Nintendo 3DS XL Shell Housing Replacement | Complete Shell Swap | 3DS Restoration

Hello,
Please watch the entire video before attempting repair.
This video shows how to completely replace a worn or defective 3DS XL shell housing. These housing usually crack around the hinge and cause the upper screen to flop around. The 3DS XL in this video also happened to have a broken top screen so I took this opportunity to replace it since the system will be completely torn down.
Links:
Complete Shell: amzn.to/3zeqCYt
Bottom Hinge housing: amzn.to/3xibFEg
Top Screen: amzn.to/32LdKsY
Electric Screwdriver: amzn.to/3L0Jw7y
Tools: amzn.to/34345yv
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Thank you.
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[@bitterapples6931]

Ended up breaking the top screen in half, man made it look a little too easy

[@SCESG400]

I was thinking about trying this myself but now after watching this and knowing how I’m not the best with precise and gentle tasks I’m afraid I’ll break something

[@OverpowerWolf]

same

[@rifasclub]

Ditto.

[@aaaaaaaarttttki]

Its actually pretty easy ! You just need to take your time

[@3renY3ager]

@@aaaaaaaarttttki I'm just afraid that I will mess up the ribbon cables and the N3DS price is pretty high right now

[@aaaaaaaarttttki]

@@3renY3ager as long as you be very careful its gonna be ok, they're pretty strong, just make sure you properly disconnected them, they should come of with no force

[@hjekydell8186]

Nice. You've made it seem so easy, with the easy to comprehend steps on a difficult to refurbish handheld console.

[@TheFixTech]

Replacing the complete housing on the 3DS XL can be a task, but well worth it!

[@noobymcnooberson347]

Is it ok if you just replace the casings such as the outer and inner bottom casing and the upper casing, and use the original housing, how did you get the stickers off as well?

[@kenshiku]

@@noobymcnooberson347 Yes you can! It's personally a better solution if you don't want to mess with it too much! If you have some isopropyl alcohol, put a small amount on the stickers and after a while remove them carefully.

[@squirtledude6927]

Hey by any chance would you know a place to take it to get it repaired professionally because I’m not sure I’ll do it right any tips on where to take it would be greatly appreciated

[@BigRheno]

@@squirtledude6927 There’s lots of places online where you can check reviews, or do an in person drop off for repairs. Like if your actual body of the handheld is damaged (much like how my first one had the hinge snap) then you’ll need a full replacement.

[@squirtledude6927]

@@BigRheno yeah that happened to me but luckily with a hundred repair tutorials I was finally able To fix it 😂

[@MasteringAnimation]

I just recently purchased a Blue Super smash bros edition 3ds xl, and i was planning to swap the shell with a brand new one, as well as the screens if needed, and i was looking up videos on how to do all that and thankfully you have done everything i can think of to various 3ds systems. You my friend have a new subscriber ❤ thanks for the hard work and teaching us your ways

[@oyam3865]

I genuinely don't understand how you pushed the hinge into place so easy. I've tried for 2 days now

[@kninzotagoni3635]

ya i am having trouble too its getting all distroyed

[@TheFixTech]

Pushing hinge out for removal, or pushing hinge back into place? This is a tricky process to remove the hinge. Better if you have an angled type pick or screwdriver. Make sure the top cover of the system is off and the system is on closed position.

[@dustinmckenzie2512]

if your trying to put the hinge all the way in the have to make sure its in the fully open position. hard to find good videos but there are some that explain what they are doing.

[@shadowclonier3062]

Had this problem. The while cylinder has an extra lip to it, which lines up with the slot on the insert. You need to match them together and figure out what angle you need to rejoin them at.

[@shellby9589]

@@dustinmckenzie2512dude you saved my life. Thank you so much.

[@Christopher_Hampton]

This is the best tutorial I've seen. Off to buy a complete shell swap kit

[@wingingit3071]

very well filmed :) amazing how much of the gameboy sp's design you can see in the ds and 3ds

[@edaumaysol]

My advice to everyone is if you're not 100% confident this will be EASY for you, don't even try. Good tutorial but I'm pretty sure I now have a brick.

[@Jabu-Jabu]

Cool this tutorial looks easy enough thanks! Edit: please end the suffering

[@GreenDog3]

Too true. I can't get the top cover back on

[@ember9361]

@@GreenDog3 me neither I'm losing my mind 😭

[@GreenDog3]

@@ember9361 my condolences. I just got it on “good enough” and it’s definitely not ideal. I hope you have more success than i did

[@o0julek0o]

Love how I'll be doing the exact same swap. From the Blue, to the Pokemon XY red shell.

[@TheWatts106]

me too!

[@n7x]

My 3ds xl came with red Pokémon XY shells but I got that in 2013 or 14 so now it’s all just scratched up and the right hinge snapped off but it’s still functional

[@S_047]

Opposite for me. The garish Mario skin for a more simple Purple one

[@hawkfeather6802]

There's more pieces in a 3ds xl than I thought! Great job!

[@RoseBaby]

Great video as always!! Thank you for sharing!! 👍🏻

[@asmodeustheclown3135]

Thank you for making this video, I couldn’t figure out how to put the washers onto the screws for the back cover, lol!

[@cianlives]

I didn't find too much difficulty tearing it down and reassembling it, but there's the one screen ribbon cable that's sending me over the edge lol

[@jordanrobinson6583]

Wonderful! Planning on restoring a 3ds I got from trading a kid my old switch lite on FB marketplace. It's on rough condition but plays really well! I'll be sure to reference your video again in a few days 😁

[@Arithekiller]

Unless you got a limited edition 3ds you got scammed, you can get a good condition 3ds for less than $100

[@blurrbi]

omg thank you so much fo rthis ! My ds looks brand new now even after ten years of having it, thank you so much !

[@TheFixTech]

Glad I could help!

[@517leeman]

Wow this will be a challenge forsure. Hoping to pull it off here soon. Great tutorial thank you!

[@JonathanTacoman]

How did it go ?

[@ivanurban2383]

Im just gonna give anyone who wants do this some advice, when you are removing the logic board, flip down the tabs on the connectors. Especially the touch connector or backlight one. I broke one on my dsi while trying to fix the hinge

[@Retro8itmods]

About to do this as well, nice work!

[@heifaramusic]

Merci mille fois ! Travail exceptionnel

[@zadayaz]

im so tempted to do this, most of it seems doable but the ribbon cables are terrifying, i know i'll lost track of which is which or accidentally tear them or something. My 3ds is so old it reallyyyyy needs a new casing before it become a real problem and not a lot of places repair them anymore T-T

[@lemonyeri]

been fighting with the top cover for days idk how you got it in so easily

[@whammzy]

is there a way to replace the top outer shell without taking it all apart? I just need to replace that part

[@brayan0_077]

Wow he did it! Thank you so much.

[@brayan0_077]

Broke a couple ribbon cables in the process.

[@kylealexmatt]

Wonderful video. Thank you!!

[@TheFixTech]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Alucard_Mihawk384]

You make it look easy I'm struggling with getting the hinge piece to click into place

[@JJ-xf2zy]

Any luck? Same I cannot get it out

[@asherwatts1376]

It requires an uncomfortable amount of force, like the gba sp.

[@ricardofranco4114]

I've been using my 3ds xl since launch!! And it just broke. Top screen cracked and hinge broken. Looks difficult but worth it. I have over 1000 hours on the drvice.

[@EnigamiNetshinobi]

Gad damn, that's a lot of work. Decal time!

[@jcramirez77]

facts lmao the top and bottom cover is easy but for the body, like you said decal time lol

[@_max839]

Hi the isolating composant you put between the shell and the screen at 12:52 , where it can be find please ?

[@Drew_2152]

I've done this with a GBA and a GBA SP and I thought I could do the same for my 3DS XL but it turns out that after watching this video that there are more ribbon cables and more precise plug ins then I had imagined. I might try and find a reputable professional locally, go to geek squad, or go online and do the whole process of shipping to someone reputable but far away.

[@ennesimo84]

Hi beautiful video. I would like say that the hinge fits better if you open the console

[@ajaniizm]

hey! love your tutorials sm, i accidentally snapped my wifi antenna wire, and was wondering if you could make a video on how how to go about replacing it? thank you so much in advance!

[@Bellsdollhouse]

What should I search for to find the black sticky padding bits that go underneath the top shell? I have everything but those and when I try to remove them from my old top shell to re use they won’t really come off and just tear

[@kninzotagoni3635]

broke the ribbon screen cable 3 times trying to get all 3 dam cables in is this in the wrong order becouse it just seems to get harder at the last one also the speaker cable always gets chewed up

[@IDrawToothpicks]

This is amazing damn. But i think most would rather just go ahead and buy a new 3ds 😂 Still props to whoever can pull this off! If you're like me and accident prone i say stay away from replacing the housing by yourself and stick to just replacing the joystick as I'm going to be doing soon. There are many great how to videos on it. And make sure to order the right part and watch the right video. Also for me, to change the look of it i just bought a super Mario Pink peach protective armor shell that clicks on around the system. I like the weight it adds and it feels protected 🙏💜

[@kakashi99908]

I had to replace the top screen cover and not there is dust and smears. Trying to clean it seems to only make it worse. Any tips? I am thinking of trying to find some residue free tape and use that to pick up lint instead of a microfiber..

[@IndieBeto]

Great video! I'll try this on my 3DS, with such good tutorial I'll surely succeed. Any plans to do a restoration video about New 3DS XL?

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, I will be posting a Video of that soon.

[@broughton1835]

Did you succeed

[@Cactus245]

Other KZbinrs: Be careful with the ribben cables This guy: ‘pulled it out with a screwdriver’

[@AwsBadr]

Looking good, but would like to know can you replace the hinge without taking the cables of the camera and lcd and other things off the other side?

[@TheSaltyVetUSN]

Got it all apart and now im at @5:26 and I no longer have those hinges. They fell out when the whole top portion cracked...over here with a million pieces on my desk and no way to put it together because my shell kit didnt come with replacements...

[@lordturtle5680]

I'm sorry for you bruh, when my hinge broke, I was lucky enough that the pieces inside did not fall out

[@ljw9193]

Super late comment but does anyone know what type of tape and padding was installed on the system? I know there was double-sided electronic tape for the screen but not sure for the pads used in the bottom housing... any info will help xx

[@rennie8063]

11:50 what do those hinge pieces / led difusser do? I lost them when my right hinge cracked off, are they necessary for repairing or can I do with just a new lower top housing? thank you :)

[@TheFixTech]

You need the black piece, it holds the hinge into the lower housing, the diffuser is not needed but adds a nice touch.

[@Paco8478]

Hey, do you know if I can find a good OEM blue housing?, I ordered one a little while ago but the color just doesn’t make justice to the original blue

[@mastermeep7639]

Nicely made video. I wanted to ask what the process would be like if the ribbon cables had also broken? What would it be like replacing those as well as the shell?

[@Dznts1234]

A broken cable along with a shell would be basically like just replacing the shell, because the ribbon cable would just go into the correct place like it was never replaced

[@snowthearcticfox1]

Yaknow the hinge on mine just cracked so i might do this before parts get too hard to come across

[@lanevoxracer]

Hi, curious do you have a tutorial on how to fix the wobble loose hinge issue on 3DS XL? Please let me know, thank you!

[@deadeyehidbatSUCKS]

In the first couple of seconds what tool was that it looked electric

[@Bellsdollhouse]

I can’t get the faceplate on I’m losing my mind:( i can get it flush on every side but one, then when I get it flush on that last side, it sticks up somewhere else

[@diegotszx6693]

¿Do I have to do all this if I just want to replace the bottom shell where the buttons are located?

[@TheFixTech]

Not all, but the hinge has to come out. Once hinge is removed you can replace the lower housing.

[@okay203]

Do you know a website where I can find replacement shells for the ds you’re working on I can’t seem to find any

[@blueaflmao7149]

Hello, would you mind helping to point out how i can replace the 3DS XL's sd card slot's cover ? since mine is damaged and i'm thinking of getting a replacement

[@TheFixTech]

I just uploaded a video for the ds lite, they are very similar if that helps.

[@Pikrioling]

When I got to the top LCD screws step, instead of screws there is just flat metal. What is that?

[@TheFixTech]

Peel back the metal, the rubber must have separated from the metal, they are one piece

[@shinyhntr4878]

How do you get the screws completely out of the back plate? There are washers I can’t get offf them to get them out for the new one

[@TheFixTech]

Those are snap washers, pop them off from the side.

[@Scott-vr3kf]

Great video! You convinced me there's no fucking way I'll do this now haha

[@DuBu520]

The most i had done was replacing button membrane on my new 3ds XL

[@LittleBrownie.]

Is the process for the New 3DS XL similar?

[@nonames4995]

Instructions unclear at 5:23. In the video I see two top shell borders (idk what else to call them,) the old one and the new one, but I only have the old one. The housing I bought did come with a top shell, but there is no hole for the screen, instead it’s just the inner side of the plastic shell. I really need a response for what to do because I’m getting worried that I will be having to spend a lot more money! Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

[@snakebite4891]

AWESOME👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@starzy4788]

What happens if you stripped a screw any advice

[@porygon-z8270]

Is it harder to replace the New 3DS XL versions? My N3DS XL's full shells are scratched and I'm thinking of replacing it and I'm wondering how difficult it will be compared to the one in the video (old 3DS XL)

[@TheFixTech]

I’ll me making a video about this soon.

[@scrubboinotorious4096]

How did you remove the circle pad

[@GreenDog3]

How do you make this look so easy? I'm crying trying to put the ribbon cables back in EDIT: suffered through that but how did you get the volume slider in? In the video it just cuts to already being in

[@EthanGrace938]

Trying this myself and the top cover isnt sliding into place. It didnt break, it just refused to slide and click

[@Valcrist37]

Anyone else having truoble putting the top cover? I can't get it to "clip" in place no matter what I do...

[@rverdonk3]

Impressive skills! Im a little affraid of ribbon cables because they are so fragile. But the speakers from my 3ds xl sounds misformed when i put the slide at max volume.Wonder if i can fix this with cleaning, or do i need an complete flex cable with new or refurbished speakers attached? Thnx

[@TheFixTech]

You can try cleaning them first, remove the top lcd cover. You can then access the speakers, pry them back and make sure the grilles are correctly shaped and clean any dust. If still staticky then replace, neat thing is they are soldered onto the flex so you can replace speakers only without having to tear down the complete system.

[@johnnylarsen00]

Where did you get the replacement foam that went behind the top screen???

[@TheFixTech]

Came with the shell kit

[@CristianLopez-xi4rt]

I replaced the bottom screen off of my new 3ds Galaxy and man I damaged a tiny hinge, lucky enough the other side of the hinge was intact so went ahead and inserted the ribbon and life is all good. I will never open this new 3ds again for cosmetics ever again, only if the screens need to be really replaced or the joystick gets busted.

[@indatubesurfer]

I want to do this but damn that looks like a lot of work 😂

[@tjeerdtrekkie1030]

Its great and all but what kind of chaos is your desk??!! 4:52

[@AquaX107]

How are you able to snap the top cover in so easily at 12:50 ? I've been struggling with this one for hours.

[@iamlooke8344]

same! any luck?

[@Bellsdollhouse]

Same :(

[@Joey17N]

same

[@aejones233]

thank you!! mine is literally being held together with duct tape and my L/A buttons are missing! figured it was time for a replacement

[@wafflboix]

That shit be on life support what the hell 💀💀💀

[@aejones233]

@@wafflboix NO fr im praying it doesnt explode every time i start it up

[@wafflboix]

@@aejones233 lol, definetly get a new shell and new buttons, if you don't trust yourself in doing something like that then go to a repair shop. But honestly it's better to do it yourself

[@juliosantos3343]

I doesn't surprise me the most viewed part of this video is at 12:55 because I spent like 3 hours trying to put that faceplate in place and it was literally impossible, I tried to place my own plate and it was like butter, but the new one I bought is slightly different but I don't know where are the differences, I ordered a refund and bought a new one, 2nd try next week.

[@4verageYTuser]

are those actually good? I have no option since my new 3ds xl is so worn out

[@paulteran6924]

I am trying to fix my top screen housing

[@ekysboham]

bought everything, i'm about to try when i recieve my package. Wish me good luck, i'll be updating when i will have finished it, if I broke my DS or fixed it.

[@TheFixTech]

Make sure to take frequent breaks, this job can be tedious

[@ekysboham]

​​@@TheFixTeches I guessed it in your video it almost looks easy but I know it's one of the hardest console to completely refurbish, too much ribbon cables and they're kinda fragile. I've already fixed a lot of consoles, like ps3, ps4, switch, controllers, xbox... so i'm feeling confident enough to try it. In the worst case I will just loose 40€ so it doesn't really impact me very much. My 3ds is basically dead, top screen is full of scratches, touchscreen edges don't work correctly and is also full of scratches, joystick is completely ripped of (thank to the spoon under the joystick for years to farm on pokemon) the case is full of impacts deep scratches, some screws are done (i changed the battery myself when I was 11) so I think I really have nothing to loose. In the worst case i'll send it to tronicsfix 😂

[@limepie7181]

Just a question: where do you get your shells? Are they fakes and do the offer the hyrule edition? I got a lovely new 3DS XL hyrule edition that has scratches and missing foil on the sides. My collectors heart would love to fix those somehow.

[@TheFixTech]

Some shells are aftermarket, some you can find are genuine Nintendo (used in mint condition). Best bet would from a reputable local seller on eBay.

[@moti1s]

12:41 should you transfer these pads too? or should you cut it out off of something? what if i don't have them, is there anything that can help me with it

[@moti1s]

Well i've just ripped it out of the old case, looks like its worked 🙃

[@Joey17N]

I bought a shell just like that from ali express and now i can't install the top one (the new and the old)

[@QuantumType3]

I am having trouble getting the white piece of the hinge in where the diffuser side is. Any tips? It seems impossible, please help, trying to fix my son's ds

[@MateiCode]

Hey this is a little late, but use a small object that can fit in the hole and push to the right when you are trying to get it out

[@PapiPink]

What's that electric screwdriver that you use? My hands get tired after lots of console repairs, I could definitely use what you're using!

[@antmangamer1536]

My 3ds has a massive crack right in front of the right shoulder button so thats why I'm here lmao

[@x2bleo]

hey! just had a question, if i modded my 3ds xl can i do the whole Shell Housing replacement or it would cause thing for the modding

[@aaaaaaaarttttki]

You Can Do it safely, you're not changing anything from the hardware, its just the plastic arround it as long as you don't break anything

[@Gallaer_]

I ended up trying with my New 3DS XL before this came out and got stuck. I have all the pieces and would be willing to pay for assistance to put it back together because I personally don't trust myself.

[@tutsie.r0ll]

please do one of these for the new 3ds xl i cant find a video anywhere

[@TheFixTech]

Coming soon

[@conejohdz]

Got one of the new 3ds xl? Pd: the video is very relaxing yo

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, I am working on that video in the next couple weeks.

[@godkarkat6600]

would it be safe to spray paint my buttons before doing the repair? if i wanted lime colored buttons for example

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, make sure to use quality paint the doesn’t chip

[@godkarkat6600]

@@TheFixTech alright thank you! planning to reshell my 3ds soon, wish me luck!

[@LegoShaq]

Is the quality of the replacement shells good?

[@nateon360hz7]

new link for the full shell?

[@devinpolaski]

This video is great, but my skills are not as much - I bought a new housing shell for my New 3DS XL, and used this video as a guide and...uh...put a slight tear in the ribbon cable of what I think is the bottom screen. Do you do mail-in repairs? If so I'd love to chat. My 3DS is one of my favorite objects and I'm afraid I just ruined it. And if you don't do this, if you know anyone that does, I'd immensely appreciate it. I've called several repair shops in my area and no one will help.

[@JOEYBTUBE]

My Game Card screw wont come off so now I cant even open the back shell to get started :(

[@TheFixTech]

That is a very small screw, gently pry up on the housing while unscrewing, it should thread out

[@franksnotra]

So if I want to just replace say the blue on the 3ds I can without having to remove everything? 🤔

[@aaaaaaaarttttki]

If its the bottom yes

[@t-rex1174]

I broke the top screen trying to get it in. I got a replacement then tore the ribbon cable clean in the first 10 minutes 😭. This console sucks ass to refurbish. If you’re a beginner, I’d go with the widescreen GBA. I’ve only done work with the SP but even that one was pretty easy so I can only assume the lack of a clamshell makes the OG much easier.

[@stephie0223]

How do you install top cover so easily? Mine wont pop back into right place. Im going crazy 😢

[@Joey17N]

I have the same problem. Any luck?

[@rverdonk3]

What about the quality feel on the new casing?

[@TheFixTech]

Not as nice as the Nintendo quality, I give it an 8/10. Which is good enough for me.

[@aidanills]

I've just done this entire process and got to the end... everything is perfect... except the top screen isn't showing video. BUT, when I turn it on it does light up. If anyone might know how to fix this please let me know.

[@TheFixTech]

Usually means the top LCD cable is not fully inserted. Also check the 3D cables.

[@aidanills]

@@TheFixTech I didn't include this in the comment but the LCD cable that is connected to the top screen has a slight rip in it, I'm thinking that this is what's causing the issue.

[@mariec9782]

Reset cable

[@dukeoflemonade]

Don't be me, pay attention to the order of the cables going through the loop, I put the camera one on the outside and I didn't see it until the motherboard. X(

[@williamcendana7535]

I’m a little late to this vid but can i replace the shells without the complete tear down of the 3ds?

[@vantreel]

Yeah but you can't replace the hinges without doing all of this so if you have a white one stick with white ones

[@coldchimerical959]

Yeah the one I've got just needs a outer shell replacement. I do not want to replace anything I don't need to lol

[@aloeTevi]

Ribbon cable locking tab fell out ffs