The IMPOSSIBLE Nintendo 2DS XL Repair!

[@mythicallymoist9772]

You know you're techy when you unironically say, "I hate adhesive!", because really, what kind of primordial insect just glues sh*t together.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Haha!

[@QuangPham-gh5un]

Apple

[@DarthRaichu]

@@QuangPham-gh5un banana

[@adiposerex5150]

Glue is cheaper than fasteners.

[@ZealousWins]

@@DarthRaichu cherry

[@Tronicsfix]

That's a tough fix! I haven't done the 2DS XL but I've done the 3DS XL and it's a tough repair. Really nice work!

[@TheRetroFuture]

Hey bud! Yeah it was a tricky one.

[@mullinsjm1]

Heeeeyy!

[@hajisaiku]

I have a 3ds i need to tackle someday like i cracked the top screen during a nap lol

[@lydiagalantmotherf]

Mine still has the broken screen, maybe I'll try one day (if I find it again) to repair it

[@vgrepairs]

@@lydiagalantmotherf I'll repair a 3ds or 3ds xl top screen for you for $25. parts included. my offerup is Video Game Repairs and Mods in 91910. my eBay is collectiblemerch. if you want further contact info reply here! i fix all game consoles

[@imagineacoolnamehere5398]

every "clack" sound is a heart attack.

[@croproviktor1454]

Lol

[@jiroweiler5883]

Im currently doing this repair.... and yes it IS A FREAKING HEART ATTACK, specially when you are working with the top part of the console, as everything is y preasure and clicks when put in place... or taken out of

[@TheRetroFuture]

Sorry for the static camera, I was learning as I was going. If you want to see a proper Let's refurb on this then let me know! Also - I typed this comment out on this 2DS XL... Oh and the sleep function works fine!

[@tetenc555]

YEH

[@adamhenry6793]

You really comment on 3DS?

[@AcornElectron]

It’s fine! Gives it a ‘My Mate Vince’ vibe 😀

[@XaeonBE]

Please keep improving like this man I really enjoy watching ur stuff!

[@zincmann]

Elliot I would love to see a proper longer video I realize you need to keep it to a certain time to get it monetized or whatever the deals with KZbin but honestly I'd like to fix minors a couple things that I did not see I realize with the camera you couldn't see it but if there's a chance would love to see a full-blown but this was excellent to be honest anyways

[@DreamDaddie]

Did anyone else flinch when they heard the snap while he took off the first part of the pokeball on the front?

[@TheRetroFuture]

Yes.

[@Mymatevince]

Good job Elliot, I bought 2 screens a while ago to attempt this fix but I never got round to doing it. Now thanks to this video it will be much easier. Well done mate :-)

[@TheRetroFuture]

Hey dude! Best of luck. Look forward to seeing your video.

[@alphaplayzgamez9071]

My idol

[@kleann]

hi

[@karleeea7021]

9:47 "I Don't Really Know Why I'm Saying This Like It's A Tutorial" * Proceeds To Keep Saying It As If It Were A Tutorial *

[@jhon5916]

Karl Eeea why do you capitalise every word

[@karleeea7021]

@@jhon5916 That Is Something That I Question Every Single Day... I Can Not Give You An Answer... Actually It Is Because Of A Phone Setting I Am Too Lazy To Disable

[@pekachu9257]

When I do a 2DS XL repair I just run a hair dryer over the top lid to soften the glue before prying it up to uncover the screws. Came off smooth as silk.

[@blazedead2979]

Reggie hdhfhgfifgfifyfufh

[@HuntsmanLegacy]

I want to commend you for making the hinge look so easy to remove and reinstall. That is not something you typically get right on your first try without lots of practice

[@buttholeChecker]

Just picked up an astro boy limited edition Gameboy light, it was advertised as “Acceptable” condition because the power switch was sketchy, but the overall condition is almost mint! I just did the Isopropyl alcohol trick in the switch and now its perfect! I only paid $100 for it and it included to box and paperwork as well. :)

[@TheRetroFuture]

Nice work!

[@Zulf85]

$100 USD? Amazing find!

[@buttholeChecker]

@@Zulf85 yes, i think the seller thought is was going to be a hard fix with the power switch but literally took me 10 minutes to fix it. I've seen them go for as much as 600$ boxed.

[@Tailzy26]

@@buttholeChecker NICE!

[@kpbendeguz]

What I've learned from this video: I'm gonna spend that $50-$70 extra on a working 3ds instead of trying to fix a broken one.

[@aurum3747]

It'd be worth it if it was a limited edition Also, 2ds seem way harder to repair than 3ds

[@ModeSOLOgaming]

Right? Juat get an older model and you dont have to worry about it breaking so easy to begin with.

[@chriswilliams9734]

I just bought a new nintendo 3ds mario edition for $109. Its used but looks damn near brand new. I was going to buy the 2ds XL cheaper with a broken screen thinking it was going to be simple...im glad I didn't.

[@plumb3311]

@@chriswilliams9734 I found a pretty scratched up Pokémon 2ds xl for $70 but functions perfectly would of definitely been a nightmare to repair.

[@sirscreamethbehemoth780]

I give this a yeah

[@abarette_]

7:04 _-that's basically a phone-_

[@diabetic69]

Wii phone confirmed

[@doomdoomerson6524]

By far my favorite handheld ever. Fully moddable. Runs just about everything. Being 34 , ive played so many. The N2DSXL is the best.

[@vl_Ghosty_vl]

I own the pikachu version, and I honestly love it! Reason why I got one is for if I got long road trips I got something to enjoy on the way!

[@friedgpu]

you did pretty well. the first time i've opened my 2DS XL I broke two ribbon clips, ZR and R, and the volume slider, and it would not turn on anymore. after that i bought a new one, and sometime later it decided to turn on again... so now I have two 2DS XL. since I only play pokemon, I don't miss the broken buttons and I can trade pokemon with myself like someone with no friends (friends who don't play pokemon at least).

[@Prittykitty42099]

Was the red cable you see at top sliced? Because mine got ripped off by my toddler. And idk if it can be fixed

[@heribertollamas2047]

Cool video, I was almost sweating while watching you take it apart, putting it back together, all the way until the final test. You have a lot of patience to work on something that complicated. Thanks

[@deadchannel1655]

6:10 I actually thought it cracked

[@joemck85]

The magnet in the lid activates a reed switch on the main board when you close the lid. You can also make it sleep while it's open if you place a magnet somewhere around the ABXY buttons. All other DS and 3DS models do the same thing, but they don't install a magnet there. It just uses the magnet in one of the speakers. But on 2DS XL, the speakers are in the bottom half so they couldn't do that trick.

[@jockspice]

Thank you so much for this video - my lad managed to break the top screen and ribbon cable and I'm faced with fixing it. This video is invaluable!

[@aluna_planet]

Watching you succeed at a repair makes me feel so happy! It's a shared excitement.

[@hunger4wonder]

I find this whole repairing of consoles and even smartphones fascinating but i also find it terribly frightening! Always wanted to try and fix my own consoles and gamepads but i never dared! Watching these kinds of videos is also a mixed bag for me because on the one hand i can see and get a sense of how it's done but on the other hand i can see how it's done lol It just feels so overwhelming!

[@RaphaelS4567]

Really nice video! This is absolutely my favorite new 2ds model, I had no idea how complicated these are to take apart o.0

[@Rloganarcher]

I’ve just used your video to repair my sons pokeball DS and it was an amazing help. Thanks very much!

[@Okamiden15]

Im really glad elliot made this, i have that exact model of 3ds and my R button stopped working. So being able to see the interior and how to handle it is relly gonna help my repair efforts

[@leighdappa]

⚠️Do you ever show the fixed product to the E-Bayer you bought it from?⚠️

[@TheRetroFuture]

Sometimes

[@wacknesium]

@@TheRetroFuture pls include this in every video

[@vilx7259]

Nice! I just repaired my New 2DS XL Pokeball and it worked! Thanks for this video, it really helped to know what I'm getting into! And I have some good news for future generations - removing the mainboard is completely unnecessary. As soon as the backplate is off, you can go for the hinges. Don't even need to take the camera off.

[@jontait1095]

Hi Elliot if you ever need to do a top screen on these you dont have to take the board out you can easily slide the ribbon under the board and back through the hole in the motherboard. Saves loads of time

[@123graylord123]

I've actually done this repair myself and there are a few things that are worth mentioning. The price of the screen is around €40 and most broken 2DS's are more or less the same price. In that respect I would just get a used 2DS. If you broke your own, its definitely worthwhile the effort. When I did this, I did not remove the board, it is possible to remove the antenna and ribbon cable of the screen. Putting it back together is more of a challenge, especially the ribbon cable. What you didn't show is the removal of the front glass. When the glass is removed, you can remove the screen by swiftly pulling on the screen on one side. Hold it on the same side on the frame and don't put any force on the frame. Same for the other side :) As always great work!

[@DDCRExposed]

I've done repairs on this sort of stuff, 3DS(XL)s, Game Gear Screens, Cell Phones, and such. When dealing with tape or adhesive a bit of hot air will help make the removal process a lot easier and less damage to the unit.

[@TheBrothers759]

Try a heatgun or heating pad on difficult adhesive. You must have one no?

[@greentray1231]

my thoughts as well, kinda threw me off at that point.

[@TheBrothers759]

@@greentray1231 I've kinda deduced that maybe since I do cell repair I run into this sorta thing more often. Cell phones all need to be heatgunned, microbladed, hundred ribbon cable disassembled then put back together perfectly with new LCD glue to retain their form and safety for the screen. Guess taking apart Gameboys isn't such the same way lol

[@TheRetroFuture]

Hirdryer!

[@nathanhamman418]

@@TheRetroFuture Get a heat gun xP in my experience, hair dryers don't get hot enough.

[@Enigma1788]

@@nathanhamman418 Yeah, heat gun or bust. I've had to replace the back glass panel on a Note 8. A hair dryer generally won't get hot enough if it's a stronger adhesive.

[@CrazyDriverSwed]

I wouldn't recommend anyone using a microfiber towel, the most static fabric you can think of, when working on ESD sensitive electronics. :)

[@yunghunt2644]

Crazy that this vid pops up my buddy and I did this to a black and turquoise one we got online secondhand took us a few hours

[@NoahStars66]

Yep same

[@darximor]

The most difficul part for me was to find that we need to open the console a little bit before poping out the hinge (I did it 2 month ago, before this video) I hope it was thanks of my comments in the wiigotem video

[@Omega_2]

Nintendo: 2ds battery doesn't come out, not user accessible. Us: orly? 5:45 Adhesive, you say? Those people never tore open a Motorola Nexus 6 then. All that foam adhesive had to come off afterwards as well.

[@agirlinsearchof9057]

14:38 Well! The reveal! It’s been a camera doing these repairs all along!

[@PikaPlayzzMC]

because of your videos i learned how to take apart my new 3ds, and fix a sticky button that didn't respond for 2 years! thank you!!! My 3ds has been restored!

[@JimmyChampane]

Just binged most of your recent videos. So good!

[@soup8527]

Very Well done! I have a friend that has a broken 2DS XL, Same Pokeball Edition, and will be using this as a tutorial in the near future.

[@Stavex112]

New drinking game: Take a shot every time you hear a clack Dont die

[@egdirkcol]

here's me watching this as I take apart my note 1 and try to fix it.

[@soulmourne2698]

Its really cool to watch to this kind of videos because you see how consoles are made.

[@Bleats_Sinodai]

The "sleep" function magnet just actuates either a hall sensor or a reed switch. They're not really sensitive to magnet polarity, just if there's a magnetic field there or not.

[@Yepi6918]

One small tip, wear any sort of ESD band later when fixing these type of Nintendo systems. I repair electronics on a daily basis and I didn't wear mine when I was opening up my GF's 2DS system and I must have discharged electrostatic energy because the fuse responsible for the system's charging mechanism was blown very easily, so my GF's console could turn on just fine but it wouldn't charge no matter what.

[@Ryan-vl2nn]

I just broke my 2DS XL. Ordering a new top screen tomorrow. Thanks for the tutorial. I’ll definitely be rewatching this several times before beginning my refurb. Again thank you for this video. No way in hell I’d be able to do it with out a walkthrough.

[@hundjsiegfried]

You did it?

[@Y2JMAN1986]

The fixture was successful but for a while it was tricky. Touch and go moments. But Elliot you did a good job. With the bottom screen not turning on because the ribbon cable was not connected don't sweat it no one is perfect buddy.

[@dankbass6549]

I had this problem months ago. FINALLY SOMEONE MADE A VIDEO ABOUT THIS.

[@Starmast3rmusic]

So, I watched 3:30 in .25 speed and I noticed that you flipped up the tabs for some of the ZIF connectors to release the ribbon cables. You mention this again at 11:50. I made this mistake when I was fixing a new 3ds XL I bought for cheap on ebay. The ribbon cables are just held in by friction on those smaller ZIF connectors, so they should slide out if you just grab the cables with some tweezers and pull. Trying to flip up the grey piece that looks like a door on the connector WILL damage and potentially break the ZIF connectors, requiring you to solder new ones on the board. I ended up cutting small pieces of electrical tape and adhering them to the bottom of the cable, since the contact points are at the top. You might want to check the amiibo (NFC) functionality of your 2DS, since that is what that cable should be connected to. Thanks for making this video though! I've always wanted to know how difficult it would be to replace the screen of a 2DS XL, since there are some really cheap devices all over the internet with broken screens! I'd love to fix some up too and give them to friends!

[@Espeon804]

I have the same 2DS. Nice to see you work on it.

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thank you!

[@SethCocker05]

My New 2DS screen has been broken for ages now, ever since I whacked it on my knee while playing Mario Kart, and I've had the replacement screen for just about the same amount of time, but I've just been terrified of taking it apart. I've reshelled my original DS twice, but taking apart this console is just a whole other level

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

Well done Olly,you're a true Maestro.Teardown and repair is really tricky. Cheers.

[@TheGamerGuy1981]

I swear broken top screens seems to be the most common thing on the 2DSXL. I always put a duraflex case and glass protector on mine asap for that reason.

[@VodkaloidMaster01]

Gorgeous 2ds! I’m glad you managed to make it as new!

[@loudkraken]

This is the first time I’ve seen the inside of a 2ds xl (why I like this channel) keep it up I love the all the let’s refurb/ fixing videos I really enjoyed it and have fun playing with the 2ds xl👍👍👍👍

[@someonenobodywillremember.1158]

I’m glad my 3ds hasn’t broken yet, cause after seeing these kinds of videos, I’m pretty sure that fixing it would be a bloody nightmare.

[@ivanmehboob]

OMG I HAVE THE EXACT SAME ONE and yea my screen broke too, luckily it was under warranty so i was able to get a new one

[@FalseDigital]

Highly recommend a camera handheld dust blower to get rid of dust between layers.

[@grimmik345]

This video allowed me to actually see what I've been attempting to do for months now. Thank you very much for the awesome vid, and getting that damn hinge pin out in a way I can repeat myself!

[@Sb129]

The trickiest repair I've ever done was replacing the power button ribbon cable on a 6th generation iPod Nano, wew. That 2DS screen assembly was incredibly thin, you'd think adding a tiny bit thicker glass somewhere would've only cost fractions of a penny and made it much more durable.

[@JohnVmc2]

It's easier than most cellphone screens i've been repairing for the last five or so years.

[@Millzieeeee]

you made this sound so scary , this was easier than the first time i did a 3ds lol or even ds lites

[@MrHavoc1001]

I bought a New 3ds xl on release day, and still today it is in pristine condition, not a scratch or puncture mark on it. Just take care of your stuff. Pay attention to what you are doing.

[@zincmann]

THANK YOU Elliott! I have the Pikachu Edition and want to replace the top screen glad someone has done a proper video on this!

[@TheRetroFuture]

Nice! Thanks :)

[@zincmann]

@@TheRetroFuture Well screen arrived and I attempted it yesterday and you were NOT kidding what a pain in the @r$e. The glass layer stuck to the plastic screen uptop, the plastic bezel around the black plastic screen protector cracked in two places, the ribbon cable was a major pain to get through the metal ring, the hinge was a pain to get out an back in, I temporarily lost the home button VERY lucky I found that, had some square piece with a hole in it fall out never to be put back in again. The ribbon cables were a pain to put back in, luckily i learned a lot from your issues, i.e. circle pad not put back in right and all cables seated in as well as volume button put back in right before closing it up, because opening that thing back up would not be an option lol BUT it all worked in the end shockingly!

[@SianaGearz]

Such screens are super reliable when sandwiched between a chemically toughened glass on one side and a magnesium frame on the other... Obviously some parts have been spared here.

[@SianaGearz]

@@tyr0148 yeah i know, what i mean you likely have a screen of exactly this build type in your phone, but you never see one break, ever! What breaks is the touch overlay and the cover glass, the screen itself is always fine, every single time. Nintendo made the lid assembly much more flimsy overall than these screens normally require.

[@OkiDingo]

Siana Gearz - I have had the same 3DS and new 3DS LL since their respective launches. I have traveled the world with them. My 8 year old has a 2DS that my 4 year old drops all the time. Never broken a screen. They are stronger then you think.

[@thrallfaec6130]

I guess every video will have ZedLabz mentioned in it :D.Now I'm glad I haven't bought a faulty one with an intention of fixing it.That's horribly hard to fix.

[@jamess.9743]

I like how he compares this repair to the DS Lite as easy because the DS lite was a pain for me. I think I’ll skip fixing the 2ds.

[@juancamilocortesgarcia6430]

Hahaha! Just hearing This is the retro future from the future worth the whole thing, but your videos are great don't take it the wrong way. Greetings from Colombia!

[@justjello7599]

Retro future if you're worried about taking off any adhesive material its best to use a heat tool which will warm up the glue and make it easier to lift off.

[@Pizzamanrule]

Great job on fixing the impossible

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thank you!

[@glencollins1416]

@8:39 that part that is broken (the LCD frame) is not aesthetic and is critical for long term strength of the hinge point to not put stress on the screen and should have been replaced. The tiny bit of plastic between the hinges (with a ridge on it facing the user) in the LCD frame is commonly cracked on the ridge part (this is probably why it broke in removal). Look at any well used/travelled 2ds XL and you can probably see one or two of the ridges cracked at hinge join point. But when this is broken right through (like in this video, or in a damaged 2ds xl) the hinge mount has no forward support (except for pushing on the front plastic lens with the little lip that it sits on) and will apply pressure (warping) to the screen and LCD when device is opened or even in normal use.

[@natetransitions8379]

"wasn't expecting to get this one working"? Lol come on your like the master at this stuff bro! Very nice fix 🤟

[@lordcremez]

i have the exact same 2ds xl for almost 4 years and the top screen is still great except the yellow line at the touch screen

[@romybond7262]

What do you do with consoles you fixed? Do you keep them or sell them?

[@AristotleBabyBottle]

Romy Bond sometimes both or he gives them back

[@FrostedYukio]

this doesn't make me hopeful for my own N2DS XL that has a damaged top screen

[@apothekla9761]

Pretty thrilling repair. You really had me on edge sometimes!

[@TheRetroFuture]

Haha great!!!

[@Tylerjrb]

Nice fix! You made the impossible seem easy! also yeah a good tutorial, will be following this should i need to replace a screen on one of these in the future :)

[@David-hn9hz]

This series is amazing, try to keep it going

[@destanielamon8848]

I don't dare mess with these. Its such a hard thing to work on!

[@Harpic]

Nice video Elliot. On the opposite end of the handheld spectrum, I just refurbish an old DMG and a Gameboy pocket. How technology has changed.

[@DrTwisticles]

Anyone else think this chap was nervous during this? Quality video mind!

[@TheRetroFuture]

I certainly was!

[@DrTwisticles]

@@TheRetroFuture really enjoying what I've seen so far! You can thank KZbin's algorithms for helping me find you!

[@endar2401]

That looks tough. Well done!

[@macdog7731]

Loved it i love the 2ds xl well cause im big and need big systrns

[@neverendinchaos4800]

Ever since I got the DSi XL, I've always bought the XL versions of the system. It was such a big jump from a DS Lite to a DSi XL back in the day. I've never looked back.

[@OnGod1007]

I fixed two of those and the first one I fixed was the teal and black and I cracked the top corner of the cover. So the second one I did which was the orange and white I used a hair dryer to kind of loosen up the glue and it worked pretty good

[@mikofox9798]

Fun fact: 25 pounds is the same price Sir Handel was sold to the Skarloey railway in 1952. This broken system is the same price as 1 narrow gauge saddle tank.

[@docbrn3529]

in my opinion, you're a god of technoligy

[@Giroutte]

Great job dude. It was very entertaining watching you fix this. It felt like I would do it the same way, get too excited or too nervous at the end hah.

[@kidwithproblems8773]

Title: impossible Video: It works, I did a simple fix

[@Smartphonekanalen]

One of the worst thing I have done is changing the keyboard on a HP ultrabook. It's about 50 steps and I had to take apart completely. But if someone done it once it's a lot easier the second time. Taking photos helps a lot for reassambling.

[@Malsherz]

I immediately missed the way they did the routing of the ribbon cable for the SP the first time worked on the top screen of a DS.

[@sjm4306]

Yay! Glad you could fix it!

[@ollimusic3960]

been subbed on another channel since 1k keep up the good videos

[@ImperiaGin]

Your videos just make me happy

[@PMCRetroGamer]

Your channel is fantastic. Love watching the repairs. You have a regular subscriber. Keep up the good work

[@art_nich]

Nobody: Tech in horror movies when the protagonist(s) need it:

[@PinkDoveRS]

When you do these videos, do you watch back your footage of taking apart to help you put back together? I can't imagine doing it any other way I'd miss something little every time

[@mullinsjm1]

My mate vince and Steve from tronics fix are both pretty cool. I always try to catch their vids along with yours.

[@TheRetroFuture]

They are cool people! Thanks.

[@wackaircaftmechanic2312]

You're a super cool person! I love your videos. I kinda want to try it myself haha

[@AngryCub-Creations]

I love how when you make small mistakes you don't edit everything out.

[@Godzilla42069]

Honestly I own this model and use it as a daily driver. I really love pokemon and enjoy using it

[@beatrice281]

if anyone wants to keep their 2ds xl screens safe - don’t leave it next to hot gadgets (computer, tablet, phone etc)

[@omegaforcezero5440]

Thanks for the tip!! I have another, don't grave it from the screen. It seem obvious, but I always have to sai it to my family when they wanna play whit my 2dsXl

[@Yoshi-Berry]

You mean computer vents

[@GLDragon93]

Thanks for the video, there are a few out there but the commentary and video quality aren't that good. I've got a blue 2dsxl with the same issue, though in mine a quarter of the screen (the left side) is still working and I could check if all the buttons worked, which thankfully did. I also got the charger and a huge bonus in the r4i gold 3ds. I'm just waiting for the replacement screen price to come down, they are too expensive imo. I hope that in the future we could get a framed replacement screen once replacement shells will eventually pop up.