I Built the ULTIMATE New 3DS XL from Junk

[@JoeyDoesTech]

Absolute pleasure to be involved with this pal 😊❤

[@TheRetroFuture]

Joey made a video too!! Go and check it out!!!! ❤

[@Dessensce]

@@TheRetroFutureAlrighty!

[@dakodameairs959]

Just want to toss out that the top screen connector was backwards and why top wouldn’t turn on. It’s a weird fold with shiny pins board side.

[@QTronics]

This is beautiful, I have one I need to reshell. I never seem to get around to doing it, I even bought a replica Pickachu LL shell. This has inspired me to finally get it done. Great to see you and Joey collaborating again. ❤🎉

[@pietrocv]

@@dakodameairs959indeed noticed the same on the original screen. it is the longer flat cable one that gets folded. the shiny gold part has to be facing the board. hopefully you have not thrashed it yet.

[@Haulien]

I love that the USB-C port can be used for charging the device. Now I don't need to worry about losing that damn Nintendo cable!

[@CygnusiaX1]

If I were to hardware mod my 3ds.... THIS is the one.

[@TSSCATS]

Real

[@ThatSavoieDude]

Blud Nintendo still sells official chargers on their website for like $7 stock up while you can lol

[@flamestoyershadowkill]

the capture card mod also adds that functionality

[@robertsissco2439]

Losing them? I think mine are multiplying in my wire box. I need to get my Commodore video cables to start doing that, I have yet to find a spare one in a random box, unlike my 3DS cables, which I found TWO of while moving

[@lorenclark6279]

I’m glad to see someone with hand tremors doing such a difficult mod. Sucks about the bad screen but other than that, this is top-notch work.

[@mactep1]

Even though it is over-complicated, its an absolute dream when it comes to repair, since its just so modular, nintendo was feeling so generous towards repair technicians, they even omitted the tri-wing screws. Edit: Always test those aliexpress parts before putting everything together, the one time you don't is always the one where it ends up defective.

[@flamestoyershadowkill]

the weird screw covers on the top half are annoying though

[@JomasterTheSecond]

Nintendo never used Tri Wing screws. Tri Wing is a different standard to the common Y Type/ Tri *POINT* screws that have been used on various Nintendo items.

[@karelissomoved1505]

Im just so scared from the zif connectors breaking

[@jurgenkruger3932]

Just to exchange boards is not "to repair" to me. Really to repair something means to exchange the defective electronic component, on chip-level. The point to me is that it's nearly impossible to repair those boards on chip-level. It seems to me it's impossible to get informations about the used chips nor I can buy them either. For example the PMIC. Without more informations which are necessary for repair, looks like a dead end now. Hopefully, the new "right to repair" law will lead Nintendo to give us the parts or tell us the correct numbers. Because I believe that many, maybe all, parts are just re-branded. And you can get them without problems from Digikey or so.

[@ClaspedDread]

​@@JomasterTheSecondYou're correct but I don't think I've ever heard anybody call the screws Nintendo used anything other than Tri Wing. It's just the name everybody uses, even if it's wrong

[@Jlaps941]

I’ll always love these repair videos. It makes me want to replace my 3DS XL screen that has the same fault yours does, but I’d probably tear the ribbon cables just by looking at them

[@TheM0nkeyBomb]

Nice video, but whats up with the click bait intel chip?

[@melsbacksfriend]

It's an inside joke

[@MattyK1873]

Yup, annoyed me too. Dude's better than click-bait nonsense

[@EatTheApple4Me]

@@MattyK1873can you not read the replies? It’s an inside joke

[@EatTheApple4Me]

Don’t be so butt hurt about it 💀💀

[@ashens2]

He goes online asking people to send him rare consoles in exchange for "shoutouts". The clickbait is only one element to Elliot's darker side..

[@kbramlett6877]

The fact that exactly which solder points are used for modification has always amazed me. A prime example is the OG PlayStation. There are a gazillion solder points on the motherboard and they get changed around with each model. I got lucky once and found an OG PlayStation, Model 5501, at a thrift store for $3.00 that was already modded. I made the discovery when I was taking it apart to clean it out. As I was lifting up the motherboard I saw some electrical tape and my jaw hit the floor. Now the laser assembly was worn out and fortunately, I had a fully working 5501 and just swapped the lasers

[@37Kilo2]

The PS2 is worse. There's like 50 revisions (minor and major), and installing a modchip in certain models is extremely challenging.

[@sucaNaitoraven951]

WHO CARES

[@DriftKingfromTekken3]

Most ps1s are modded in the wild. I find it interesting how people not familiar with soldering find modding to be some pinnacle of innovation and difficulty. In most cases it's really not that bad (except HDMI port mods on the old consoles).

[@RealPlasmat1c]

@@37Kilo2 Good thing you dont need a mod chip for a lot of slims, just the simple free mc boot memory card homebrew

[@olevet75]

Dude takes apart and reassembles 3ds XL like it's his job

[@VeeFerns]

that's because it is (making videos like this)

[@olevet75]

@@VeeFerns ikr

[@DenysMel]

​@@olevet75Wait what

[@54356776]

It's very easy to do. Modding, soldering ect isn't but taking a 3ds apart is quite simple.

[@MisterBeast_Official]

@@54356776personally I believe that the modding part is the easiest at least the software side of it

[@no-no-noku]

The screen coming with a few dead pixels is absolutely heart-breaking, but it's still an improvement from no screen working at all. My most hated part of the DS lite repair is re-connecting the thin ribbon for the bottom touch-screen over the back of the mainboard, I accidentally snapped off the bracket and the ribbon will not stay in place without it. The bracket itself is so small that I would never be able to find it and of course there's no resellers for that bracket specifically. I'm glad that (from the video) that part went smoothly for you.

[@Master-Cunninglinguist]

3:20 I once transfered a DS lite in to a gorgeous green shell. Tore that ribbon cable and had to order more parts. once I had my replacements I finished it up and enjoyed it for two weeks before it was stolen.

[@The.One.True.B]

My New 3DS XL has been sitting for years nearly untouched. Added home brew to it a few days ago, now I absolutely love it! Not sure what hardware mods are available though so very interested in this.

[@normanbarud]

Home brew ???? I can’t get my 2nd to take roms

[@The.One.True.B]

@@normanbarud pretty sure you have to homebrew any DS/3DS family system to use ROMs lol that’s mostly what I did it for, I have NES/SNES/Genesis/GameBoy/GBC/GBA games on my 3DS now. Romhacks too

[@The.One.True.B]

@@normanbarud homebrew is required for roms

[@The.One.True.B]

@@McCloud2006 modding my Wii was way more complicated than the 3DS but I did the Wii years ago I bet it’s gotten easier

[@normanbarud]

@@The.One.True.B I couldn’t find a way to homebrew the 2ds, something about the wrong os

[@thepokerus4184]

Also out of all the Nintendo 3ds models, the original small 3ds is the most complicated to take fully apart. New 3ds are fairly easy.

[@leinsaat5779]

I thought 2DS XL was the worst

[@thepokerus4184]

@@leinsaat5779 they are about as frustrating as originall 3ds

[@JTXPstudios]

Hey! It's me, I'm the original owner of the New 3DS XL! Although, it's really cool that you modded my DS! Keep it up!

[@justrad7637]

"cool move from nintendo" THE ONE AND ONLY!

[@ConnerWithAnE_]

Music was a very chill touch

[@bahamutbbob]

Hey, good to see a video from you again! I have this 3DS capture kit, and it's pretty great. I stream on Twitch, and I've used it almost every stream since I got it. We start with Picross, before moving to the main event.

[@cormchaos2810]

Hey, what’s your twitch user, I’ll come stop by

[@celtyrysuje]

They designed it so well back then... I still use my 3DS XL everyday. Now if there is something broken in a device you need to throw it away cuz there is no way to repair it or it is so expensive that it isn't worth it... I love it how I can play my 3ds everyday and still charge it like once a week.. when it comes to Switch I would have to charge it the same day or maybe in 2 days depending on the game really...

[@Rohgamu]

Um what? My analog stick literally broke in half and my L/R buttons stopped working and I replaced both relatively easily

[@celtyrysuje]

@@Rohgamu there is nothing broken in my 3ds :D and my Switch is already drifting on the left controller...

[@TheMalMeninga]

@@celtyrysuje not for nothing, but you can absolutely replace the sticks on a switch joycon. I'm not sure if Nintendo are still doing it for free, but I've fixed two myself. Your original point is well made though

[@cdpdoodler]

I completely agree! It's annoying to have a handheld when I'm constantly worried about the battery draining so quickly

[@xtos2001]

Was randomly watching TV and got on a show called Toy Hospital and to my surprise who do I see fixing a worn Gameboy color? Good stuff man!

[@thefray123]

The man's still got it. Always so nice to see the classic content back. Insane build and restore!

[@marcusreis3790]

I really love your videos... Everything, from unboxing, restoration, modding, vlogging Don't give up, we're here for you!

[@PowerSynopsis]

Oh yeah, baby, dismantle that 3DS *right* *now*

[@Jamesssssssssssssss]

Take that back cover off nice and slow.

[@ThrowbackGames_]

Been watching these videos for so long and I have no idea how you manage to have the patience of repairing a system and setting up all the camera angles. Love your videos

[@Warlock1515]

No one is talking about the absolute banger song you played in this awesome video. Thanks for sharing this!

[@thekalmnpc1290]

this has to be the most beautiful n3dsxl i have seen, and i thought my n2dsxl looks pretty sharp (it does, but not like this), im lovin that green on that and the way the screens and buttons look is so good, you did an awesome job man, stay alive

[@thekalmnpc1290]

(me looking past the black spot, thats a small defect to me tho, still beautiful mate.)

[@sergiojimenez3415]

I learned to test the console before putting it back together first because the screen is laborious. All in all, you did a killer job!

[@sgsuperkiddan]

I freaking love the top screen repairs, not cuz it’s easy, cuz it’s not.. but more or less because it’s more interesting for me to do. Gives me a challenge that just pulls me in. Hope you had fun with this Elliot. 🔥😎

[@pegu_9565]

my man just saying the most terrific things about taking apart some pieces but then takes apart smoothly and with a chill song in the bg

[@pillowgood1318]

It's beautiful. It's great to watch you work. I've cosmetically destroyed a PSP by trying a simple shell change. I've scratched a lens in a Avegant Glyph headset while trying to remove a dust spec, the list goes on. Watching you not snap ribbon cables is almost therapeutic.

[@Albert-ru7ob]

For those dead pixels on the screen, you can get them out by kinda rubbing the screen a a bit of force. I haven’t done it with a 3ds but it worked for me with a ds lite and it seems to be the same issue. Hope that helps!

[@bcw8219]

I can confirm it works on a n3dsxl

[@bingegamer]

Massaging the pixels! I've done that quite a few times in the past with older LCD displays, with varying results. But whenever it works, it feels magical in sort of a silly way-- like when you smack an old appliance or TV or something to get it working again.

[@sunny76809]

man i love watching his videos, he is actually what got me to try opening up my old 3ds and try to fix it myself, and although i did at least get it to turn back on, but iv really messed the thing up and would pay to learn how to soder or fix things and get new parts like ribbon cable clamps that are broken or better yet i wish i could just send him my 3ds to be fix i would pay anything

[@Spintechfilms]

Thank god I bought a ton of New 3DS XL's and New 2DS XL's so I know I have back ups for back ups this is way above my repair skills

[@VandiMore]

your approach to video production is truly innovative!

[@sandedyng]

Looks absolutely fun and incredible- encouraging me to get into it! 10/10!

[@SkinnyDoom]

That USBC port looks so smooth, the whole process was amazing to watch and learn. Ty

[@dany-ps2my]

After seeing the beginning on Joey's video, this popped up and had to see the conclusion, great job especially from where it started

[@maw9a]

Stellar soundtrack choices, as always

[@Mgh101590]

This is so validating I reshelled one of my "new" 3ds XL and the hinge was never the same again ordered multiple hinges thinking I had damaged them but nope it just wasn't the same again. It doesn't have that same rigid feel it used to have

[@Blackn1f3Gaming]

As someone who also loves carving out ports to make them look native I must say I love ur type c port

[@jama211]

I have recently picked up an ultra thin soldering iron, found it super useful for those really precise jobs like that audio cable. I didn't know they existed but they do, it's like surgery!

[@tyrant29bow2]

I wish they made an amplifier board for the 3DS like one company made for the original Gameboy with the DS system I had to sell them shortly after I got them because I have always been hard of hearing but when I got my first switch it was the OLED model and the sound is amazing on it and I've had it for years now. Don't get me wrong the DS line was amazing and still is. Originally I got the 3DS for resident evil game and I thought it was spectacular. Anyways good job sir on the mod as well as the clean up on the 3DS. As always a pleasure to watch.

[@invalidation]

I honestly dig the distressed look of the shell as-is, and would try to preserve that

[@roflBeck]

That green and black shell looks really cool! Then again, the worn-down shell it came in had some character. I might've kept it that way assuming it wasn't damaged or something.

[@WerewolfMaster]

I have replaced New 3DS (not-XL) upper LCD and an inner power socket 😎 It is my top 2 nightmare handheld console repair I ever had done. It took HOURS because I was so scared. It is all so tight, tricky and delicate to handle and even to reassemble. You really don't wanna do it. I already had an immense experience with handhelds repairs and was working as a computer repairs technician in a shop.

[@DaarkCloud]

Absolutely love this! I'm incredibly excited to see how it all comes together. Videos like this add a lot of elements into the build that I wouldn't have thought of. It makes me wonder why auto manufacturers don't try more lol

[@husainhabib4789]

One can certainly appreciate the level of resolve and patience put in order to achieve this remarkable refurbishment. The level of craftsmanship is commendable and inspirational. Putting more effort to replace the top screen again is certainly not preferred by most hobbyists/repairmen. Well done 👍

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@pimphandjesus4667]

This just inspired me to try this mod out, got a really cheap Japanese 3DS with a bad R button and really rough shell, so excited

[@chupitolepame5357]

Beautiful! I wanna do the same modding in the near future.

[@AdamHougham]

My one took a dive into the cats' water bowl courtesy of a nameless moggy. I had to replace the power board and battery as well. Watching this, I'm glad I've not needed to dive in any further yet!

[@Ricar2002YT]

Recently I had to replace the top screen for a New 3DS XL I got for free a while ago, the hardest part for me was definitely transferring the old plastic bezel, putting back the hinge on its place and finally reattaching the screen and camera ribbon cables. I'm surprised at how straight forward the capture card installation is, I assume soldering the audio ribbon cable to the board isn't entirely necessary if you capture the audio through the headphone jack, I'm definitely giving this a shot in the future, seems like a much much easier time than the DS Lite capture I've been trying to install for some time now. By the way, loved the new shell! Looks super slick

[@Yore0]

That pearlescent lime is probably my favorite n3dsxl color. Great choice.

[@Dreoni_]

Brilliant work as always! NGL I kinda dig the original worn out outer shell, it has a "fallout wasteland" vibe

[@samueltheweber]

Excellent work! I really like the CPU fan tbf, wish I had one for my SLOT-2 cpu!

[@BejitaConnor]

FINALLY! A main channel video, oh my days! Glorious!

[@urixy]

I wanna do something like this to my New 3ds XL but i actually have absolutely 0 clue where I’d even get the money for all the parts, new case and all that!!! hopefully one day i’ll be able to do something like this. AWESOME VIDEO MAN!

[@VIRACYTV]

When you update the screen please record it, along with updating those red buttons. I love watching these!

[@Beezerfish79]

Replacing the ds top screen is a giant pain. Replacing the 3ds top screen looks like it makes me want to question all of my life choices. Mad props to you for giving this a go

[@LelandHasGames]

Ugh. I love this. I love you for creating this. You're content is something that keeps me going.

[@wahoomario4323]

More uploads pls this kind of content are therapeutic

[@bert6236]

the green shell is slick, nice refurb/mods!!

[@masterbard]

the defective top screen triggered me sooo hard!! can't imagine doing all of this just to see a ton of dead pixels on the screen. respect for the patience.

[@snowysnowwolf6228]

Well done Joey and Elliot

[@tealias]

I'm gonna do the same thing and I'm super excited!!!

[@SEA-AN3MON3]

this channel single handedly convinced me to buy a gba, i now own a glacier blue gameboy advance. thanks Elliot

[@kristoffero5882]

No way this is exactly what i was looking for on youtube amd you mafe it jright in time

[@georged7627]

I miss the days when Eliot put out a gaming video every week 🙏🏽

[@levi-young]

i loveeee modular technology like this. would such a dream to be able to easily repair and upgrade things like this in every piece of personal tech like this

[@levi-young]

god that tear down is gorgeous

[@ltsACroissant]

I think this is my 3DS! I used to keep it in my backpack at school, eventually the red started peeling off like crazy so I stopped using it. However, I sold it on Depop for cheap a couple years back, but it was in fully working condition. It wouldn't shock me if it broke down and came full circle. It's identical to the one I had, down to the scratches on the front

[@GaryIsFound]

This was the exact video I needed after having a crummy day. I don't know why this is so relaxing but it is lol

[@cocowavs]

Really weirdly relaxing to watch this. I've been dealing with nightmare scenarios with just my modded NDSL recently, just everything going wrong especially with my touchscreen abd the Left trigger button not working. lol btw I really really hate ribbon cables.

[@MightyOwl_01]

I really enjoy these kinds of videos, please do more console repairs or mods

[@Knivesisi]

I can’t wait for more hardware mods to become available and more common, I’m also looking forward to some metal shells

[@PrayerZero]

you taking it apart made me so anxious haha because of how small those ribbons are, its the main reason i dont ever try to repair new 3ds xls 😅

[@maxrichards5925]

Wow this is truly amazing. Also wow it’s been so long since I’ve seen Mario kart 7

[@Zenov_Z]

0:20 Cleave!

[@Mirjj]

your soldering is so much better these days!

[@TheGebs24]

Your talent amazes me 😮

[@michaelmijares5547]

I'm really amazed at how patient he is fiddling with those three ribbon cables from hell and successfully taking them apart and putting them back in.

[@TerenceJansen.coolkid]

And finally, I've found another person who is after the same thing I am, to make the best 3ds possible, I've dreamed of it since I was 6, when I first got a 3ds, and I'm still after it today

[@taxa1569]

I'm 2 steps away. I have the 3ds capture kit already. So step 1 is installing it. And my n3dsxl has a top IPS screen already so for step 2, I'd like to supplant it with a matching IPS bottom screen one day. Then I'd be safe to sell off my other 3ds's. Much like I SHOULD do with my psp's and Gameboy advances :P I gotta stop hoarding OG hardware haha

[@k.k9206]

Vid was a vibe. Loved it!

[@Blasckk]

The paint on my red New 3ds XL started coming off like that just from being in a room with relatively high humidity for a few days (I wasn't at home and basically one of my steel frame walls filled with rainwater ). I have never seen a device that was painted with paint that literally absorbs water. I ended up replacing the entire Shell (and taking the opportunity to replace the analog stick that was already somewhat loose from so much use).

[@raindrainxi]

I was hoping you retained the original case, the damage and scratch looks great

[@Brookiethehornedpupper]

Lovely shell swap and upgrades:D looks challenging but would love to undertake this some day

[@retro_yoyo]

Would love to see more upload from you brotha hope everything is going great 🙏

[@HitnRunTony]

Always enjoy seeing you work

[@TheRedMelon]

that was some beautiful soldering work

[@djbawb]

dude the 3DS XL is a harrowing device to work on! kudos!

[@prk55]

Really enjoyed this. Must have taken a huge amount of work.

[@DSprich]

I misheard the opening and thought you said, "I sent it to my friend, Joey, who died." Holy moly he had an extreme reaction!

[@icymiles]

I feel you. I was assembling the ultimate n2ds xl and realized the motherboard was bricked after installing. had to do it all over again

[@tippybooch]

That USB-C cutout was clean af. I don't think people realise how difficult that is to do and just how easy it is to completely mangle it.

[@leobrenes4917]

Woow, I don't knew the complicated 3DS is for desmanteled. Awesome work :D

[@mistyleo]

my 3ds looks like the thumbnail. thanks for giving me the confidence to keep it alive for that much longer

[@smugs7921]

as someone that has re-shelled these in the past these are hell to work on

[@wyattalexander4041]

I’d love to do this but man…. That audio board sauterning looks very difficult! Appreciate the close up shots of everything very cool video and awesome set up for the 3DS looks amazing 🔥

[@kingzombie951]

your videos has inspired me to learn soldering

[@ShadyHero]

when i was like 9 or 10 i tried doing a full shell swap on my new 3ds XL. never did it prior, was completely perfect except for the top display. back light worked too, just no color.

[@bookwormbon482]

This is exactly what I've wanted for so so many years. It's been my gaming dream since a kid. Amazing to see the process, thanks for sharing. Is there anywhere we can buy a 3DS XL like this? (with a new shell and capture card installed)

[@J007ack]

ebay but it'll be pretty expensive compared to a normal n3ds xl

[@WPPatriot]

That thing looks SICK!

[@IStoleAllYourCookies]

I was looking for good content to watch and you uploaded at the right time

[@filipmarkovic369]

If I did all of that just to see that the screen has dead pixels and I need to start over again, I would throw my 3DS out the window.