I Built the ULTIMATE New 3DS XL from Junk

This is one of the hardest Nintendo consoles to take apart and work on. Can I transform this beat up 3DS into the ultimate NEW 3DS XL?
Joey’s video fixing it: • Trying to Fix a Ninten...
The Capture Kit: www.3dscapture.com/
Where I Buy Consoles: bit.ly/38UrGzP
Patreon: / theretrofuture
Instagram: / theretrofuturephotos
Twitter: / elliot_coll
#TheRetroFuture #Nintendo #3DS
(Links are affiliated where possible to support the channel)

[@JoeyDoesTech]

Absolute pleasure to be involved with this pal 😊❤

[@TheRetroFuture]

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

[@Dessensce]

@@TheRetroFutureAlrighty!

[@dakodameairs959]

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

[@QTronics]

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

[@pietrocv]

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

[@mactep1]

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

[@flamestoyershadowkill6400]

the weird screw covers on the top half are annoying though

[@JomasterTheSecond]

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

[@karelissomoved1505]

Im just so scared from the zif connectors breaking

[@jurgenkruger3932]

The point to me is that it's nearly impossible to repair those boards on chip-level. It seems to me it's impossible to get informations about the used chips nor I can buy them either. For example the PMIC. Without more informations which are necessary for repair, looks like a dead end now. Hopefully, the new "right to repair" law will lead Nintendo to give us the parts or tell us the correct numbers. Because I believe that many, maybe all, parts are just re-branded. And you can get them without problems from Digikey or so.

[@Haulien]

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

[@CygnusiaX1]

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

[@TSSCATS]

Real

[@ThatSavoieDude]

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

[@flamestoyershadowkill6400]

the capture card mod also adds that functionality

[@robertsissco2439]

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

[@olevet75]

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

[@VeeFerns]

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

[@olevet75]

@@VeeFerns ikr

[@DenysMel]

​@@olevet75Wait what

[@54356776]

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

[@MisterBeast_Official]

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

[@lorenclark6279]

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

[@kbramlett6877]

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

[@37Kilo2]

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

[@sucaNaitoraven951]

WHO CARES

[@DriftKingfromTekken3]

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

[@RealPlasmat1c]

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

[@ConnerWithAnE_]

Music was a very chill touch

[@The.One.True.B]

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

[@normanbarud]

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

[@The.One.True.B]

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

[@McCloud24]

I homebrewed my Wii and all I need is online support, news and weather. Just keeping it simple, ya know

[@The.One.True.B]

@@normanbarud homebrew is required for roms

[@The.One.True.B]

@@McCloud24 modding my Wii was way more complicated than the 3DS but I did the Wii years ago I bet it’s gotten easier

[@TheM0nkeyBomb]

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

[@melsbacksfriend]

It's an inside joke

[@MattyK1873]

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

[@EatTheApple4Me]

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

[@EatTheApple4Me]

Don’t be so butt hurt about it 💀💀

[@BlackLotuses]

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

[@no-no-noku]

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

[@Jlaps941]

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

[@celtyrysuje]

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

[@Rohgamu]

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

[@celtyrysuje]

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

[@TheMalMeninga]

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

[@cdpdoodler]

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

[@xtos2001]

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

[@marcusreis3790]

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

[@thefray123]

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

[@PowerSynopsis]

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

[@Jamesssssssssssssss]

Take that back cover off nice and slow.

[@bahamutbbob]

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

[@cormchaos2810]

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

[@LelandHasGames]

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

[@PariChrysler]

I love your junk console restoration videos, theyre very calming and engaging and they help me relax when im stressed or feeling down

[@k.k9206]

Vid was a vibe. Loved it!

[@ThrowbackGames_]

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

[@digglerdiggler]

Very chill Video, thanks!

[@thepokerus4184]

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

[@leinsaat5779]

I thought 2DS XL was the worst

[@thepokerus4184]

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

[@maw9a]

Stellar soundtrack choices, as always

[@HitnRunTony]

Always enjoy seeing you work

[@epluribusunum5318]

Man, I haven't even tried anything like this but seeing that screen splotch after all that work felt like a kick to the balls.

[@dany-ps2my]

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

[@SkinnyDoom]

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

[@charlieg6913]

Im so glad this came across my feed so I could subscribe. Awesome job man, and great music! 👍

[@Spintechfilms]

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

[@theotherotherBrian]

Nicely done!

[@blakewilliams5627]

I still can’t believe Nintendo cheaped out by not using colored plastic.

[@tydshiin5783]

It's not that they cheaped out, it's something they wanted without compromising the structure Metallic plastic or metal injected plastic is really really brittle and to attain that candy look on them required it to be clear coated rather than molded

[@alexandersalazar9750]

This was intentional but it wasn't them cheaping out

[@jeffgoodnough9704]

Cheaping out is Nintendo's main thing ever since Gunpei Yokoi expressed his design philosophy around minimalist and obsolete hardware, and it's the central drive to make Nintendo products fun, at their core, rather than trendy.

[@meta13gaming]

Naw The Pokemon Company is more guilty of this ever since Gen 6😭

[@snowysnowwolf6228]

Well done Joey and Elliot

[@Albert-ru7ob]

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

[@bcw8219]

I can confirm it works on a n3dsxl

[@bingegamer]

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

[@sgsuperkiddan]

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

[@sakurLOL]

No hate, but i would really recommend you to buy a nee soldering station after i saw your struggle with the iron tip, i myself use a soldering station called OSS Team T12-X plus and for its price, and ability to change and cheaply buy the iron tips, its amazing, hope that helps you in the future!

[@pegu_9565]

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

[@MinecraftProLord]

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

[@LAZERS4]

Very nice video Elliot !

[@GoatV8]

Very satisfying to watch!

[@numberoneappgames]

The one thing I hate about taking apart devices are the tiny connection cables.

[@prk55]

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

[@TheRedMelon]

that was some beautiful soldering work

[@3renY3ager]

Nicely done sir!

[@kristoffero5882]

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

[@sunny-xc8fb]

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

[@VR_SHOW]

gorgeous job !

[@GaryIsFound]

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

[@tyrant29bow2]

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

[@MightyOwl_01]

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

[@ehmar]

That was amazing!

[@duality4y]

I absolutely loved this video.

[@TheGebs24]

Your talent amazes me 😮

[@EternalGamingNet]

Great video!

[@Not_Lenny88]

Awesome video!

[@sergiojimenez3415]

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

[@justrad7637]

"cool move from nintendo" THE ONE AND ONLY!

[@bert6236]

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

[@DeepRafterGaming]

excellent work mate. cheers ^^

[@DaarkCloud]

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

[@scrm4297]

you made that look insanely easy, good shit!

[@georged7627]

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

[@Sam3097]

I missed you in glad your back

[@Mgh101590]

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

[@LifeIsRecusive]

LETS GOOOOOOOOOO WELCOME BACK!

[@ravenext]

Oh, the 3DS Capture Kit! I bought one months ago and installed it on my own New 3DS LL, I screwed up the first time by not reading the instruction manual properly and broke basically every connector on the board and had to buy a replacement. But after properly installing it, it was a blast to use. Outside of the Type-C Charging alone, playing the 3DS and viewing it through my PC was a fun experience.

[@HalcyonEX]

This was nice thank you

[@Yore0]

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

[@pokefriend13]

Wow great job

[@Ricar2002YT]

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

[@jama211]

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

[@TerenceJansen.coolkid]

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

[@baileygraham4975]

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

[@BejitaConnor]

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

[@Gggggggggg603]

Another Awesome video from The retro future

[@Brookiethehornedpupper]

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

[@legendaryguzmaistheboss3486]

The king is back!❤

[@Erw-In]

Damn..! Great colors for the shell!

[@poccori]

はじめに出てきたボロい３DSもこれはこれでかっこいいです

[@leinsaat5779]

If it worked then yes

[@pineymations]

he’s back!!!

[@Blasckk]

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

[@skorpysk]

i will 100% be following this guide

[@BasVoet]

That is so cool!

[@LowTonin]

Nice! Bought the capture kit as well. Not looking forward to taking a dremel to the thing though.

[@roflBeck]

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

[@Remi_Jansen]

welcome back! :)

[@XanderNotZander]

missed these kind of vibes, immaculate

[@superhantendo]

Guess who’s back, back again

[@mrawesomeface4174]

Shady's back

[@lotlmon33]

Guess whos back Guess whos back Guess whos back dadada

[@kazuhiramiller2121]

I've created a monster

[@TheRetroFuture2]

mom’s spaghetti

[@thebeardedduck69]

@@mrawesomeface4174 Tell a friend!

[@bookwormbon482]

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

[@J007ack]

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

[@sevsl]

i betted on that auction glad it went somewhere it would get properly fixed up

[@JonLipton]

I like the cozy vibe

[@Mirjj]

your soldering is so much better these days!

[@husainhabib4789]

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

[@TheRetroFuture]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@dgm778]

I hope the case doesn't deteriorate like the official Nintendo one

[@Handler1987]

Thaks for the video

[@vivithegr8389]

Lovin the case color

[@AdamHougham]

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

[@icymiles]

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

[@aishacs]

Amazing!

[@indy5280]

That’s a beautiful shell