

[@yaroslavgorbunov6824]

Can i do it with other ribbons? Outer camera does not work on my old 3ds xl, and I thinking of replacing it.

[@BeamerTime354]

And this is why I got a grade A new 3DS LL region free that already had the CF on it.

[@OccyP]

​@@elliotcoll ​ stupid question, but do you offer repairs for other people? Something happened to my N3DSXL's bottom screen that broke my digitizer or knocked the ribbon cable loose (idk which). The left side of my touchscreen just senses nothing. AND my top shell's varnish is starting to flake off. It's fine if you don't offer repairs, just wanted to know :)

[@One2fix1982]

If I may offer some advice: On the top screen I see you try to take all the ribbons out at once- don’t do that. Think of them as onion layers- curl them into themselves and remove the inner most cable (screen) leaving the other cables intact. You do not need to remove the WiFi cable, it can be rolled around to the back of the ribbons allowing you to remove just the screen ribbon, when you replace the screen simply roll the cable back the opposite direction and it will be in the center again. If you are just doing the screen there is no need to take all the cables out. And you can test the screen before installing- you need to use the 3d l/speaker ribbon (to supply backlight power to the screen) the top screen, the bottom screen and the motherboard. The 3ds will not boot without the backlight of the top and bottom screen, so make sure both are connected. Hope this helps

[@robmalcolm8042]

Ahh knowing how to fix a difficult console where can we order your services lol

[@One2fix1982]

@@robmalcolm8042 thank you, I’ve done the repair several hundred times and it’s much easier than everyone makes it out to be. I had tutorials on how to do this but due to negative comments on my channel I no longer have them. If it’s something you and more 3ds fans would be interested in I’d be happy to share my knowledge for free and make videos detailing the repair process. I’d rather help others fix their own devices as it gives such a sense of accomplishment. You can do it! Thanks again for the kind words, have a great day

[@robmalcolm8042]

@One2fix1982 no problem. I tried fixing a old google pixel xl once the first gen and those had decently hard screens to replace and remember it not going well. But definitely would like to repair consoles eventually as I have a modded new 3ds and know eventually a button or something would have to be replaced

[@One2fix1982]

@@robmalcolm8042 phones are much more difficult to repair as the screen/digitizer is bonded, whereas the 3ds is not, and the form factor is much more forgiving on a 3ds as well. When done in the correct order, the 3ds is easy to work on. It’s a matter of following steps in order, and taking your time. Practice, however, makes perfect, I would say the biggest issue I see people having other than the ribbon cables is the ZIF (zero insertion force) connections that often break very easy

[@robmalcolm8042]

@One2fix1982 true knowing where to be more careful at in the steps helps.

[@BRboi777]

Out of all the videos I've watched of yours from both channels, although heartbreaking: it was actually very human to see out of all the successful videos of you repairing and restoring consoles, you actually did all the work and found it was just as bad or worse. Although you weren't successful this time (which is extremely rare because i've seen most of your videos and this i think was the first failure), it was such an inspiration that even the most experienced and qualified people with gaming electronics even cannot be a victorious with repairs all the time. You may feel a bit disheartened but honestly, thank you. You've clearly shown to me that mistakes with anything isn't something to be put off by but more learning about what you need to do and how to achieve it. You're an exceptional person.

[@TheBrokenPast]

Oh no, Elliot! That's brutal, after all that work! I've done shell swaps and screen replacements on old DS's, DS Lites, and DSi's. Heck, I've even done a top screen replacement on a New 2DS XL. But I have zero desire to even attempt a n3DSXL, specifically for every reason you showed in this video! I suspect I probably will eventually; especially with the yellowing that's starting to happen on a lot of these systems. But after watching your video, I have even less of a desire to ever want to do that! At 16:30, that emotion hits right in the feels. We all feel your pain in that!

[@safwan5324]

Don't worry, Elliot you'll get there eventually; your other repairs have been successful, and you definitely know what you're doing, so cheer up!!!

[@Albert-ru7ob]

Honestly we need higher quality replacement screens for the ds/3ds systems. I’ve gotten replacement screens that did the same thing as yours when trying to fix other dses.

[@SoundToxin]

We need similar sized screens that are already manufactured from other devices, ideally with a resolution that the DS/3DS res can scale well into. Like the best IPS screen that gets used in the Game Boy Color is taken from an old BlackBerry Q5 phone. I don't know where/how they're sourcing them but it's been confirmed to be one of those screens. Maybe they were left over in some factory or maybe someone is gutting old BlackBerry phones. I think they use 4 or 5x scaling from the GBC res as well, so they look extremely nice. I don't know where most of the GBA IPS screens are being sourced from, but I know all the "ITA" screens are just DS Lite screens being repurposed for GBA. It's expensive and rare to have actual new custom panels made.

[@will8006]

you're a lot calmer than me, it would've been yeeted at the wall

[@mcheddadi]

I feel you my man, when i build a watch or a keyboard and there's like that one little thing wrong it really drives my OCD to the max. i suggest stepping away from this for at least 24h and maybe embracing the fact that it has a flaw , kind of like a battle scar, to show that it's not something you just bought off the shelf but actually built yourself. A little "wabi-sabi" thinking really helps calm the ocd down. great build even if the second screen failed unfortunately. i'd put the og one back if its still working and call it a day. I do realize not everyone can do that but i wish you to find peace of mind . Have a nice one!

[@DASHFULplays]

Just try again, could be a faulty screen. Take your time indeed, but don't give up like that.

[@tsuikagura]

This is something everyone working with these devices can and should relate to. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but you can try again. great video as always.

[@ReneOne111]

I RGH hacked my XBOX360, I instaled a LCD in my Game Gear, I installed a 3BP in my Mega Drive but I failed changing the top screen in my New 3DS XL. I needed to give it to a professionel

[@cajun4christ]

I feel this SOOOO hard!! 😅😂 After 1 failure ripping the screen cable, I ended up passing the ribbon cable through the back and glueing it down. Soo my 3DS XL does not close- but it works!!!

[@juliawolf156]

I know that feeling. While trying to swap the camera of a New 3DS XL, i totally messed up the console. The closest fix i did successfully was swapping the cartridge reader of a DSi XL and then doing a shell swap.

[@noeldoesthings]

You did a great job with the thumbnail and title...I knew the outcome before watching still got glued to the screen for 19 minutes so that's saying something right.

[@iPristine]

this video really made me appreciate the genius engineering of handhelds so much more

[@Kiritomens]

Oh man i have done a ton of DS screen replacements, and they are the bane of my existence. They most time consuming, finicky repairs out there for sure. One repair i did only the top screen was not connected properly. After that was fine the top screen started acting up. The ribbon was broken, new screen broken. Second new screen was finally fully working. Never again.

[@chankifung4e]

Imagine working for Nintendo and having to do this every day, endless pain and suffering

[@klopferator]

I feel you. I had to replace a screen for a PSP a while ago. The replacement screen I ordered from Aliexpress was physically broken (as in "has a big crack") when I got it, and the merchant refused to send a replacement or refund my money, and Aliexpress did nothing. So I ordered another screen from another vendor. And when I had finished the repair, the new screen had a defect as well (a very obvious vertical line). It's annoying as f.

[@brauliogarcia1836]

its a nightmare when you have to assemble the device and the screen gives you problems. most of the time I find that the flex cable is not correctly place. it can be super annoying to open and close your device for something that simple. patient is key when you are doing these things. is great that other people are making comments about their experiences and how the manage. great work Eliot!!

[@Kandoken]

18:07 I KNOW THIS FRUSTRATION, just think of it like this: It takes one time for it to work perfectly, and it's worth it. I feel for you bro. I hope you find parts at a decent price. Fight the good fight.

[@john62841]

If you were already planning on transferring the 'guts' to a new shell, why not just wait till you get the new shell and only need to open it once to transfer to new shell and new screen? Less headache anyway, still interesting to watch, sorry about the end you had to deal with ;(

[@SandyRegion]

I unfortunately destroyed a perfectly working New 3DS XL while attempting a shell swap. It was such a stressful process. Never ever again. Just watching this triggered my PTSD!

[@The.Monke5276]

alternate title: elliot complaining about how unnecessarily complicated it is to replace the top screen of a 3ds for 19 minutes

[@JuJoAura]

This is specifically why I want a slate 2DS like shell design worked on by someone professional. Especially for the DS family

[@PIXELPORTABLE]

This video resonates with me... going to repair something and making it worse is often my special skill! My 2DSXL has a broken audio slider and my Gameboy Micro only plays sound using headphones after I stupidly knocked out the speaker (I'll solder a new one in later when I'm more confident with soldering). Great Video all the same Elliot!!

[@makedaevilmage]

I never took apart a 3DS but omg 6:30 really scares me ... just look at the amount of ribbon cables on screen.

[@MrNineties]

Makes you all the more appreciative for modern ICs and boards, but there is a certain twisted therapy involved in the doing and the watching 😅 Cheers

[@whisperingwooper1763]

I will never do a full teardown of a 3ds it’s so complicated! I did feel really accomplished when I fixed the joystick and replaced the wifi chip which fixed my issue of a given to me old 3ds xl that didn’t connect to the internet. It felt awesome to fix it but no way will I do a full teardown.

[@chillierbore0]

At 12:36 you can hear the builders shouting lol

[@candyman02]

Great job as always man, love ur videos👍

[@odinKoS]

I feel your pain, man. I had one I tried reshelling and ran into issue after issue. It’s still not fixed and I think it gonna cut my losses and just sell it off for parts at this point. Truly one of the most frustrating consoles to work on.

[@CMM1215]

This is so upsetting! I wonder if the new screen was just messed up from the start! :( Looking forward to seeing you fix it for real in the future!

[@TREBOMB1980]

I'd be so upset by that after all that delicate work!!! The F bomb 💣 made me laugh! We could just feel your frustration Elliott. Great video mate!

[@getwhtugiv]

You got this Elliot.

[@retropeacock386]

This is why I just gave up when I broke my new 3ds. I figured my time was worth more than the $200 I spent on the new one.

[@Luigi_24]

I had that problem too, it fixed itself lmao

[@nObOdyb0y]

I confirm... The top screen is an horror to work on, at least one hour is needed and that is if you work fast.

[@RedTuxTK]

I had worked on a friends New 3DS (none XL) to repair the screens and I managed to get the touch screen better than it was (not perfect) but basicly said no to the top screen... thankfully not much was wrong with the top screen anyway.. sorry your going through this trouble good luck on the repair! the good thing is that you are becoming more familiar with what goes on inside these things... it sucks because its my favorite system... but its just a pain to work on!

[@Jellordgames]

I'm refurbishing a 3ds xl and so far I've gone through two top screens two cameras and one speaker ribbon. I had it all working but the hinge wasn't the right fit and when i replaced it everything went to hell and i kept damaging the ribbons 😅. I'm gonna make my latest attempt tomorrow and I really hope the speaker ribbon is the only thing I damaged this time. Im determined to make it work because if i can get this right i feel like I'll be able to tackle any refurbishment projects going forward. No surrender, no retreat!

[@MiniMug]

It feels so awful to see the screen not work at the end, I did the same capture card install on my new 3ds xl and pried up the connectors that weren't supposed to be pried up and had to use some alternative methods (some foam and a plastic bit for pressure) to get them to make a connection and also messed up the audio soldering (capture had no sound but i'll just use the headphone jack instead). This mod/repair was so frustrating with all the super tiny ribbon cables all trying to fight you and to have it not work at the end sucks so much, especially because it wasn't even your fault. Hopefully the next screen works perfectly and you will finally have the ultimate new 3ds in fully working order. (my fingers are crossed)

[@zexionsaix9494]

"I dont know, dont ask me", I can feel the pain in the voice.

[@azshorty2003]

All those replacement shells for the 3DS are garbage. I salvaged a regular 3DS XL and the shell started cracking around the hinge after just a few days. And the fit was terrible all around too. A lot of edges stuck out further and felt sharper.

[@Amstro515]

Just asking, how come you don't upload to The Retro Future channel anymore?

[@Jack-nj9pi]

Yep more power to you i do not have the patience for that just to get a result like that haha vant wait for the next vid

[@oredssonemma]

i repair ds lites as a hobby and i couldt help laughing out loud throughout the whole video because of how complicated and messy this whole process is. And oh man i feel nervous when i test new screens because i have to put most of the ds back together before to do so, i couldnt imagen the dread of testing a screen on the new 3ds. The only way id ever repair a new 3ds is if someone else would be dumb enough risk me trying to do it to theirs just so that i can get a proper feel of the internals.

[@PowerSynopsis]

"Going crazy in 3D" sounds like my Friday night after one too many.

[@cesaracosta362]

A month ago I swapped the button's membranes, CirclePad and the L-R triggers of my New 3DS XL. When I assembled everything the console looked and felt gorgeous but it didn't turned on... I had to take it to an expert and he said that accidentally I touched the motherboard and I basically burned my console, so I had a very fancy brick 🫠. Thanks heavens my brother had the same model as mine, so he donated his motherboard to save my console For what I heard, 3DSs are very hard to get thru and indeed I can confirm that

[@samuelmoreno974]

That’s tough good luck on the next one bro

[@kamm3021]

*Now put the old one back* 😂

[@sergiojimenez3415]

Hey so…I’m pretty sure the top screen is fine. The issue is the connection between the capture card and the top screen. You should see the same glitching when the capture card if it’s a connection between the top screen and captured footage from the console of its bad. If the captured footage from the console is good but the top screen isn’t, you should check your connections

[@wyattivetun9256]

I knew immediately seeing the replacement screen's box and how it was packed that it was gonna be faulty I had bought a limited edition god of war psp 2000 last year which had a bad lcd with slight liquid damage and bought a replacement from 2 separate vendors and both came packed exactly like that and ended up being cracked and broken in shipping. After the second time I didnt even bother replacing it and kept using it the way it is.

[@silversonic1]

I recently replaced part of my n3DS XL's shell... It was because of how complicated everything was that I settled on just the outer shells.

[@PrinsessePeach]

I bought a Nintendo DSi XL with a broken bottom screen thinking it would save me money and that it would be easy enough. Turns out it’s difficult to get a bottom screen that works. I also forgot to disconnect the ribbon cable from the touch screen, that messed up the cable, I tried to connect it anyway, then I ripped off the latch (it is smaller than a gain of rice) bought replacement connector, tried to replace the latch, ended up ripping of the connector. Then I bought a different DSi XL. It is possible to solder on a new connector, but don’t know if I want to invest in all the equipment that is needed. I can use it as a spare part source. Thanks for reading.

[@maxrichards5925]

I just watched that video of you modding that 3DS yesterday for the second time & thought "I hope he makes more 3DS content". Now I feel like I jinxed it lol

[@kbramlett6877]

Elliot, Just go ahead and say it. This repair is/was a complete and total pain in the ass!

[@poptropicabob]

You could use a 3DS that is sold for parts only instead of a knock off screen that's supposedly brand new.

[@LegitMLG360noscoper]

What a nightmare, you will conquer it in the end though.

[@abbshadow1]

The real gatcha game, buying a new screen for a console. May help if u keep a 3ds open to test every screen that buys

[@garystinten9339]

Failure is also a part of success.. cant have one without the other.

[@albarhimsite6653]

I just change my both my screen, now it is all IPS, looks amazing and sharp

[@monbrazier2767]

We need a clip of you wrestling a new 3DS now lmao - the sequel to the boxing skit

[@JeffHundo]

the red shoulder buttons makes it look TMNT theme

[@HitnRunTony]

I think I would’ve cry if I got this result

[@vanillikyu3101]

How the hell did you effortlessly put that hinge back. I did this repair as well and I just couldn’t get the hinge in all the way even putting all of my force on it luckily pushed it enough to where the top cover latch could fit in and keep the hinge in place but it doesn’t have the satisfying clicks

[@aisujisan]

i was just checking your channel about an hour ago hoping you made a new post, the gods answered lol

[@crafthp434]

WHAT A GOD DAMN LUCK BUD!

[@Aisosahere]

The thumbnail is so cool!

[@zacatkbricks]

I've seen a handful of people with capture cards installed, they have wired a Game Cube Controller to the 3DS to control the 3DS. What are your thoughts on this and would you consider making this mod into a video? As there is very little to no video documentation on how to accomplish this mod.

[@casualretrotango409]

Whoa a video not about watches/bike, you feeling ok… 😂

[@ryanjbeattie]

My favourite part was when he cut back to live Elliot

[@osvaldoneedfordiecasttrujillo]

Bout time you come back!!!!

[@elchuy6138]

There is short cuts to this fix but tough

[@Ness_from_Earthbound]

aww that’s sad i remember the restoration vid for that ds

[@Bad_at_English]

Today I have absolutely same experience, but with DS lite screen. LOL

[@danielEverett941]

Oh my lord I saw that n3dsxl on Ebay, I was just FLABBERGASTED by it's state like holy shit how do you even do that?!

[@ElGatoLoco698]

I wonder how long it took for that Chinese guy in the factory to put one of these together.

[@dodgydruid]

Had bit of a win, cheap Bulova 242 quartz bought on the cheap in perfect working order... jeweller said he was 99% convinced its a solid gold case but lacked hallmarking... hehe 200 worth watch now worth a whole whole ton more... Watch to look out for in your collecting journey, Bulova 219 tuning fork, has only one hydra head instead of two and very unusual looking piece esp in spaceview. When I get round to sorting my stuff out as am in the motions of reducing my 700 watch collection down to something manageable, if I find something juicy and fun to fix will prob send you, Vince, Stes etc some bits to play with... Anyways I am back to finishing converting my Xbox One 1540 to Forza edition, bought the complete case including front panel and nice rorty sounds in that dark petrol blue with graphics... Old case is going on my other 1540 which is battered but working but at mo has surrendered its 500gb HDD to my PS3 Phat, going to give that one to me granddaughters with the PS3 for Xmas as I put on a wood veneer onto the 1540 looking very pretty machine and more likely to survive granddaughters of 5 and 2 hehe

[@rafzan]

I had this exact same problem and I just rubbed the screen some times and it was GONE. Has been ever since. I even had bought a new screen, and it's still packaged

[@24744]

Harry Potter turned into a Nintendo KZbinr

[@pixlmagician]

Any suggestions on listings/where to get actual replacement kits/shells? It feels like all the ones I've seen have pretty bad reviews.

[@yutub834]

I was playing my 3ds when I got the notification for this video

[@PsychoArse]

I've started the bidding on both auctions bud

[@Raxi]

Omg a ds video

[@kyx5631]

Every time you connect or disconnect ribbon cables using metal tweezers, my heart skips...

[@PoutingTrevor]

What should you use instead? Ceramic?

[@tntiscool31]

He looks like the glass animals guy

[@ebudd08]

Hell yeah. CONTENT!!!

[@johnwillis1371]

What was that 3DS stand behind you?

[@zerocold1985]

I know, working in the top screen on a n3dsxl is horrible, i do that work twice D:

[@samuelmoreno974]

I have a 3ds ll I’ve been meaning to fix I’m just waiting till I’m mentally prepared

[@kndr2094]

iDidn'tFixIt I like that you show your failures too. Still liked the vid.

[@cirmothe9]

I like seeing failures too.

[@naturedetectiveminecraft6362]

All I do is pray mine does break bc idk if I could fix it

[@rococogoth]

I bought two N3DS's and both came broken. .x.; I'm not smart enough to fix them, so I have two lemons and am out 400$. Too scared to try again.

[@peterbawright]

Was that a Cartier I saw on your wrist??

[@Bass7am]

That's why I bought a 2ds so I can keep my new 3ds xl safe,and secure 😂

[@masamasa1815]

That one is bad the original 3ds where the screen faceplate is glued on is even worse.

[@Matt_Johnson82]

Excuse me, Mr fixy man? When will you be finishing your links awakening livestream play through??😁

[@RedFaceeee]

I change the top screen of the3ds xl and new 3ds xl. Its not that bad just got an patient

[@kirabate]

Are the New 3DS xl screen 3d capable? Where did you get it?

[@fahiri3578]

bro Charqui its like horse dried meat in chile

[@jbones8340]

That she'll looks like mine lol😂😂😂

[@tedtheblue]

my n3DSxl got water damage and died, i fixed the water damage then had the same issue here. Tbh if gives me hope that ribbons arent torn but just poorly seated (have to replace the screen anyway its way worse than this)

[@PoutingTrevor]

Who tf is bidding on those old shells 😂

[@Full_Send_Gaming]

Wait so he put the new screen in correctly and the screen is just fucked? Damn that sucks