Nintendo 3DS turns off with a POP! How to Fix it

In this video I fix an original Nintendo 3DS that won't turn on (powers on for a second and then powers off with an audible “pop”). This is a follow up to an earlier video ( • Nintendo 3DS turns off... ) where we identified the problem but didn’t have the parts to fix it at the time. Today is the day, but be warned, this is a challenging repair!
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Affiliate Links (I get a small commission if you buy from these links, thanks for helping me out!):
Storefront:
‣ www.amazon.com/shop/fantastic...
Tools I use in this video (or related):
‣ Screwdriver Kit - amzn.to/3OWja76
‣ Triwing Screwdriver - amzn.to/3ifYnQS
‣ Soldering Iron - amzn.to/3IoqgyQ
‣ Soldering Iron (Budget Option) - amzn.to/3vI1O6c
‣ Tweezers - amzn.to/3c4pURU
‣ Solder Wire - amzn.to/3ayhmT1
‣ Flux Pen - amzn.to/3uE8lym
‣ Solder Wick - amzn.to/3c6rTVK
‣ Helping Hands - amzn.to/3VMCDKk
‣ Plastic Pry Tools (spudgers): amzn.to/3PPHeJa
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Other Links:
‣ Replacement Flex Cable: www.ebay.com/itm/163797600208...
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Chapters:
0:00 - Recap of First Video
1:31 - Starting the Repair
2:54 - Cables Through the Hinge
4:03 - Finishing the Repair
7:36 - Final Test and Outro
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#fantasticquack #quackfix #retrorepair #videogames

[@FantasticQuack]

Have you ever had this problem with your 3DS? What did you do to address it?

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee5812]

well i had this problem and i emediatly started work with this vi- i broke the screwdriver and didnt realise it until i broke the screw with the broken screwdriver then i held a different one i bought into place and put some super gl- THAT DIDNT WORK :/ now its time to break the screws which i will attempt tommorow with a friend whos an expert in many things

[@FantasticQuack]

@@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee5812 If they're stripped beyond the point of no return you need to drill the heads off the problem screws, remove the shell and extract the threaded portion with a needle nose pliers or similar tool. Replacement screws are cheap and with patience you can recover well from this set back.

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee5812]

@@FantasticQuack already did it and got into the system (after totally not breaking a camera cable because as you said this thing is a nightmare to repair) i only found very few issues with the internals but am still going to replace the flex cable and camera cable for totally unrelated reasons

[@superyam3660]

still have thi problem btw is this for all 3ds's?

[@jjandjacks7928]

No, but can this issue that frayed that part you needed to replace be replicated on newer 3DS models? For Example the *new* 3DS XL.

[@AkaDrogen]

Litterly just fixed one 3ds with this and now I'm on my second

[@FantasticQuack]

Awesome, keep saving them! Cheers

[@JJ-nz8nb]

You are the most hilarious video game repairer I’ve watched 😂! Definitely want to see more repairs, it looks easy seeing other fix things but a lot harder doing it myself.

[@FantasticQuack]

Thanks for the compliment, more to come!

[@andrewclark3325]

Detailed guide to reassembly 3DS, thank you! Please keep up the good work!

[@FantasticQuack]

I'll do my best! Thanks for watching :)

[@erikbenedet6762]

very useful, my friend sent me a broke 3ds wih this problem, searching for what the problem is I immediately found this video and now I managed to fix it. Also the video is ver well made and it's easy to understand. keep doing stuff like these!

[@FantasticQuack]

Thanks and glad to hear you got that one working, nice job!

[@tvsoup4405]

Thanks for the videos. I did the exact same repare myself just from your first video. Success! I honestlly took about 4 hours. This was my first repare ever, including a shell swap. I felt super proud but disapointed with the after market shell.

[@FantasticQuack]

You must be pretty handy to succeed in a fairly advanced repair on your first attempt! proud of you m8.

[@tvsoup4405]

@@FantasticQuack thank you, the i fix it kit is half the battle honeslly, i think i have pretty good hands from doing art and fine plating in restaurants, but tbh i still had alot of moments where i was like "damn i really hope i didnt just mess that up" with some ruff movements. I fixed a couple more, and now im pretty comfortable doing these.

[@hunjan4lyfe]

I cannot thank you enough for making this video i just fixed mine and it works perfectly!

[@FantasticQuack]

So glad to hear this, not an easy fix so nice work !

[@nathanhornbacher8109]

Glad to see video's again Joe

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad to have you watching Nathan!

[@ben2292]

Thanks for the tutorial helped me alot especially the part where you have to fumble the ribbon cable through the smal hole. Now my 3DS is working again thanks again.

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad to hear it helped you out, cheers!

[@trulyyourscx2575]

Extremely grateful you made this video, you saved my 3Ds

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad I could help!

[@dawsonmiller8125]

Finally you finished it! 🙏 Thank you so much!

[@FantasticQuack]

You're welcome! Thanks for coming back to watch :)

[@alivecree]

hi i have this problem on my new 3ds model and your video is by far the most helpful one i’ve found and the only one i’ve found that goes over this problem. i was just wondering if i could follow this tutorial to fix the same problem on my newer model, i’m sure there is some differences but i would assume it’s a very similar process

[@FantasticQuack]

Hey there, the process should be nearly identical on the newer 3DS models!

[@zakb8259]

Merci pour ton super tutoriel, j'ai pu réparer ma 3ds grâce à toi !

[@FantasticQuack]

Thanks!

[@JunyAntrax]

I love you videos bro, I’m always staying tuned in for every new video ! 🥹❤️🙏🏼 Thanks for everything you do and explain! 🙏🏼

[@FantasticQuack]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching! Cheers

[@ottoplichters]

Replaced the speakercable and i destroyed the new one 😂 Nice to see someone fixed his 🙏 It cased me my sanity I do not think I'm trying dat again 😅

[@FantasticQuack]

Sorry to hear that this is a tricky job for sure!

[@ramarriblevinsjones5709]

I just dropped my near 8 year old New Nintendo 3ds XL, and now it makes this noise when it's on. Thanks for at least showing me the problem because I don't know how to repair stuff lol. Had 2 other problems before, good thing it isn't permanently destroyed. Might as well take it to a shop.

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad the vid was useful and I hope you can get yours fixed up!

[@pascalthom5825]

I had the very same problem and I did manage to fix it because of you, so thank you! Somehow the top screen isn't working anymore though. Could it be that the screen cable (the other one) is damaged?

[@ilpastor]

I have the same problem! Thanks a lot!

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad it helped, hope you can get it fixed!

[@federicomelana4257]

how did you connected the connector if it was the middle cable and the black one was the last oen and it should go on top... did you do it again off camera?

[@FantasticQuack]

I'm not sure what you mean. I plugged in everything on camera

[@Linkacper]

In my first mind I was thinking that a battery is broken.

[@FantasticQuack]

To the best of my knowledge the popping noise is never a battery issue, but it's always best to start simple when troubleshooting!

[@BREADORANGE523]

Is there a video anywhere for a new 2ds xl? same problem but probably was different components. Also no screen flash.

[@FantasticQuack]

The hardware will be slightly different (screw locations, size/type of ribbons/connectors) but the general procedure will be largely the same.

[@Bryce_the_Woomy_Boi]

Can a broken shoulder button ribbon cable stop a 3dd from turning on completely?

[@FantasticQuack]

Not to my knowledge, all that should happen in that case is the shoulder button not working.

[@EsePayaso-tm5wb]

Mine does the same thing when i try booting it on but i dropped water on it when i was younger you think it would be the same thing? Or what do you think it could be

[@FantasticQuack]

I mean the water exposure can definitely cause some problems but if it was working for a while after that and the power-on pop started happening later it might be unrelated. Usually the problem is associated with the screen or connection to it being bad which could certainly happen due to rusting from water exposure, or a damaged cable like in my case.

[@crabeetle1171]

My tweezers tore through the top screen flat cable while i was trying to get the coiled up cables through the hinge :(.... Am I gonna have to replace the whole top screen now? I couldn't get the cables through the hole in the first place so im a little demotivated now

[@FantasticQuack]

If you tore through the cable that embeds into the screen then yes you'll need a whole new screen, unfortunately :( There are theoretically ways you could fix it but would be very challenging and low reliability so the only "right way" to do it is a replacement.

[@reese3451]

4:35 the LED tab was GLUED to the slot when I tried to remove it trying to do a camera replacement repair. It did not come out easily like the guides. It was hard and glued onto the slot panel. I ended up ripping it off with the tab still stuck. Had to pry out the broken tab with a small flat screwdriver. It wasn't easy. Now I have to replace the speaker cable as well. So many problems just trying to replace the camera.

[@FantasticQuack]

Dang sorry to hear that, the tab came out pretty easy on mine I didn't know they sometimes added glue? :/

[@rollsroycer123rbx9]

Is this a problem with all 3DS models with a hinge? If so, i think i’m gonna not buy another one if i’m not gonna be able to do this repair on the broken one i have rn. The hinge design is really what made me love my 3DS more than my 2DS and honestly i don’t think i can go back to a design without the hinge.

[@FantasticQuack]

Technically yes, but if you're opening/closing it normally vs hammering it back and forth like a young child might do, I think you're generally pretty safe. My personal launch 3DS XL shows no signs of this problem. Still never a bad idea to have a backup!

[@dudy_1004]

I can’t find a 3ds specific cable, would a 3ds xl cable be interchangeable apart from the length?

[@FantasticQuack]

I'm not sure on that. Keep hunting I bet you'll find one at some point

[@lululock]

It woudn't fit. The part where the speakers are soldered is too big and woudn't fit the case. As for the ribbon cable itself, I don't see why it coudn't connect, since the 3DS and the 3DS XL share the same platform. But if you really want to try this, make sure there are the same number of contacts and the spacing is the same as the 3DS one.

[@Im-building-stuff]

Thanks for the tutorial bro ! + One subscriber 🫡

[@FantasticQuack]

Thanks for the sub! Cheers

[@gavinbrennan8969]

How much would this differe for an og 3ds xl model?

[@FantasticQuack]

Should be very similar other than some variations on connector types/locations

[@taylorindustries]

What is the name of the cable? i want to buy one but i dont know which one i need to buy. Please reply. Thanks

[@FantasticQuack]

Throw "3ds speaker flex cable" into google should get you what you need!

[@hojo-was-right8175]

Ah nice. I'm having this same issue with my +10yr old 3ds. Might give this a go. Out of curiosity, does the power remain on when you fold/open the 3ds?

[@FantasticQuack]

If you saw my first video there was a specific hinge position where it would stay powered on, but only after the bottom shell was removed (assuming shell removal relieved some stress on the ribbon). Best of luck with yours!

[@hojo-was-right8175]

@@FantasticQuack gotcha. Do you have any recommendations on how to remove 2 stripped screws from the back shell? Specifically the 2 at the bottom. I've tried different bits, rubber bands and glue. Nothing is getting a grip

[@pietrosmusi2892]

@@hojo-was-right8175 hi i'm a little late so i hope you've already solved this problem, but the only solution i've found when i had the same problem 2 days ago was to just get the smallest drill bit you can find and VERY carefully eat away at the head of the screw. mine was only one screw so it didn't cause any further problems to not have it anymore, i don't know about 2 but hopefully it's the same.

[@hojo-was-right8175]

​@@pietrosmusi2892 hey mate, ah interesting. I actually gave up, tried my luck with the local electronics store to see if they could repair the 3ds but ... they deemed it 'not fixable' :( ended up purchasing a 2nd hand 2DS instead. Lesson here is: don't let 2yr olds play with handheld consoles. did you end up successfully repairing your 3ds?

[@pietrosmusi2892]

@@hojo-was-right8175 they probably deemed it not fixable because pain in the ass was too unprofessional. i successfully replaced the speaker cable following this tutorial but i'm an anger issues gal so i ended up damaging the camera cable while frustratedly trying to shove all three flex cables into the hinge :') i am now waiting for a new camera cable from ebay

[@mrtrololol5814]

I have this problem, but I hace another one right before this one. My screen works but It had a very darker screen, Someone know more about this problem?

[@FantasticQuack]

If you're getting the popping behavior I assume it would be related to the screen or its connections. You could also try general troubleshooting things like removing the battery, pressing power, plugging/removing adapter, and reinstalling the battery.

[@mathieumancon3371]

Would you please have any recommandations if the adhesive from the top screen doesn't really stick anymore ? By the way, great video, I'm learning a lot of things ! :)

[@FantasticQuack]

Yes, you can buy some double sided adhesive and cut it to shape. Here's one adhesive option from my affiliate page as an example: amzn.to/3Z8TUR6 Remove old adhesive first of course

[@kleinchris_za]

The replacement cable link on eBay has been taken down. Is there another link with the same cable?

[@FantasticQuack]

Try this one: www.ebay.com/itm/363955260812?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&srsltid=Ad5pg_GFQcQECQlmo1ZGLXQpuPjCBHSoSD7UadIwHMF3c4qO13cgtoBJ2I4

[@kleinchris_za]

@@FantasticQuack Thx, but it does not ship to my country. I'll try and look for another one.

[@scye777]

@@FantasticQuack appreciate it gng

[@caseysturtevant1545]

First off great tutorial! I followed completely but when I finished, I still have the same problem but it doesn’t pop anymore it just turns off😂. Maybe bad solder, and it was a different cable? Any ideas?

[@reese3451]

Read my comment. I ended up breaking this cable because the led cable tab was GLUED onto that little slot it goes into. The tab was stuck in there after ripping it off. I was trying to replace the camera and ended up breaking the speaker cable because some dumb ss glued it.

[@FantasticQuack]

Could be any number of things really, the most basic thing to try would be undoing and reconnecting all the cables and checking for any physical damage along the way. Hope you can get it figured out!

[@ProttMiners]

The flex cable link does not work anymore can you give me a link to another ine?

[@FantasticQuack]

just throw in to google "3ds speaker flex cable" should get you what you need.

[@MrTrullylooly2256]

Hi, the eBay link no longer works, could you please tell me the name/part number of the flex cable? It’s for a 3DS XL. Thanks.

[@FantasticQuack]

Just search "nintendo 3ds top screen flex cable" in google shopping tab. I see some options on aliexpress at a quick glance. Might be more options too.

[@MrTrullylooly2256]

@@FantasticQuack thanks

[@GoodVibeCollecting]

Yup, always the ribbon cable. A design flaw for sure and yeah, there's not really any point to use the original model anymore besides nostalgia.

[@FantasticQuack]

I was wondering if the OG was useful for hacking/modding compared to newer models, but never ended up looking into it. When's the next sealed game opening man?

[@GoodVibeCollecting]

@@FantasticQuack Oh yeah, I used to do that huh. LOL. To be honest, i've thought about changing the channel a bit. I'm not 100% happy with the name anymore and I think I want to change it. I have less than 1k subs so I don't think it will have a negative effect. What do you think?

[@FantasticQuack]

@@GoodVibeCollecting I've had that same thought about my channel name before and still do from time to time. Never pulled the trigger because I haven't come up with something better haha. I don't have a lot of subs either relatively speaking, and so I don't think for either of us that changing the name would matter all that much as a result--at least not in the long term. Unless you're changing the type of content, I think your channel name is great and is also easy to remember. In the end I think all that matters are the videos themselves and getting lucky with the algorithm. If you learn how to tap into half second attention spans let me know.

[@GoodVibeCollecting]

@@FantasticQuack The problem with the name is I feel like I'm playing a character in a way. I use the name elsewhere and let's just say sometimes I'm bad vibes. LOL. By having the name I feel like I can't be myself because with a name like that means everything is good and nice. The content will remain the same.

[@FantasticQuack]

@@GoodVibeCollecting Haha I see what you mean. I guess it is nice to have a name generic or otherwise open ended. If it's conflicting to you, I suppose changing the name here or at the other avenues isn't a bad idea. Being yourself is definitely important, I take only minor liberties on that by never using "bad" words in the videos (probably shouldn't IRL either hehe), but the general dumb humor is my normal self. whatever you feel is right I'm sure it'll work out. That said, we could all use more Good Vibe ;)

[@eddy__j]

i have quite the same issue on my OG 3ds, and i will try to fix it now that i saw your video. i also have a new 3ds xl, but i really want to try and fix my OG one. Thanks for the tutorial 🫶🏻

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad I could help, hope you can get it fixed!

[@user-de4db2dv7g]

The 3ds senses the 2 small, 3D ribbon extensions that plug in from off the speaker flex cable. The only screen attachment that is even remotely required, is the lower screen backlight ribbon connection. You can't completely unplug the upper screen, and it won't cause this problem.

[@FantasticQuack]

The only thing I can say with certainty is that the damage on the speaker flex cable was causing this problem.

[@Xenizs]

man, my screen has some problems related to that cable but I'm not sure if I want to go through that... that seems like absolute hell, imagine you re assemble just to find out you did something wrong and have to go back... how in the hell nintendo put all of that together efficiently, assuming the sold millions of 3ds

[@FantasticQuack]

It's a tough job for sure, satisfying when you get it right though!

[@user-by9ls3nh5s]

Did DS ever do anything about this?? I got one of these for my 8th bday and it broke pretty much straight away but I’d really love to get those photos from it back!!

[@FantasticQuack]

I think you could send in to Nintendo for repair back in the day but I assume that ship has sailed

[@user-by9ls3nh5s]

Ballz okay thanks 🥲

[@lululock]

@@FantasticQuack I don't think Nintendo ever acknowledged the issue (see how long it took for them to admit the Joycon drift issue exists) and it would have probably been a quoted repair. But since this issue is really a long term issue (the 3DS released 12 years ago !), I bet probably no one got that covered under warranty.

[@MistaGabagool]

Got this with my LL, no idea if the internals are the same but I’ll do my best

[@FantasticQuack]

should be a very similar process with some minor differences in the teardown. Good luck with it!

[@enelay1556]

I just found out I have the same problem, but I don't have the tools or parts to fix it. What should I do?

[@FantasticQuack]

Well you have 4 options: 1) Get the tools and parts to fix it. 2) Check if any retro game shops in your area will fix it for you. 3) sell it as "for parts only". 4) display it on a shelf to be seen but not touched

[@enelay1556]

Alright, thank you for replying. My system is a 3ds XL so I'm not sure how similar it is to your original 3ds, but mine still seems to be able to work. I can still turn it on and use it, but it turns off when I move it into a different position than the first. I'd like to keep using it but not in a way that could damage it, so just in the first viewing position. Thank you for your help.

[@lululock]

@@enelay1556 I have a 3DS XL as well and the issue seems to be less common (mainly because it is a bit less old) on these but it exists. The disassembly process is roughly the same as a classic 3DS, as they both share the same overall system architecture. The replacement part is not quite the same (the screen is bigger, so the ribbon is longer) and you'll also have to solder the speakers on it. I'll attempt to fix mine tonight. I thought it was a broken screen ribbon so I got a cheap replacement screen from a dead 3DS XL but turns out the screen is cracked. But, I now have 2 speaker ribbons... Wish me luck.

[@Mavellty]

Quick question does the 3d slider work after the repair? Also does the your console goes on sleep mode cuz mine doesn't pls help ToT

[@ben2292]

Yes, the 3d slider should work as before. What i can say i did the repair and it does get into sleep mode. Maybe check the ribbon cable if its really making a good connection.

[@Mavellty]

@@ben2292 yh mine goes on sleep mode now but the 3d slider doesn't work like the 3d is on but the console doesn't recognize it

[@ben2292]

@@Mavellty Soo if you try activate the 3d effect with the slider, it doesn’t work and is like stuck on the 3d forever ?

[@Mavellty]

@@ben2292 yh, I can turn it of with parental controls but is still technically stuck

[@ben2292]

@@Mavelltycheck from the video if you installed the 3d slider right (installed it wrong myself lol)

[@hannes7125]

Does this fix work with 2ds xl

[@FantasticQuack]

If the screen connection is the problem then yes it should

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee5812]

my 3ds repair is not going too well after i broke a camera cable (this thing is a nightmare to disasemble just like this content creator said) and i only noticed that the flex cable might be fully in tact after buying a replacement im now inspecting ever single screen port and display cable very closely under a magnifying glass and hoping for the best

[@FantasticQuack]

Consider also that the screen itself might be damaged. Hope you can get it working!

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee5812]

@@FantasticQuack ill just replace the screen cable and have a closer look at both screens again

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee5812]

im starting to think thoose white spots and that dent like spot on the screen cable arent normal

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee5812]

and the black spots that look like some kind of dust or dirt

[@Dubnot]

It's like This Old Tony but for nintendo.

[@FantasticQuack]

Love this old tony! he must've rubbed off on me a bit.. thanks for watching!

[@foxesthebestyt]

My 3ds opinion doesn't work is there a way to fix it

[@FantasticQuack]

Think you have a typo in there, I don't understand the question.

[@RoyD2]

Putting in those cables is a massive hassle. TBH this entire device is a pain

[@FantasticQuack]

Not my favorite one to work on that's for sure!

[@Dude-U.U]

Hi so I have a new 3DS XL I bought since July and so far when I open and close it works completely fine. However, I am now very stressed that this would happen to my 3DS XL even tho I just bend it twice a day (for opening and then closing) I’m worried if I continue on doing that my 3DS XL will say bye bye so please can anyone tell me how to prevent it from happening the second time? Really appreciate if you do. (all this video is absolutely the same mind I was having)

[@FantasticQuack]

I've been using a 3DS XL since before the launch of the "new" 3DS and have had no issue, I would recommend just taking care when opening/closing it. A lot of these issues pop up when primarily used by children who crank on things a little too hard or repetitively. To be fair, Nintendo definitely stuffed those cables in too tight so it could happen to anyone, but being gentle with it will drastically decrease that risk.

[@Dude-U.U]

@@FantasticQuack thanks in advance!

[@lfhlaw]

About to do this for my friends son’s 3DS.

[@FantasticQuack]

Good luck!

[@electrothecat07]

I discovered a small cut on my flex tape near the hinge. Hope electric tape fixes that

[@FantasticQuack]

It's possible it could help temporarily but definitely won't hold up long term I'm sorry to say

[@_fregnub]

Just sat down and tried this, we've got the 3ds Workin again but the upper screen doesn't display anything

[@FantasticQuack]

Is the upper screen backlight working? Or just completely dead? If the latter, it may be faulty. You could try cleaning and reestablishing the screen connections. Same thing with the WiFi board as that can be linked to display issues as well.

[@_fregnub]

@@FantasticQuack I've managed to get it working, so it isn't dead but it only seems to become visible when tilted down enough

[@malmarshal]

Sadd I want to fix mine mannnn ahhh it doesn't look crazy hard😢😢

[@FantasticQuack]

Yup it's pretty hard, but with patience I think more people could do it than they realize

[@theganginc.8827]

yeah i just put the screen to a specific position then it cut on but once you move it back it cuts off XD

[@FantasticQuack]

Sounds like the same problem as here unfortunately

[@leviathan9865]

so thts why i couldnt turn it on a year ago

[@FantasticQuack]

Probably.. \_(•¿•)_/

[@Frank-jt4xx]

i broke the sound flex :( the 3ds give me a headache

[@FantasticQuack]

You and me both! sorry to hear that..

[@robertjohnson6154]

Excellent content. Crush your competition with promo sm!!

[@FantasticQuack]

Is that like a pay for subscribers service? Nah I'm good