They Couldn't Fix His Sons 3DS XL - Can I?!

[@gr1mington952]

I love how a repair shop saying "we can't fix this" actually equals "we broke it more" 😅

[@danarepouille1381]

Kids can break them faster than you can fix them! I've seen you replace these screens before, and it still amazes me. Thanks for the video.

[@Tronicsfix]

Lol, that's definitely true. Kids can be hard on these things.

[@snowyman42]

The only time I broke my Nintendo ds lite. Was about 3 years into owning the device. I dropped while getting in the car to drive an hour for the arceus event at toys r us. It worked long enough to accomplish the event. We sent the console back to Nintendo. And they actually replaced the screen. It broke off at one of the hinges. Still played that console well into the dsI era.

[@Manche-De-Pelle]

Company use to make robust and sturdy devices... now it's thinner and more fragile. Yes, kids can be rough, so you need to make tough console. But they knows they are able to sold a second unit to the same kid/parent so they're doing easy to brake things

[@randallbrannen5983]

@@Tronicsfix hey, I'm not even sure if it's a challenge for you but... I have a ps4that no one has been able to repair. As well as a laptop several shops had tried and were unable to fix. If you want to take a crack at it, really all inwant is the data, but honestly would love the laptop. Not sure what you charge or if youd like to keep the ps4(I think there is like 3 pictures on there that would be cool to get back but if not no big deal). I'm asking because I took 4 old pcs to a shop and let them keep everything. All I wanted was my data (about 500gigs total). They sent me back a hard drive with no data on it, and then Managed to "recover" 100gb off one and said it was everything. Sadly because I made the deal they kept everything and wouldnt return it. I lost 25years of photos and am still trying to swallow that

[@randallbrannen5983]

@@Tronicsfix I should add, I doubt the laptop has any real value anymore, they tried suggesting other laptops or similar ones, it has an i3 he tried to get me to buy a celeron. I dont follow tech like I used to, but that sounds like a massive downgrade to go from multi core to single core...they got mad and insulted me over that statement, maybe I dont know what I'm talking about, but I'm entirely out of options and with life being life...idk really could use a win right now.

[@StezStixFix]

Great job, Steve! Can't believe the shop mangled those screw covers like that! Ouch...

[@Tronicsfix]

I know! This would be such a better looking console if those were in good condition.

[@fbiguy5269]

​@@Tronicsfix Alway interesting to see that those shops who offer to fix stuff like PCs, tablets and so on are usually very bad at it and break the device even more no matter the country you live in. Here in Germany I also had bad experiences with this establishments. I wonder how these kinds of business still keep running. How do they not go bankrupt.

[@Moa_Smug]

​@@fbiguy5269 Probably because so many people would go to them regardless.

[@DeepThought420]

I've said it before and I'll say it again you're a true Superhero to all us gamers and to Joel's son! Thank you for the awesome video!

[@Tronicsfix]

Hey thanks!

[@vivalapistola]

Joel's "son"

[@PolarKunai]

@@vivalapistola 🤓🤓🤓

[@philvt101]

Too many instances similar to what happened here have conditioned me to connect the upper lcd, camera, and speakers to the motherboard and verify proper operation first. Then I'll disconnect everything, assemble the top case and feed those @#$! cables through the hinge. I could feel the pain when you realized you had to do those cables again. It can be absolutely soul crushing when you're a newbie, but your patience and perseverance is admirable. Looks like you've pretty much mastered them though. Kudos! Great job!

[@chrisdutch3013]

I came here to suggest just that. Lay them all out on an anti-static mat, test 'em, then frustrate yourself with reassembly. 😂

[@Adam-Mei]

I hate the screw covers are gone but it looks better than it did with the torn ones. I am glad I found your channel several years ago now. I have become disabled and unable to work on electronics like I once was, watching from point of view instead of showing yourself is awesome to me. It scratches that itch so I don't tear into something that I would take me months to finish.

[@helpy7559]

I've repaired PS2s and Xbox 360s and a few other consoles in the past, but i've dealt with DS's and I just don't have the patience for those consoles, as much as I love them. Glad we have people like you who do, love your work TronicsFix!

[@Konitama]

Yeah about the metal tweezers.... I tried to do a simple stick replacement on a Switch controller and the metal tweezers that CAME WITH THE KIT literally sliced right through the shoulder button ribbon cable so I had to order replacements. Learned my lesson real fast about using metal thin tweezers on ribbon cables. They are practically scissors and can EASILY cut a ribbon cable with just the slightest pull in the wrong direction. I'm honestly impressed that you used them through this whole repair without damaging anything. Gotta have a really delicate touch to pull that off. Still, I definitely would recommend moving to plastic or rubber coated for that process... It's just asking for a mistake to happen.

[@Seasider702]

At 08:25, I've applied a light coating of rubber cement to tweezers prongs for ribbon cable work. Light coat on each prong and it helps grip the fine cable and prevents slipping too. Make sure to separate the prongs while they dry 😏.

[@jrok96]

@@witebatman you guys are pros pat on the back

[@awilliams1701]

I think given the choice of broken screw cover vs no screw cover, the no screw cover option looks better.

[@chr1srugby]

I'd personally just be happy with a colour that works with the grey, given it's the grey that are hard to find.

[@PhunkieZero]

Since it's super Nintendo themed, why not purple covers?

[@iRoC29k]

Those ribbon cables can still be a pain regardless how many times it's done. Lol

[@Tronicsfix]

I've done lots of them in the past and they're still a pain! They are definitely much easier than the first few I did though!

[@Madog24_]

I love the new, flat colored background for the close ups/overhead cam, it makes it look so much cleaner, and nicer.

[@Shadepariah]

I like to use the straight metal tweezers that come with the iFixit kit, grip all of the zif connectors at once and roll up the ziff cables by rotating the tweezers. It tends to keep everything rolled up neater than with my fingers. It's a hard repair no matter how you shake it, and the DS Lite is no easier.

[@kewkiee]

Love the diagnoses and then fixing! Keep up the great work.

[@Tronicsfix]

Thank you!

[@damolin77]

Great video Steve. I wish you would do more repairs like this in your videos on peoples electronics.

[@Photo0021]

Oh man the SNES 3DS. Have one myself. Probably my favorite variation of the New 3DS XL.

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes! They are really cool!

[@Darmani2MB]

Definitely up there with the NES Game Boy Advance SP

[@theshellderinslowbrostail5422]

Its my birthday today, and im thankful this video of my favorite console is out today. A great gift to have today for me. Thanks Steve

[@Tronicsfix]

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

[@theshellderinslowbrostail5422]

​@@Tronicsfix THANK YOU. Omg, never expected you to reply

[@HaloNewbie014]

I replaced my own DS Lite top screen recently, with very little electronics repair experience, and that ribbon cable rolling part (thankfully there's only one in a DS Lite) was the most nerve wracking part. I also had to redo it two or three times for other small mistakes I made... but in the end I got it all working like new! The reapir shop said it wasn't even worth trying because it would cost more than the console was worth to repair it (it's a Pokemon D&P Special Edition so I doubt that,) but you can't just replace childhood memories so I did it myself 😁

[@MrPokefanatic97]

Great story, that D&P DS Lite is so cool, I used to have the shell for that on another ds lite. Btw, what is your profile picture??

[@HaloNewbie014]

@@MrPokefanatic97 Thanks! The picture is actually a CAD drawing my friend made for me as a college project. It's a mix of various game logos/symbols like Borderlands, Assassin's Creed, Master Chief, there's naval cannons, and a crown and shield if I remember correctly. It's hard to see because it's a little small, but I've considered commissioning a new version that's brighter and more "animated" so to speak

[@MrPokefanatic97]

@@HaloNewbie014 It almost looks like the square in compass which is why i asked

[@freya1548]

I spend way to much time watching your channel, have learned a lot about how to fix my own stuff by watching you. Had to fix my Elite controller awhile back and thanks to you it was a super easy fix.

[@chasefournier]

Awesome job Steve!! That type of repair is no joke!

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks Chase!

[@seguramlk]

I had an anxiety attack just watching the disassembly process of this device, man. All kudos possible to you 👏👏👏👏👏

[@ThatSavoieDude]

You sold me on Ifixits pro tech toolkit like 2 years ago and it's held up wonderfully. Much appreciated

[@difancer]

It's nice to see your experience at work. Good job, show them shops how it's done properly!

[@lauralulu4444]

yay I'm so happy that this kid's console could be fixed! I know I would be crushed if I was told my 3DS couldn't be repaired. Nice job! One of my favorite 3DS shells too :)

[@gooseman247]

As soon as I saw 3DS in the description, my anxiety spiked and went straight to the hinge cable twist! Great work!

[@ArgDragon]

I admire your work from a guy who fixes things electrically and mechanically your work is unique and your Titanium will power and patience is even more impressive!

[@timehunter9467]

This has made me consider fixing my DS Lite, me and my mum had one (years ago now) and we still have them. The microphones both broke at the same time just as the warranty ran out.

[@Sacren365]

I wonder if the assembly lines for the DS/ 3DS line of products had a special tool or trick those ribbon cables that we don’t know about.

[@Tronicsfix]

That would be interesting to know. I'm sure they had an automated way of doing it

[@awilliams1701]

The broken camera is why I wouldn't have put it back together. I would have plugged in the ribbon cables without going through the hinges. That way I wouldn't have to assemble it twice. In fact I've plugged in a laptop screen to a laptop that still had it's screen installed just to see if it was the screen or not. In that particular case the screen was pink. I eventually discovered the cable wasn't plugged into the screen (from the factory) properly. But I figured why fully take it apart if the pink is coming from the computer.

[@Tronicsfix]

Where were you when I needed you, lol! Yes, I could have and obviously should have tested it first but I find myself taking chances like that quite often. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it comes back to bite me.

[@awilliams1701]

@@Tronicsfix The way I see it, it takes 10 seconds to try a disassembled test vs putting it together which takes 10 minutes or more, not to mention all the frustration, only to discover it doesn't work. And if it did work, it only took 10 seconds to find out. So yeah I never put things back together until I know they work. Then again......there is the risk of my 2021 PC that I built.....but never finished. There are cables sticking out the back, it's not closed. But hey it works! I need to replace the power cables. They are too short so they are heavily strained. They also feel cheap and crappy. I've meant to order longer replacements, but I never got around to it. That's the main reason I never finished it.

[@jrok96]

@@awilliams1701 wow you showed him.

[@shaunsmith3757]

@@jrok96 🤣

[@bryanfrye8770]

Out of all the consoles, this is the one I have the least experience with. My daughter's 3ds screens are not working but the system will power on. There are wire traces and a connector that needs to be repaired. I'll get to it someday. These 3ds repair videos are great reference

[@v1bing]

Tronic is literally saving peoples devices when an actual shop can't! Tronic the hero 😄

[@MatuschkaRossija]

Nice job like always! Its unbelievable to see, that only because the camera doesn't work, that whole console doesn't work. If someone dont know that, he would throw the console away. There should be regulations that prohibit that kind of things, that if one not necessarily part isn't working that the device is also not working.

[@Tronicsfix]

I've been tricked by faulty cameras multiple times. So annoying!

[@pixelpanic]

I'm addicted to this channel. My ADHD brain cannot consume enough of this, also I just love his calm and relaxed demeanor. It's so positive, but not too crazy. It makes me feel like I can do this, if I wanted to, but also I should just keep watching. ADDICTED!

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks so much for the comment. I appreciate it. So glad you're enjoying these!

[@whoknows8225]

@Mr. Burns Steve probably does not mind

[@Stev417]

I went to a repair shop today with my 3ds xl that needed a shell replacement, they refused to fix it because it was “too hard”

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

I love seeing 3ds repairs. I still have a lot of fun playing originals and gameboy re-releases on it. I am just about at the point of modding it though since I am not too worried about being blocked from online features as it is well at the end of its life.

[@rayclark9643]

Surprised that your halo doesn't show up in this video Steve...takes the patience of a saint to roll those ribbons up once, but then only find out that you have to do it all over again arrg!!!

[@paulwesterman]

Man that's a fiddly job. Love watching you work!

[@Perziak]

Even though there is a lot of work you did for this repair, you keep a smile on your face while doing the tedious process of dissasembling it twice, which is really amazing :)

[@maxalmonte14]

Wait, you actually fix this console for a subscriber!? That's so nice of you!

[@Louverbot]

i took it up as a hobby to fix borken 3ds consoles , mainly cuz i love the design and find them super cool and dont want them to go to garbage , i learned so much from your videos and its given me corruage to even try to fix them. Thank you so much for the videos :D

[@seiotonashi4049]

its fun to play this console...but the real fun starts when its broken.... oh hell yeah!!!.... i salute you and idolized you sir for every repair youve done from past videos,,,not giving up and always determine to deal what is the real problem of these consoles even though they are painful to dismantle and then put it back again...its a 50-50 situation either its a lucky fix or its a salty bummer unrepairable...nice video sir!!!

[@PurpleSanz]

But... but... BUT!!! What about the perfect amount of thermal paste? By the way, I can see you couldn't resist using the power & reset SNES "buttons" (1:26) as a grip. That was a smooth move ;D

[@doncsicso81]

I`ve just bought a bunch of broken new 3ds XLs from Japan :D your videos, including this one, will come in handy for sure! Thank you in advance :) :)

[@RubyRose2077]

wow, what a champ. went that deep twice. glad to see that Limited edition DS back to life.

[@virgildeklerk]

Very nice one again, i ones did 4 dslites like this all top screen replacements. Pfff hard job for real but still possible but you need a lot of patience. Very nice feeling when it all works afterwards. 👍

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes, it's a GREAT feeling when these work when you're done.

[@MrAkarie]

Man I don’t no how you remember how to put it back together lol awesome video as ever. So much fun watching you fix stuff and you learn a bit too thanks

[@bretthanson276]

I would like to say you did a nice job on fixing that handheld game that is a very complicated work and I'm glad you can do it I like watching your videos it helps me to do my repairs I appreciate all the videos that you have sent to me thank you

[@davidbohn8955]

Awesome fix John! Didn't even require the perfect amount of thermal paste XD

[@janduarte1044]

I used to have a black screen problem and yes, the AR camera is always the problem. I had a 3DSXL just like that I bought as a "untested product". It was actually water damaged and the transistor that controls the 3D motion no longer works and the camera cable being all burnt up. So what I did was to just replace the connectors by resoldering it then replace the transistor that controls it from a donor, as well as the camera from a donor as well. Modified it and played with it for a few months then sold it because I got bored with it afterwards. Just watching this video made me missed the 3DSXL and made me regret selling it since it was my first 3DSXL I repaired.

[@Tronicsfix]

Nice work! I really like the 3DS XL. It's a bummer they stopped making them

[@batmansdad3195]

Seeing this now, man am I ever glad that all my son did was pop one of the cables free. He dropped the thing so many times that it had a black screen or it would flicker off. I opened it up and pressed down on the cables at the ports and it's been working since. That repair was made 2 years ago

[@Outshinedsg]

I always get anxious watching the top screen assembly, looks so easy to accidentally rip those cables or break something XD.

[@vincenzoquinci575]

I wish I saw this video when I tried to repair my friend's 3ds years ago. Those flat cables were a pain and I managed to break the speakers one. At least the screen was replaced properly and it's usable with the audio jack.

[@beanz_inabowl1943]

I love the music every time he starts to fix the console 😂

[@railpao]

Remounting the screen in its case, and folding these ribbon cables back in without testing them could be a mistake, and the fact this misadventure is shown on this video is a very good thing. For every tinkerers, inexperienced repairer or even experienced ones, and so on, it's a valuable lesson. I myself got caught by this idea in a corner of my brain, telling me : "it should be ok, it looks good, let's mount everything back in one go, it will work" more time than I can think. Aside from the repair itself, I really like the steps that lead to a result. There's a saying in France : "We don't learn without falling" I don't know if there is a similar expression in English, but I guess something like that would make more sense : We learn more from our mistakes than our successes.

[@gregsmith9183]

Better you than me. Glad you saved this 3DS XL.

[@ChrisEpp]

Great job! I’m so intimidated thinking about working on these but like you said, once you practice more you can get more comfortable doing it and I would love to be able to fix/refurbish these consoles some day! For now I’m just doing things like Xbox One, PS4, Gameboy Color, And Wii for the most part. Those hinges spook me out! Haha

[@saudop3931]

Ion no how this guy can make these repairs look so easy

[@AlfieakUK]

You just made the kid so happy well fixed

[@maxhiggins6270]

Have you ever heard of the Gameboy Macro? You essentially mod a DS Lite into a large form factor Gameboy Advance. Check it out if you haven’t. I feel like that would be right up your alley.

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes, I've heard of that. Looks amazing!

[@markaword1561]

The sound of removing that screen protector was straight Music to my ears

[@kevingrace6356]

I actually had to replace the joystick on my 3Ds XL because I couldn't find anyone near me who would work on a 3Ds. Thankfully turned out great

[@JamesDeanIsAlive]

can't stress it enough - to Joel's son, you are a superhero

[@destructionfun2]

Please more 3DS repairs!

[@Tronicsfix]

3DS repairs generally don't get as many views but I still make some videos about them because I like fixing them

[@hayleywaalen2612]

I think Joel's son would be happy.

[@David-yh5po]

Great job man thanks again for sharing.

[@mfc200]

Nintendo really Made this consoles yo be a pain regarding Flex, great work and patience in this one

[@alinflorescu7946]

Congratulations for fixing this console! I think you could use some grey nails polish for the screws!

[@telecomsuk]

Many years a go when the DS first came out I used to repair and re case DS’s I made a tool for the screen ribbon, it was and old small screw driver, I cut the end off and cut a slot along the shaft, I could put the ring on pass it into the top case roll the ribbon and pull it through. I used to do custom ones in peoples football team colours if their colour case was available .

[@finco7726]

for coloring small covers you can use "paint marker pen" in various colors maybe

[@pixelpunchyt]

My N3DS XL has some messed up firmware from a botched CFW install, anyone know if I can just swap the motherboard with another from the same region and have it work ??

[@NickSeips]

ive only fixed a few of these but I found a bobby-pin hairclip thingy worked wonders keeping the ribbon coiled and easier to pass thru. Hope it helps someone

[@deebocj]

Amazing that this thing was even created in the first place.

[@VeitRL]

a big like for doing everything twice :D Good Job in this one

[@beamquaker]

This looks a great channel. I fixed my son's 2ds screen. It was easier than that as I did not have the rolling of the ribbon cables. I was really impressed with the video and it was really interesting 🙂

[@retroman--]

Most beautiful 3DS XL case

[@threemar3]

Definitely daunting, but if you just take it easy and be careful, it's not too bad

[@atherahmed7600]

Love your videos

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy these!

[@Konitama]

Also I wonder if wrapping the cables up with some painters tape or something would help keep them in a tight roll that you can work with easier. Just roll them up and then tightly wrap painters tape around it and then you have a nice packaged tube. The tape shouldn't damage anything.

[@bryans8656]

What, no thermal paste??!! It was a great video regardless 🙂

[@grindeyyyyy]

I have the basic ifixit kit, even if it’s not for electronics it’s really handy, well worth the money even if you think it’s a lil expensive

[@TechiesUnofficial]

That SNES design looks so good.

[@colinboneham7387]

Nice fix Steve. I’ve just had to replace the left and right trigger buttons a Original 3ds, the left was easy but the right one, I split 3 of them by trapping it wen rebuilding the 3ds

[@KSUArceo]

Steve, would love to see you try and tackle the Phat PS3’s yellow light of death.

[@SirC2100]

In the next 3ds repair video, make sure to add some suspenseful music in the ribbon cable section.

[@triplexdread]

Replaced dozens and dozens of screens on these. The circling up of the flex cable into the collet is a complete nightmare...

[@Tronicsfix]

Yep, I've fixed a lot of them as well and that part is still difficult

[@jrok96]

nice attention to detail sir

[@12345.......]

Still in the original packaging. Nice

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes! This is a nice one

[@remax274]

Because of you I can play on my Xbox again

[@Tronicsfix]

Love to hear that!

[@RealmsofPixelation]

Citra 3DS emulator on PC. Upscale to 1080p or even higher. Works pretty wonderfully. Way cheaper than getting price gouged on buying these obsolete consoles.

[@1O1ZERO]

just because i am curious: what do you charge for such a repair? (just an estimate)

[@shreyasrao6515]

Maybe it's free for patreon members

[@rambofan1]

When the hardest part of the job is “rolling up” you got yourself a good job 👍

[@PAFABL]

Best man i have ever seen :D

[@fedecano7362]

good to see Skinny Pete made it out of hood and he's now fixing electronics!

[@Badassest]

Way cool, what a process lol. That handheld was really nice too. Im curious what the repair cost was?

[@allen5976]

It would be a good idea to just attach the various ribbons to the motherboard and add a battery then to test it works before going to all the trouble of threading the ribbons through the hinges, just a thought. Thanks for showing us how to tackle this horrible job👍

[@mipi_game]

i wonder if you can test the top screen assembly/cameras just by connecting the cables on the fly without doing the roll thing... 🤔 Nice repair by the way

[@Tronicsfix]

Sure you can, I show how to do it in this video

[@sixstrng]

Omg my son has this same broken screen, I have looked for someone to fix it locally because I have shaking hands syndrome, "not a big deal." Since it looks like no soldering I might try and walk my wife through it now.

[@UltimateTechHub]

I really dislike ribbon cables. Congrats on the fix.

[@JPWestmas]

The more you do something the faster and better you get at it. I tell myself that quite a lot.

[@dinanars2857]

It’s called the New 3DS XL