Nintendo DS Lite Shell Housing Replacement | Shell Swap | DS Restoration

[@yourniceneighbourhoodcat2156]

I’ve searched above and beyond how to replace the housing but nobody was clear enough, most accidentally covered their camera, others wherent specific enough in their totorial sand their pictures. Then we have you, the absolute god for tairdowns. Thanks a lot for uploading this, now I can finaly replace the housing of my ds without thinking I did something wrong

[@Caro_BlackMagdalene]

"Nobody was CLEAR enough" 🤣🤣🤣

[@legianavii7725]

hey um so how it go? did u manage to change?

[@Sirius_Coby]

My childhood white DS Lite has been sitting in a drawer with a cracked hinge for god knows how long. I'm really thinking about doing a shell swap and getting a new battery and bringing it back to life. I won't say it looks easy but it definitely looks doable. Thanks for the awesome tutorial.

[@bach2458]

Scary how accurate this comment is to what I'm about to do. I have an atomic purple shell, r4 cartridge, and lithium battery in my eBay cart and my childhood DS lite with a broken hinge on my desk.

[@Sirius_Coby]

@@bach2458 I ended up not doing it. As cool as it would be to use it again, I just don't trust myself to successfully do the swap. If you give it a shot, I hope it works out.

[@bach2458]

@@Sirius_Coby i just ordered the shell for $24, ill update you if it goes well or not. maybe i can inspire you

[@mariobarchiesi3789]

​@@bach2458 Now I'm interested too 😂 My DS lite has been sitting there for way too much time and I'll definitely try fixing it soon! Please let me know if you managed to do the shell swap successfully :)

[@bach2458]

@@mariobarchiesi3789 i just completed the shell swap and it went very well. took right at 2 hours

[@MitchZro]

I did not expect a completely mute video to be A: this engaging, or B: this informative. Incredible work. Looking forward to putting what I’ve learned here to work!

[@adamkane7513]

I wish I could find a mute woman, or at least some kind of volume control for them.

[@MakoyUnggoy]

I'd love to be able to do this but I've broke so many gb's etc tring to do new shells and screens that it's easier now if I just buy one that's already been done from ebay haha!

[@catlamp_pianist]

Just finished my first attempt at a ds lite modding project and this guide was very, very helpful! Oh, and the project turned out great! I took a white ds lite and swapped it's frame with a clear turquoise one while keeping the original white buttons, and everything looks and functions perfectly now! Thank you for making this!

[@TheFixTech]

Nice work!

[@4091dnelb]

This dude deserves an award for how well and fast he did this! Amazing!

[@estebandsandovall]

Practice makes perfect they say, he should have opened many DS's before, probably

[@Curtis.Carpenter]

THANK YOU, i cant believe i got it done without damaging my device!!!! everyone qhoa seen it has offered to buy it off me or to pay me to do the same to theirs 😆 been making some good money as a side hustle ever since i first watched this video. i owe you big time! been doing old psp models aswell and even a few gamecubes!! thats for helping me get started. made enough in the past 8 months dping this for ppl via Craigslist ads, and paying a used game store to display an advwrt i made for ny "business" and local word of mouth ofcourse. got a backlog of orders , i swear i couod quit my job and do just this and make 4 times what i do at work 😆 but im already a contractor for construction and a painter so this is my side hobby which happens to make money. its BEYOND satisfying to wrap the end product up and know how excited they will be when it arrives. they always call to thank me profusely. so gratifying. 🙏 🙏 i love it!

[@a_bear]

That's cool! Where do you get your shells? I swear im not trying to steal your hustle, I just need to fix my broken hinge 😅

[@gothiccck6296]

​@@a_bearamazon

[@professional.nutcase]

​@@a_bearIf you're still looking, some people sell shells on ebay or other sites like that!

[@NaibSubedar]

My DS has a broken hinge, so I ordered a new shell and looked this up. Super helpful 10/10

[@TheFixTech]

Glad it helped!

[@haadib6726]

@The Fix the link for the shell do u think the shell was high Quality Beacuse I need a new shell to for my ds lite

[@suxo7221]

Simple, good, and to the point. Only criticism is i would add text or such when its complicated to see or understand what you're doing through the video, other than that this is just fantastic.

[@tehDonkeyKong]

My aftermarket shell and replacement screens just came in. I'll be using this video as a guide.

[@Caderade-dd2xy]

This is amazing, Got the shell swap done in like 45 min when the card it came with said it could take 75 min. This helped immensely. Thank you for the awesome vid❤

[@novi-t3c6]

Your DS still worked ofc right?

[@Caderade-dd2xy]

@novi-t3c6 yes it did :)

[@Caderade-dd2xy]

Still does too haha

[@novi-t3c6]

@@Caderade-dd2xy cuz I am worried that when I do a shell swap that it won't turn on again, even tho I plugged in everything...

[@wot8219]

Very helpful and informative, thank you! I successfully managed to swap the shell and replace the touch screen of an old DS Lite and from what I can tell everything seems to work fine. Though I have to admit I had some help from my 17 year old daughter with her small hands because I struggled a bit with my sausage fingers lol

[@55pili]

How wonderful to know about electronics to know how to put all the components back in their place. It turned out beautiful 😊

[@mrascensoreakakrisgames4149]

That's an awesome very well made video! I also reshelled mine to clear a while ago since it had a broken hinge

[@inktendo1018]

I'm planning to reshell mine since the bottom touchscreen doesn't work not to mention its dirty in places I didn't know was possible

[@frankgile1996]

This is an amazingly well done video, more detailed than any other video on DSL shell replacement... This should be an iFixIt guide on how to do this. You've earned a subscriber...

[@TheFixTech]

Thank you.

[@rich35ukuk]

@@TheFixTech hi I have a Ds lite and the hinges are broken this was brought for me years ago so means a bit to me so don't want to get rid of it if I supply the new housing kit would u be able to do this and what would the cost be

[@RoseBaby]

Thank you for an excellent very detailed video. I like the speed of your video too , a lot of videos I watched are too quick but your video is perfect.

[@TheFixTech]

Thanks for your support, I try and make every video better than the last. There is so much to learn!

[@benraymond4435]

Excellent video to follow along with. I struggled to get the black antenna wire under the cartridge slot, but after watching it again and bending it exactly how you did it went right through.

[@bboga8547]

I can't believe how clear (no pun intended) you made it look in such a short amount of time

[@combatking9985]

I extremely appreciate this video and the detailed time you have put in showing people like me, who have never attempted something like this, that carefully and step by step it can be done 👍 (the replacement I got came with shoddy tools, so I’m going with your guide for tools, thanks!)

[@yasminesally7612]

Great tutorial and I love the clear shell. I have a broken hinge but sadly where I live I can't find shell replacement and amazon has an expensive shipping fee. I'm definitely saving this video for when I eventually find it.

[@Gabi-enby]

AliExpress might be a good affordable alternative

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, try Ali Express.

[@punkinpunker]

Where do you live? Do you need help getting a case?

[@Tzud64]

Best tutorial I've found on KZbin for DS Lite. Thank you very much ✌️😉

[@realracer0353]

Very interesting! Well done! Thanks to you and your good video, I'm gonna try this myself I think, I know someone who broke their DS, the hinge is nearly completely destroyed and I think I can fix that with the help of this video! I worked on my own Nintendo DS too, twice even. One time succesfull, but now it's broken beyond repair

[@santithecreator2]

I bought a clear blue shell for the ds lite and I will be using this vid to help me assemble the thing

[@santithecreator2]

@Sarcasm guy Its still gonna take a week to get here. I should've put I order insted of I bought

[@santithecreator2]

In case you were still wondering the shell installation was fine, but I broke the power switch on my DS.

[@santithecreator2]

@Sarcasm guy If you have experience, go for it! I didn't have experience and I was just unlucky that out of all things the little part that sticks out of the power switch broke.

[@estebandsandovall]

Absolute mad lad! very informative video, the "Clear Tech" Aesthetic is something we need to get back, absolutely gorgeous. Still a bit scary to do on my own tho.

[@santithecreator2]

Just go for it!

[@gwendohshidt]

@@santithecreator2 seriously. i had to replace my 3ds xl screens and had heard it was a really difficult repair. just gotta get the right tools and go for it. i was successful 👍

[@Curtis.Carpenter]

@@gwendohshidt good for you man!! i did the same with my original xbox, gamecube and psp before my dslite. now i do it as a side hustle and i dont charge much cus i genuinely enjoy it, got a waitlist of about 60 units currently and the satisfaction of sending out a fully rebuilt unit, sometimes with a new screen or touchpad, or buttons of their damaged is so satisfying and feels great. its my saturday night entertainment 😆 and sundays if im not busy grabbing grocery/laundry/cleaning etc. hah. good on you!!! sometime you just gotta go for it! im SURE you felt so good when it was done eh? heck ya!! 🤝🏼🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@combo1184]

You forgot the LED Piece mate!

[@Caro_BlackMagdalene]

The transparent stylus is what impressed me the most 😅 it's so cool! Well, all the clear case is very cool looking but OMG! The clear pen 😱 lol by the way, thanks for the tutorial, now I can attempt to change the upper casing cuz my DS hinge is broken, I've never done stuff like this before and was afraid to break or damage something inside, but if I just do things carefully I think I can do it. ☺️

[@Bryce_the_Woomy_Boi]

I was thinking about doing a shell swap along with a screen swap, and this will definitely help

[@renarts2211]

A very good and easy to follow tutorial, although I completely messed up my DS's motherboard trying to do this :D

[@seva7500]

I have an old white DS Lite that has been in the closet for years. It's starting to yellow and the hinge doesn't snap into place on it. The GBA slot doesn't work, the L button is broken, and many pieces of the shell have broken off. This video is giving me the courage to go out, buy a new case, and repair it myself.

[@joseflores-ot6yl]

most helpful, simple, and thorough demonstration, definitely feel better about doing it on my own ds, thank you very much, God Bless!

[@TheFixTech]

You are very welcome

[@ChrisSalinas-v5k]

Wow very clean gonna try it out on my old DS lite.

[@ajschmitz2167]

Thank u very much The explanation was really accurate Especially at 2.49 where u separate the wire like cutting butter …. I ripped mine apart 🙂

[@WhoAmI-6388]

Oh dear...

[@samgao]

I've just replaced one, thanks to this guide. I messed up on the top screen, because I jumped ahead without getting to the part of the video. (I replaced the top screen bezels/glass protector before I placed it in. Also, my "famicom" themed shell doesn't fit as perfectly/flush as the original DS, and the trigger springs are a PAIN. Make sure you put the springs in the right place (there's a designated "left" and "right" spring, where the chassis retention will be on the bottom instead of the top. If the chassis retention is on the top, you've got the wrong sided spring)

[@jarkbeano6400]

After watching your video I genuinely feel confident and competent enough to do this. I'm going to purchase the clear one, and the blue clear one and give it a go. I'll save this video as a step by step.. I'll also let you know how I did once I've done it lol. Thanks, you're a star

[@TheFixTech]

Thank you.

[@Cyko..]

Wish I would've seen this video sooner! I recently took apart my DS Lite because the bottom screen was getting glitchy and the color was distorted. I tried turning the adjustment screw under the battery and sometimes it removed the glitchy effects but still had the color distorted somewhat. like red apples in a tree were brownish in color. Anyway, I took it apart to see if maybe I had stripped the adjustment screw since it didn't seem to helping matters much lately, it wasn't thankfully, but when I put it back together I accidentally snapped the little nub for the power switch so now I can't turn it on. I don't have a soldering gun nor soldering skills either to put a new switch on, but this video is very helpful for the future!

[@indy5280]

This is quite helpful. Im doing this + a top screen replacement

[@craider7419]

I love your video. I like to watch the process. This is very satisfying.

[@TheFixTech]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@one.2622]

You've given me the courage to attempt this! Thank you very much Edit: tried it. Don't do it! It doesn't show everything you need to do and mine got messed up.

[@fullsun8415]

What happened?

[@kr4t0sg.28]

This video is a GOD SEND. thank you !!!

[@gabrymoya3071]

I've seen a lot of videos but this one it's the best

[@ZippyBytes]

Appreciate the video dude, gunna do my first replacement this weekend and follow your vid 👍

[@TheFixTech]

Just be sure to take it one step at a time, pay extra attention when removing/handling the top LCD ribbon cable.

[@ZippyBytes]

@@TheFixTech I did it looks awesome and had to file on the buttons a bit but it's awesome I got the clear green

[@machamacha2026]

You make it look so easy huhu

[@WoodenHooligan90]

I was going at this all wrong. Thank you for the video.

[@grayismysuperpower]

Nice video. Three small critiques. Leave the peel on the top screen until you're completely done. The led light lens was left out @11:38, and the donor slot cover circuit board was left out @17:15.

[@TheFixTech]

Let me know if you have any questions regarding this tutorial

[@epicpvper9379]

Could you make a video on hinge replacement on the DS Lite as my DS is flopping around because there is no fumctioning hinge to support the top screen

[@yasminesally7612]

@@epicpvper9379 i'm afraid i searched everywhere the only way to fix it is by changing the shell.

[@TheFixTech]

I do have a video for the DS lite hinge fix. It does involve replacing the top lcd housing frame. That is the simplest only way...

[@jamesd9019]

@@TheFixTech I was considering buying a cheap broken hinge DS on ebay. A whole new shell has new hinges? Not afraid to replace a shell. Did it on an original GBA and a GBA SP. Love restoring old consoles

[@jcrown01]

I broke the latch for the small plug on the bottom screen so it won’t stay put. Can I solder it on or would it ruin the ribbon?

[@nico_valerga]

Impressive. That was beautiful!

[@QactisX]

Easy sub, great video. Helped me reshell mine due to warn out buttons and wanting an aesthetics change

[@SoundToxin]

I'm looking for how to do this with a DSi. I have some bad shoulder buttons I'm planning to replace, and I want to put it in a clear shell since I'm taking it apart anyway. I'll watch this video for the DS Lite anyway in case I can learn anything.

[@messynate]

Why is the backing not snapping flush? I feel ok it’s the black wire but I tried various placement

[@jamesd9019]

I've watched this over a couple of times. I bought a broken hinge one but it is still a working DS lite off ebay for like 25 bucks and a shell for 15. Going to restore this tonight using your video.

[@TheFixTech]

Just be extra careful handling the lcd cable through the hinge

[@kermit4133]

how did it go?

[@reddit-stories-daily101]

Yea how did it go?

[@RaynerWijaya]

Hello, Thank you for the video. I change my NDS shell but the bottom screen are now glitchy. Do you know which step that I messed up? Thanks

[@TheFixTech]

Is the lcd viewing area glitchy? Or just the touch screen moves/selects on its own?

[@chipsdubbo5.56]

2:08 that price you take off with the black wire connected, I can't get it to come off, and I feel it will break the circuit board if I force it...any tricks?

[@TheFixTech]

It has double sided tape sticking to board. It usually comes off with no issues. You can use a little heat (hair dryer) to soften the adhesive then remove.

[@chipsdubbo5.56]

@@TheFixTech thank you!!

[@kidrobot.]

good job! i want to replace my shell but im so clumsy and have no experience!

[@RandomizationShow]

I am ridiculously clumsy, I got my start in modding Gameboy colors and now I'm modding 360's and ps3's! Chase yo dreams!

[@kidrobot.]

@@RandomizationShow my dreams are sky high and unreachable!

[@santithecreator2]

same

[@RandomizationShow]

@@kidrobot. Same! But that's the best setup right there! You will be perpetually disappointed in yourself, and if you stick to it you will eventually become a prodigy, that is still perpetually disappointed in themselves 🤣 Btw I gave the shell swap a shot and succeeded 😎 tho I can't stand working on anything with hinges lol. painted some of my pokemans on it too with poscas. Give it a shot bro, and pro tip if you get a clear shell and some translucent Tamiya spray paint you can make the shell pretty much any color you want (same w shells of other consoles) tho I just bought a clear green one since they already make em

[@nathanjamesbaker]

Wow, that's pretty cool.

[@berenerchamion4998]

How do you keep track of what screw goes where?

[@TheFixTech]

I use memory as I’ve done so many. You may want to take pictures and separate the sizes.

[@kentan9928]

im looking at the 11:36 that part... you didnt install the light indicator...?

[@TheFixTech]

So true, I didn’t realize that until I finished the project. I later went back and installed. Good catch.

[@KarbonaraEnak]

How do you stick the new white frame to the LCD?

[@DMND1212]

Did you find an answer?

[@lastlaph8835]

thank you so much for your video

[@TheFixTech]

You are most welcome

[@wrighty1221]

nice tutorial I do this soon with my old ds lite, I change the shell thanks wow !

[@BigTrees4ever]

You forgot the inner pcb from the slot cover! I know it doesn’t actually do anything but it looks cool with the clear casing!

[@Tricke432_YT]

That looks horrible... I like it.

[@dylangintherofficial]

What is the black thing you took off around 13.08?

[@TheFixTech]

That is the lower screen frame, they are color coded to the color of the housing.

[@voidsauce6220]

Thank you for the video. One critique, please show just for a moment, what length of screw you're using at any given time.

[@maxc6963]

ripped my ribbon cable. how did you do it so easily. gonna kms now. that ds was everything

[@caronice666]

Ribbon cable is routed through the right hinge. It gets unbent everytime the DS is flipped open and gets bent again everytime the console gets flipped closed. That ribbon cable is under constant stress.

[@69mastalon]

Fantastic video! only issue is there's no slight warnings/precautions when putting back the top shell. I've seen people mess this part up and end up bending all the stops from not aligning it properly, other thing to point out is the power button slider/nub(?) from the board needing to be on the correct spot before finishing up otherwise it'll snap right off.

[@tutsie.r0ll]

i love your videos man

[@DinoDonnieV]

Cool, now i just need to find replacement screens. My ds lite has been in pieces for about four years now. Id like to fix it and use it again

[@TekkamanBlade4ever]

Will the A, B, X, Y buttons from a New 3DS fit in a DS Lite? i.e. Do both consoles use the same size A, B, X, Y buttons?

[@TheFixTech]

No, they use different button style press system. Will not work.

[@greghumble7306]

Just finished doing this. If your shoulder buttons keep popping off at the slightest movement before you can get the back case on I heated a knife on the gas hob and melted a little ridge where the spring sits

[@BepisWildCherry]

great vid but thhe kit i bought came with a weird screen shaped sticker that is white on the normal side and black on the sticky side, anyone know what this is for?

[@TheFixTech]

Either top or bottom lcd screen border. If it has a clear lens, then it’s the top, if it is just a square piece of plastic, then bottom

[@karanb.7863]

March 2024, I got a transparent replacement shell from an shop on Amazon for $15.00. The tolerance is so bad that it could bent the board so slightly that it make the flex cable not working. Buy from a brand with consistent reviews guys.

[@larryroland7387]

Hi i was wondering if there was wny specific tool set you uses for this?

[@rexy.retrorexy]

Hello! I’m currently fixing mine but as soon as I turn on the DS the top screen didn’t lit up. Any tips or reasons why it happened?

[@santithecreator2]

Does the bottom scree flash?

[@santithecreator2]

If it does, SpawnWave made a video talking about getting a ds lite in 2022. He also fixed a faulty ds and showed that the bottom screen would flash and the top screen would not turn on. Hope this helps!

[@MatthewdeKimble]

I had a problem where the bottom screen would flash once and turn off. I had to re-connect the ribbon cable to the clip (I must not have pushed it all the way in the first time) and that fixed it for me.

[@SharkVaderYT]

I have a damaged hinge, would replacing the shell fix it?

[@ScruffDaniels]

great video by far but.. didnt know why you were using the razor blade to take off the screen till i got mine off, now i cant put a new screen on till i get tape for it.

[@NNS_FEEDER]

Wonderful guide near perfect!! So somehow I got my top screen static looking and not looking good it was perfect beforehand I wanted to fix the old hinge and I got to the end 😭 halp pls what can be causing top screen problems (did not cut the old screen protector off kept it the same)

[@miaguerrero4831]

If that orange cable thingy has even the slightest bit of tear, will the ds still be able to turn on?

[@avimoren0]

Could you please explain how do I change both frames without damaging the screens, I did everything else and kept the old frames but it looks wierd. a couple tips would help me go for it.

[@calisado25]

the hinge is very hard to get in any tips?

[@MakotoTsuguri]

May I know where you got that beautiful new top screen lcd frame from? I tried replacing mine with the one that came with my replacement shell, and the quality was garbage. Nothing, but cheap, scratched, low quality plastic.

[@YTZexo]

My screws are stripped. Do u have any idea how to get them out. I really want to switch out my shell but u cant since i cant take out the screws

[@Lucas-dx2bp]

Looking for triwing screwdriver, some of them say Y tip, can anyone tell me if it works? My replacement shell is coming in a week and i want to be prepared for it

[@TheFixTech]

Yes the y tip will work

[@eyevenear]

just beautiful

[@TheFixTech]

Thank you!

[@kentan9928]

this is amazing! just to confirm, no soldering was needed ?

[@TheFixTech]

Correct, no soldering required

[@wh58]

Ok video, just needs close up on the connections parts ( little wires ) and what size screws being removed or replaced with, my kit didn’t come with any type of instructions and different size screws and holes on new kit had over fill from the mold and needed to be trimmed in some places. The new screw posts weren’t pre tapped so making new ones with tiny screws wasn’t easy and stripped one screw trying to tighten it while making a new screw tap at some time. 🤯

[@SeenD]

Is there a brand of aftermarket shells with good quality? The only ones I can find link eventually back to Aliexpress... And I bought one there and there were a lot of faults in the casting mold. I had to file down the plastic on a lot of places and the end result wasn't to write home about.

[@TheFixTech]

It’s hit or miss, I’ve had a supplier provide great quality, then quality dipped.

[@littlehedgehog5931]

Hi. Did you change even the touchscreen or did you change the frame only? I didn’t get it.

[@TheFixTech]

I just changed the plastic frame as my touchscreen was in good shape. If your is scratched you can change the clear touchscreen to give it a nicer look.

[@Lobo2265]

Do these come with hinges?

[@TheFixTech]

Unfortunately no.

[@michaeltimothy5058]

what equipment should i prepare for reshell nds lite?

[@TheFixTech]

Just a set of precision screwdrivers

[@nadonado648]

Soldering is needed if you’re going to replace the touch screen or lcd?

[@TheFixTech]

Soldering is only needed if you are going to replace the top lcd.

[@amandant]

Looks amazing af

[@pantsonhead]

Thanks for sharing the knowledge 👍

[@targetredxtrx9070]

Shouldve watched through before taking apart my ds. Was looking to replace the shell only. Thought I had to take it all apart for it but no. just 4 little screws

[@chrissdevano]

Was the transparent stylus included in the set?

[@TheFixTech]

Yes it was.

[@ComicCrossing]

Was the black border you took off with the razor a screen protector or part of the factory screen?

[@TheFixTech]

It is the screen frame, it applies on top of the touchscreen. It is the white frame (new housing) applied in the video

[@soapiezzz]

im looking to replace the shell on my ds lite (bought it used and the last person badly replaced it + mismatched & broken parts) but i cant find any with solid good reviews :( could anyone recommend brands that are good quality?

[@cjpt-s2363]

So followed the tutorial got it apart and back together with ease but my top screen lights up slightly dim and no picture enyboady know what’s happening

[@TheFixTech]

Check make sure the lcd cable is properly inserted, if it is then the lcd has defected.

[@haloboy817]

Hello. After handing a case swap everything on my DS Lite came back fine. The touch screen powers on and works but has no touch. I removed the frame initially on the touch screen during the swap but didnt mess with the digitizer or touch screen ribbons. Any idea what could cause the bottom screen to work but have no touch?

[@riader]

thanks this video helped me so much!!!

[@valkerre3471]

5:30 how do you get the flat wire out without bending it im cant get it to fit thru

[@concha152]

I did this and now it won’t turn on would you know where maybe I went wrong

[@TheFixTech]

Make sure all cables are fully inserted, especially the lcd screen cables.