These are Worth $400 - IF I Can Fix Them!

These are Worth $400 - IF I Can Fix Them! I bought 2 Special Edition Zelda 3DS XLs to see if I could fix them and get them working again. One of them has a non-working button and the other won't play games. Hopefully not too complicated... as long as we don't find additional problems.
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Tools I Use:
-Protech Toolkit: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/90il5y
-Torx Security T8: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/AEcBvZL
-PH00 Phillips: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/YGVSSv
-Tweezer Set: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/t0VrlcX
-Electric Screwdriver: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/2wbHzJ
-Thermal Paste: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/q2Prd
-Canned Air: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/CPYy
Equipment Used:
-Hakko Hot Air Station: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/y2JDR
-Nozzle for hot air station: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/zpEWlT
-Hakko Soldering Station: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/MTL0qb
-Hakko Air Filter: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/Gqznh
-Digital Microscope: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/fAw8d4Q
-Stereo Microscope: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/WBO3b
-Kester Solder: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/ETXUh
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TronicsFix does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this channel and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this channel. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not TronicsFix. Please do not attempt anything contained in this video unless you accept personal responsibility for the results, whether they are good or bad.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The music used in this video does not require attribution.

[@grahambaker7563]

Always a pleasure watching your repair videos, Steve! 👍👍

[@Tronicsfix]

Glad you like them!

[@The_LexSter]

Are they inserting the game cards using a hammer or how does it get broken like this?

[@Tronicsfix]

Lol. I would like to know that as well!

[@chadmargraf4020]

Some people legit do stuff like that

[@TheDigitalAura]

Inserting carts backwards or other kids detritus getting shoved in there I would have thought.

[@RaZZaR18]

that dmg could just done on purpose... i can't explaine myself how this happened... Just sad to see such beautiful DS dmged... :(

[@johnDingoFoxVelocity]

So usually when they damage the cartridge port. They are trying to do a mod to short the connectors so that the console will read illegal cartridges. And they always screw it up.

[@bigdawghoss9871]

Plastic razors have become my best friend when it comes to those kind of stickers/stickers in general. You can get under stuff like that gently with out any deformation

[@Greensky02]

I've never seen such fine mastery in soldering before! This guy isn't just a perfectionist, he's an artist!

[@GD_MoonBlister]

Had me in stitches when you said "finger cheese" LOL!! That was an amazing job repairing both of them. Thanks for sharing and stay well!

[@hammyzgod]

Love watching your videos, but until today, I was never confident enough to try pulling items that aren't working properly apart encase of causing more damage lol. So I just got my precision tool kit started with a ps5 controller that hasn't worked in over 7 months after spilling coffee on it, but I managed to completely strip clean and reassemble it with ease. It works like brand new now, and that's all thanks to your tips and methods. So, from myself, a massive thanks and keep up the great content 👍.

[@vinicius401]

It's a no brainer whenever a new video from you comes up. So entertaining and satisfying. Keep up the great work!

[@anthonyjamesst-aubin279]

Great video. You actually got lucky with those Zelda 3DS's with their issues. I had to reshell the bottom part of my Zelda 3DS XL with a similar shell I ordered from ebay because it cracked around the hinge, and boy was that stressful. Looking forward to your next video.

[@Biomonkey18]

Great video, I enjoy watching your repair videos when you figure out the issue and resolve it.

[@istvanbally2817]

Really like when you explain why you're doing what you're doing. And your videos totally help me to fix my own stuff better!

[@The9gods]

This is the first special edition system that you've fix that I actually own. I even played it last year. Still great condition too.

[@ChrisB_Crisps]

I really like watching your videos on Sunday after dinner before wrapping up the day. Thanks

[@renatobabka263]

Hey Steve, thank you very much for your videos! I learned so much from watching you that I was able to fix my Nintendo ds top screen and my digital piano broken trace!

[@StarSoldierX]

Seems to me you’re becoming more skilled with each repair video. Truly impressive what you pulled off here!

[@BooleanDev]

the old ds and 3ds videos were my favorite, glad to see another one!

[@ChanchoHD]

Loved the music selection for this video 🔥

[@RetroPA8]

Great video like always 😊 I bought my first 3ds the other day

[@JimNichols]

As usual an excellent vid Steve.... for some reason the audio was a little low but, it was an interesting find, diagnose, repair scenario that appeals to your target audience. :)

[@somebutter6755]

A neat trick to getting the top screen ribbon cable connected really easily is to unfold the system all the way. Doing that will give you a lot more ribbon cable to work with when dealing with those tiny clips on the motherboard.

[@MarquesAllenJones]

i pulled out my zelda 3DS back when the eshop closed. had a bulged battery and the B button barely worked. i took off that adhesive button cover and the underside of the metal bits were really oxidized. scraped and cleaned them. i had a heck of a time getting that one ribbon cable connected, but got it all together and it worked great. the ifixit motherboard guide was pretty helpful.

[@robert_roland63]

I love this 3DS XL handheld! Funny enough my wife and I have this exact same one for each of us, and yeah those look to be in great condition! It’s nice to see a repair job on those bad boys!

[@Tronicsfix]

These are such good handhelds. Yes, these are in such good condition!

[@deeply999]

Not sure if you have one but the best investment I made was in the desoldering station, Using a pump vacuum to suck the solder out versus using the wick that has a habit of catching on little components, Also the kapton tape is also a life saver to prevent heat from damaging other components nearby

[@oterosocram25]

Very nice job on the soldering, multiple pins no bridges great

[@Penislandresales]

I'm digging the music in these videos, reminds me of holidays to Majorca as a kid

[@GanjjaGuru]

HEY BRO just letting you know we LOVE when you slow it down, the noises of tinkering with electronics is similar to ASMR and we love it when you dont speed it up haha. A good idea is maybe make a second youtube channel of an unedited version of your videos where you're doing the fixing and testing of the devices in silence. Your views would skyrocket with that!

[@slippedknot2001]

Been finding really good deals on damaged and broken 3ds recently. Excited to start fixing them one by one

[@berkmacklyn4906]

Just dropping a huge thank you. Your videos just helped me rescue my ps4.

[@jasonmarquette]

Another great video Steve, Thank you!

[@Baris1988]

Amazing job! you are a electronic doctor (surgion to be more accurate). i like the passion with this difficult fixes (micro).

[@gerhardrosbach8799]

if you cannot loosen damaged screws, here is a tip. fill the screw with baking powder and insert the screwdriver to restore the shape. carefully remove the screwdriver and apply a drop of super glue to the screw. be careful not to glue the screw to the housing. you should then be able to loosen the screw. maybe this will also help viewers of your channel.

[@rnari007]

your are just amazing - thanks sooooooooooooooooo much for all the education and showing the art of fixing :-)

[@miserablepileofsecrets]

I remember having this 3DS. Of all the og XL iterations this is to me the prettiest. And its game is awesome

[@Padilla450]

Great job. Now its time for a top screen replacement.

[@mtshark7]

Nicely done Steve!

[@TheSuperman559]

I still have my Zelda one same one you have still works good

[@bryanwharton6692]

Great video! Try playing a 3DS era Pokemon game without the A button… yeah these need to be fixed 😂. I also got my hot air station yesterday and I am waiting for my replacement PCB for Pokemon pinball on Gameboy to transplant the chips! You are an inspiration

[@Tronicsfix]

That's awesome! So glad you're learning this stuff! Good luck with all your future repairs

[@jmford1]

Still have mine from release day; box and all. Works 100%!

[@gregarmstrong552]

I forget where you said you sell your stuff? Thanks for the videos!

[@tetranymous9300]

I had the exact same A button issue on my 3ds after 10 years of service, right down to the lack of oxidisation. It's much easier if you only lift up the contacts one at a time; you don't have to worry about realigning it as the ones that are stuck down do that for you. Hopefully I will fix and mod my childhood ds lite that suffered a failed reshell many many years ago next :)

[@yumark5800]

I still have a new 3DS xl to find out what the issue with it is LOL. You make these fixes so easy xD mine went bad from the first time I was trying to screenswap a bad top screen. Even with replacement parts I can’t power it on. I managed to fix ones after this one without issues so it’s still waiting for me to save it. Hahaha

[@metronoxstudios6445]

Been watching you for a few years now, really love your content. I do have a question ive always wondered. Do you only fix things you buy? Or do you also do repairs for people?

[@TheSkaldenmettrunk]

Nice. I got one of those and my one is working.. luckily..

[@TheSilverOrca]

i love watching your videos! when are these going up on ebay? I use to have one, but somehow got lost. So I'm hoping to replace it lol.

[@osh8271]

Awesome!, really inspires me to try

[@nasapeepo721]

The amount of skill showed here is on another level. Also, those are some awesome 3DS.

[@mc909a]

Those were really nice back in the day. I regret not buying those when I had the chance

[@sparkythebuilder]

You sir have amazing skills!

[@Goman693]

Whats the music at 6:54? I've heard a few KZbinrs use it in videos recently and its so cool sounding! I can't seem to find it on Epidemic. Also great vid as always Steve!

[@felipe88051]

This 3ds model is perfect

[@bluebearyt12]

Awesome repair and nice 3ds xl

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks! Yeah, I like these ones!

[@martinroa1480]

​@@Tronicsfixhi my son has a 2dsxl that he loved until he broke it trying to fix it. would you possibly be able to fix it for him as a surprise? I'm tight on cash but I can give you a switch lite instead. Please let me know if you'd be interested in helping me out..

[@FixerUK]

When realigning the button pad try using some isopropyl on board to float it into exact place then use hot air to evaporate.

[@wesley071177]

My thoughts exactly

[@raymondburris5108]

Love these videos!

[@JohnGotts]

Fixing the 3DS XL classic edition is fun. Both of your units have easy to fix problems. The most difficult problems to fix are malfunctioning motherboards and broken connectors. I've had success replacing fuses with malfunctioning motherboards and I hope to graduate up to replacing those tiny connectors. I have a few in stock but my hot air station is of poor quality, and I need to learn how to use it better. I post all of my fixes on Instagram. I don't use KZbin. Stay tuned for some attempts to fix those pesky connectors.

[@Bijoux_DerWunderCatsen]

❤❤❤ This stuff is so tiny. Nice work.

[@Club_Michas]

@TronicsFix Just a Tip for the Future, if you have the 3DS in the Open Position it's much easier to connect the Ribbon Cables because they are longer when the 3DS is in the Open Position.

[@fabricatedego]

Watching your vids helped me swap a Motherboard on an Xbox one and get the disc drive working again. Thank you!!!!! Also would you want the old board FOC and disc drive to attempt a repair or use for parts?

[@briandoss9232]

Great job!

[@og_nunez]

Great music choices 🕺

[@Tronicsfix]

Mt editor, Dan chose the music!

[@awilliams1701]

Interesting. That reminds me of some atari style joysticks back when I used a C64. They had buttons like that, but they were just using scotch tape. I'll bet that would totally work here. It's the same basic design. Hell you could probably use those same pads on this. They aren't perfectly round, but they are about the same size and they are round where they need to be.

[@mukeshgoolcharan6121]

❤ your stuff keep it up 😊😊😊😊😊

[@Zerasion-]

Appreciate your job mate from France

[@Tronicsfix]

Hey thanks!

[@DS-pt2ks]

LOVE your videos, they're incredibly inspiring. Hoping you can help recommend me a place for a repair? I recently got some mild water damage on my Zelda 3DS XL. LED lights up when plugged in, but does not turn on. It's incredibly sentimental to me (and modded!) so I'd hate to lose it.

[@MrCATgpt]

Love it. So a friend game me his broken 3ds to have a look at as my first real repair. He has stripped the screws under the cover entirely. What is the methods people have used to get around this. I mean like stripped stripped.

[@12345.......]

I love the bits in ifixit tools (not sponsored, just own one)

[@Tronicsfix]

Yep, they’re such good kits

[@CadJuice]

I still have mine, and I BARLY used it.. I think I played through LTTP, OoT, and a little bit of Smash. I didn't realize this was holding its value this well.

[@retrobear9367]

That's still my fav special edition. I just wish it would have came in the "new" XL

[@jarinaumanen8447]

Use low melt tin and when disconnected the connector, clean the old tin and add just leaded tin.

[@ULTRALXV]

lmao Finger Cheese! I have this same 3DS that I bought new many years ago and still play it! It's great to see repair videos of it. You had another video awhile ago with this same model too.

[@Drfrodoskywalker]

Hoping these will be on Whatnot, I have been wanting one of these.

[@SmellTheCheeeez]

The bad thing is, with the *New* 3DS XL, the ribbon cables for the top screen got even worse because they put 2 connectors on the back of the board (that faces down when the back is open) with even less slack. Pain in the butt to reassemble!

[@andrewarmstrong5266]

jingle music and progress bars we are certainly getting an evolving style lol

[@apex6186]

I've got two of those 3DS' with minor issues. One has a crack on the plastic casing, and one has a stiff analogue stick. I'm thinking I should probably try to fix them now 😅

[@ishicoatlnaemarestrangelou9435]

Those are beautiful systems

[@johnsabilla5897]

You can remove the sticker pad safely with an exacto knife and if you accidentally ruin it, you can buy a replacement for cheap

[@tfsoul6384]

The one that had the A button issue has the ambassador certificate on it which makes it more valuable. I could only tell because it has the Zelda Four Swords icon on the screen

[@LuckyTrouble777]

May have been worth something while the eShop still existed. These days that certificate is only worth anything if still has the entire collection downloaded and playable considering you can't exactly download the games from the eShop anymore. Basically a Silent Hill PT situation for how much worth that certificate really holds.

[@Angelite1209]

I have one. It's in Near Mint condition except the joystick. The rubber pad fell off, but i keep it in place witg a little bit of glue, but it still falls off after many usage.

[@MikesArcadeMonitorRepair]

Another great job!

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks!

[@walkwe2791]

I remember when I had to replace the screen (and later the hinge) on my 3ds xl, I hated reconnecting the top screen ribbon cables

[@Tronicsfix]

That's a tough repair!

[@TheDigitalAura]

I despise working on Nintendo products, especially 3DS XLs. Nice to see you used IPA to remove the 2GS lettering on the slot.

[@Tronicsfix]

I actually enjoy working on these for the most part. I don't enjoy replacing the top screen on them though!

[@TheDigitalAura]

@@Tronicsfix Agreed, top screen replacement is hell.

[@bryanfrye8770]

Ive only repaired a couple of 3DS' these are a pain in the ass. I have a couple broken ones just laying around. Id rather watch you repair these 😂.

[@Gin_Shinigami]

I hope you will make a video about PSP GO in the future 😊

[@DanielOliveiraViolao]

Amazing!

[@remasteredtoperfectvibes]

I used to own a pair of these in my childhood. Loved playing animal crossing on them. Honestly sucks they wont exactly be usable after 2025 since thats the limit to the year on these

[@artanisH847]

by the way, if you open the screen all the way, it will be way easier to put the flex cable on the back of the board.

[@TheStonedSpidR]

i've gotten so spoiled using the same tv as you have behind you as a monitor that trying to game on a hand held is more of a headache then fun.

[@simonnicholls5619]

Hi, interested why you never seem to use a solder pump?? My default always before turning to wick?!

[@karichakro]

The trick for the top ribbon cables is to remove/insert them sequentially instead

[@rafalosophy101]

interested in doing a 120GB Microsoft Zune fix vid? i have two that i'd love to have fixed, or at the very least, make 2 into one working device.

[@SpadesG]

Question, I tared down my old 2ds to fix the damaged screen I had 2 2ds's the one doesn't charge mine does, I looked at the bord one had a exposed wifi card mine didn't why? Still has all capabilities.

[@liamreynolds8777]

When you were reapplying the button pads, i noticed that there were 2 holes in both the board and the sticker. Could one put toothpicks or similar small cylindrical objects to help guide that process?

[@erikandsonja]

"Finger cheese" is a term I have never heard before, but will now be adding it to my every day vernacular.

[@ZackMuffinMan]

Everytime I see this special edition I am reminded of my horrible experience with Nintendo's repair service and the scam they tried to pull on me. On the bright side, it helped me learn how to repair systems on my own!

[@Tronicsfix]

What's the scam? Yes, that's definitely a good thing that it pushed you to learn to fix things yourself!

[@ZackMuffinMan]

Oh man... long story but basically I sent them the 3DS because it wouldn't power on. They said the motherboard had to be replaced and they didn't do that so they would be returning it to me. I get it back and it is missing many internal pieces, like the microphone, circle pad, wifi card, all but 1 screw, and my SD card with the pre-installed game on it. I call them back and they say to send it back to them and they will send me a new system, however when they get it back, they said it was missing parts and had been tampered with so they were refusing the replacement. After a few MONTHS of back and forth, I get nowhere. I decided to file a complaint with the BBB and within a day, they agree to send me back my broken system and a free game to replace the SD card they stole. I ended up buying a parts 3DS for super cheap because both screens were broken and stealing all the internals from it.

[@Tronicsfix]

Wow, that's crazy!

[@memorysticky7581]

Was wondering what do you call those button stickers, the ones under the ab xy buttons? thanks.

[@MrQcazu]

I always am sad about mine. I have a beautiful one of these triforce 3ds...es...but it's got some sort of software issue. Monster hunter freezes on startup (works on other consoles), smash bros randomly a character will have a part of them get stuck on a part of the screen and wont move, even if the character moves. For example a cape may get the corner stuck on the bottom left corner of the screen. It will stretch to where the character is on screen. The character can move but the pixels that are stuck wont. Some games freeze at certain point others have no problems. I had to buy a whole other 3ds. My fault for not getting that dumb warranty as a teen.

[@Kn3xisGaming]

I'm looking to replace the outer shell for my original 3ds XL but not sure where to get quality parts. Any suggestions?

[@dhanajitsalam39]

Bro big fan from India

[@m1st3rfrv1t3r3r]

At 4:56 you can see the solder went to the component of the right...

[@MaximeDeClercq]

Very interesting. I still play with one (same model) but you haven't explained why they are potentially worth 200$ (I think?). Did you find those models with IPS screens?

[@Tronicsfix]

That's what they're going for on eBay

[@sh1yo7]

It's a limited edition Zelda 3DS, has collectors value

[@MaximeDeClercq]

Aah, thank you for the explanation.

[@jeckjeckellazar97]

Like what I did in my switch joy con i just opened it and clean the shoulder button with some alcohol And I don't have to press it so hard anymore

[@ekysboham]

I tried replacing my 3DS XL top screen but I just ended killing all ribbon cables on the top, this console is the worst thing ever when it comes to trying to fix it. I won't ever try again with a 3DS XL lmao 😂 Nice repair, 2 consoles saved from the trash 🔥

[@Tronicsfix]

The top screen on these is very difficult!

[@tododespejado]

You can make it work with only the bottom screen if you solder 2 rezistors. I made a ds into a gameboy like that

[@chrisfixesall99]

@@tododespejado I'm desperately trying to repair my old 3ds xl 2012 version i broke the top screen backlight connector, what type of resistor did you use and where to get them and where to solder the resistors on which pins to get it to run on just the bottom screen?