Rare, Broken Nintendo DSi - Only 8,000 Made - Let's Fix It!

► ifixit.com/tronicsfix
► iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/90il5y
► iFixit Manta Driver Kit: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/XQLwaW
Rare, Broken Nintendo DSi - Only 8,000 Made - Let's Fix It! I paid $1,000 for this rare, broken Nintendo DSi. The seller said the top screen was broken but... that wasn't the only issue. Can I get it working again by replacing the defective parts? I sure hope so!
Video about another McDonald's DSi from The Retro Future: • I Found a McDonalds Ni...
►Tools & Parts I Use (paid link): www.amazon.com/shop/tronicsfix
►TronicsFix Game Console Repair Forum: www.tronicsfixforum.com/
🎵 Like the Music? I use Epidemic Sound (paid link): share.epidemicsound.com/tronic...
SUBSCRIBE: / @tronicsfix
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Instagram / tronicsfix
Facebook / tronicsfix
Twitter / tronicsfix
Website www.tronicsfix.com/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
→Business Inquiries Email: [e-mail]
TronicsFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. All material provided within this KZbin channel is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.
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.
(*We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.)
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.

[@TheBrokenPast]

Welcome to the DSi repair club! An exclusive group of people brave enough to tackle a DSi screen / ribbon / case / component disassembly nightmare.... Job well done!

[@Im-building-stuff]

Not that hard BRO 😅

[@FJness]

😂

[@ryuga528]

Im trying to mod my dsi with usb c port what screwdriver do I need

[@Im-building-stuff]

@@ryuga528 I use a screwdriver (1.5) (2.0) in a cross shape and 1.5 in the shape of a Y, because when I repair, I also find screws like that.

[@crawler-trainspotting]

@@Im-building-stuff about that....

[@jonathancheesman8385]

Nick Robinson did a whole video exposé on the McDonald's DSI and training cartridge 2 years ago. He even dumped the rom online so anyone can play it, prior to that it wasn't available.

[@ChrisEpp]

I second this, that was an insane video and would recommend it!

[@smartfox2295]

@@ChrisEpp Link to the video from Nick Robinson: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5aZqYJ4eKaJrKM

[@erjotq]

His video is amazing!

[@Tronicsfix]

Cool! Haven't seen that one.

[@chriskaprys]

Indeed. Such a good video. I was so surprised that Steve got his hands on one of these!

[@RKVideos92]

It impresses me in how you can find all these rare consoles, the retro future is also very good at finding them. Love your work

[@jamiecruickshank9697]

When swapping out these screen you really need to calibrate them to fix the flicker on them. It may not be as obvious in person. There is 2 potentiometers on the bottom under the battery cover that you can adjust to get the LCDs looking perfect again.

[@Zoldier92]

No need to. The flicker can only be seen on camera, not in person.

[@jamiecruickshank9697]

@@Zoldier92 It depends on how bad it is, I refurbish Nintendo consoles myself and always calibrate them using the official Nintendo Aging cartridge. Not all of them look as bad but if you run the tester, you can see just how bad some of them are.

[@worldsboss]

This was like watching open heart surgery 😨 So relieved that you were able to save this cool piece of history

[@Tronicsfix]

Ha, ha, I'm so glad I was able to fix it too. These old handhelds are so cool!

[@Spartan122S]

Now this is what I live for! When I thought I’ve seen it all you come along surprising me every time with these rare models!

[@Tronicsfix]

So good to hear! Glad you're enjoying these!

[@robertday5243]

Love see you fixing stuff Steve, no matter what it is.. you always have me in awe.. have you ever worked on atari Lynx's??

[@korkuc26]

Been watching you for a while now. Truly appreciate how honest you are along with the passion you have. Wish there was more repair techs like you. Totally wish I had even a smidge of the knowledge you have

[@danielstevenson1216]

The Retro Future and TronicsFix, the crossover we all have been waiting for. Ifixit can't wait to sponsor.

[@M1LAD81]

I'm here because someone broke something, so now I can see it be fixed.....hopefully! Nice one, Steve.

[@Tronicsfix]

Ha, ha....hopefully!

[@dallasscanlon3587]

One of your videos popped up I'm my feed. Been binge watching them over the last week. Awesome work.

[@jdgamingandfriends5286]

Every little click and snap sound made while taking the mc donalds dsi apart must have made your heart stop. Great repair Steve!

[@Tronicsfix]

Ha, ha, I was a little anxious during this repair

[@sirflimflam]

I really miss stuff like this existing... Never happen again. The ubiquity of smartphones have all but guaranteed any such thing would be a phone app.

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes, this cool stuff is going away too fast

[@smashICE1]

Awesome dedication, well done. I wonder how long it takes to manufacture one these when you have done it hundreds of times

[@ReetinEntertainment]

I always admire how you curse a lot less than I would during these repairs.

[@Tronicsfix]

Lol

[@sil3ntj3st3r]

They call that editing!

[@w1ze07513]

Whoa, look at the buldge on that one. Had no idea these existed. I'm loving it.

[@VOLTRONDEFENDER4440]

I remember having a DSI and was liquid damaged but after drying out started working again! sold it to half price books since I have a 2ds XL!

[@TheRetroFuture]

Great video Streve! Thank you for the mention. Lets cook some burgers!

[@Tronicsfix]

Loved your video as well! Lol, burgers it is!

[@JRald2016]

I've been needing to do this to my pokemon black and white dsi. The displays got messed up due to moisture, but the rest of the console works perfectly. I even have an extra dsi for parts, but I lacked the confidence. After watching this , i might finally give it a shot.

[@dylanlang5728]

My Anxiety Levels When You Were Putting The Ribbon Cable In Through The Hinge 📈📈📈📈📈📈

[@germanw2332]

Would you consider making a video showing the gear you use to fix all these things? I have a soldering iron, but the tips I have certainly wouldn't work on some of the super small stuff you work on. It's barely passable for soldering RGB light strips together! Would love to know what all you've got in your shop to fix things!

[@retrounlimited6921]

Made me so nervous removing that top case 😩... I used my spouses hair dryer to remove similar items and even that works well enough to get these items loose! Regardless, awesome video 😁

[@craigwise6374]

You always amaze me mate, i just got the inspiration to fix my C64 and it's working now. So thank you for everything

[@Lizardfiz12]

A SPICY PILLOW!! I LOVE IT, absolutely using that from now on

[@TheSkaldenmettrunk]

Loved Elliot's Video and love your video fixing it.

[@jakapratama2590]

Looking at how the screen and ribbon cables assembled in DSi and how meticulous and tedious the job is, makes you AT LEAST wonder and appreciates how are the production operators in the Nintendo assembly line done them, right? I mean, how many UPH (Unit Per Hour) produced with this kind of setup.

[@Ishizkos]

I got a special edition dsi and had to do this. this is a nice tip for others to who arnt comfortable going deep into the repair. like this one mine was also black. I just bought another black one in good condition and put my top shell and bottom shell onto it. then tadaa like new again! lol. and if its Japanese you can swap the main boards. just keep the one you removed if its a special one for later down road.

[@TheTartarsaws]

Love your repairs

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy

[@jeffreyjeffrey007]

That wasn't nerve reacking at all, everytime I heard plastic snaps, I audibly gasped. Well done!

[@Tronicsfix]

Ha, ha. I was a little nervous during this repair!

[@antoinepersonnel6509]

Replacing top screens on Ds's (any model of DS or 3DS) is the most exhausting thing to do... such an hassle... but on the best handhelds ever made... it's always an odd feeling to repair theses

[@VideoGameRestoration]

Brave man! DSis are so brutal. Great repair!

[@Bargeral]

I'd love a vid that shows what you do with items after repair.

[@ruckus7554]

Use Rotico for the glass and other little bits that like to stick around. Great video.

[@lukehyoshy]

Of all your videos that I watch, the ones that have this part of running the cables on the Nintendo DS is the one that worries me the most. The difficulty seems to be high!

[@JustAMoky]

The retro future and TronicsFix Two of my favorite KZbinrs 🕺

[@fossil2003]

You sound a bit under the weather during this one, I get the feeling it was a bit of struggle. Thanks for another great upload, especially if you were poorly.

[@ialwi4262]

watching you doing this hinge ribbon cable thing gives me ptsd. 😆 Great Videos Man.

[@MrGarryGrey]

I bought DSi LL myself. Japanese consoles do not have an option to change the language, but you can mod the console and patch it. DSi are very easy to mod (you just need an SD card), but you might want to keep it the way it is.

[@GrundleGrump]

I purchased my first iFixit toolkit thanks to this channel. Wonderful quality at great price. Thank you for suggestions! Look forward to dismantling many laptops and making them work even less than they did before... #techlife! Question: What's the most expensive thing you've accidentally broken beyond repair when the repair was otherwise reasonably simple, just by honest mistake?

[@XENONEOMORPH1979]

as always ste the clues are in the details nice video .

[@garynewell6947]

sounds like your getting a cold steve really like this type of video great work

[@Tronicsfix]

I was getting over being sick in this video. Glad you enjoyed!

[@ray24051]

Awesome fix Steve.

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks 👍

[@demonbeast86]

Nice dsi only you need now is the cartridge of training and a code for the cartridge if remember correctly are unique

[@SlingshotGamer]

I’m lovin it . Great repair

[@RougeOrange]

I also have a working McDonald's DSi and all three cartridges! Super cool repair!

[@lemoan7840]

Can’t stop watching your videos

[@edwardmclaughlin719]

See a doctor. Great help for that.

[@Tronicsfix]

So glad you're enjoying them!

[@Breakbeats92.5]

I had the clamshell game & watch waaaaay back in the day and these days I find myself on ebay for far too long looking up all things dual screen. Nintendo gets you hooked when your young and the addiction remains in you as you mature!

[@Thehotdogman]

This one was kinda nerve wracking. Good job!

[@chasefournier]

Man Steve! I remember getting a DSI for Christmas of 2008!! Those were the days man. Fantastic job fixing this one! Any DS console top screen repair is the hardest repair ever imo lol

[@Tronicsfix]

Such cool handhelds. I never owned one as a kid but I get plenty of them now, lol!

[@catgamer6480]

This so cool that you got one

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes! I enjoyed fixing this one

[@spdrmn34]

Have you ever considered using masking tape to keep the ribbon cables wrapped? It’s what I normally do so they stay together. Just a helpful tip

[@hawkfeather6802]

Nice job,it looks great! 19:41 on US and European consoles you can change the language but on Japanese ones you can't

[@TheSpotify95]

Hopefully the Japanese version of the DSi will at least allow you to play English games (and other games in English), if you've played with the DSi a lot then you should hopefully know what each menu does!

[@LOrealHardly]

A couple of Edge of the Seat moments there, phew!

[@dantenage9687]

Crazy steve has done it again

[@dennisgarciaii5290]

Curious when will you be on whatnot again???? Love the vids!

[@The_LexSter]

Imagine this coming with a Happy Meal!

[@Tronicsfix]

Lol, that would be so cool!

[@BokiJuda]

Taking a picture of the cabling setup while recording a video, my man!

[@Tronicsfix]

I do that because then I don't have to stop filming, take out the SD card, take it to my computer, find the clip out of large amounts of footage, watch it, then take the card back, put it in the camera and start filming again. Seems like a whole lot easier to just snap a couple of photos of exactly what I need with my phone that's just sitting right next to me. But hey what would I know, lol

[@mattrichardson4351]

We need to get the retro future VS, going 🙌✌️❤️

[@ubtech2938]

I came from the cod3r channel thank you for sending him ps4 motherboard although he couldn't fix it but he did an interesting video on it

[@marblecornet]

Do you know where I can get some of that BW100 that you used in that one short to fix that drifting xbox analog stick?

[@TheGlitchyMario]

This is awesome! However, you might want to turn off autofocus lol

[@juanatenco453]

OMG routing the cables must've been a nightmare. Great video as always.

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes, not the most fun I've had

[@emilioaguirre1634]

I found my Nintendo DS that still works despite having a broken hinge and the moisture indicator show that it has water damage, it's going to need a new shell. This is what needs to be replaced; the battery, it's starting to swell, the bottom screen is really scratched up, the speaker doesn't sound right anymore. The card reader need to be checked to if it needs to be either replaced or cleaned. It needs a full tear down to see what other problems it may have on the inside because of the water damage. It does not have a stylus pen or the charger.

[@chadbranston9741]

You sounded a little ill in this vid, hope you're feeling better soon

[@jantrisko]

Almost like an organ transplant surgeon 👍 Things become easy when you watch the work of someone who is excellent in his field and knows what he is doing. Great work, keep it up.

[@WantBadtime]

Now fix the rarest McDonalds training game on for the icing of the cake if you can find one for parts on Ebay some day.

[@Tronicsfix]

That would be amazing!

[@alfiesmith216]

Great vid clever stuff ❤

[@Tronicsfix]

Glad you enjoyed

[@ryanjones7681]

Can you do a repair tutorial on how to replace the broken plastic clips from the ribbon cables? (Dealing with some rn and its a pain...)

[@jonhu4127]

I would have loved to be there when you got it powered up. I probably could have helped with translation

[@mukeshgoolcharan6121]

Good stuff man

[@hawwin]

Wow what a cool console

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes, agreed!

[@vwgolffancarreviews7111]

Just the right amount of thermal paste Steve

[@hellspinner8378]

If anyone wants more information about the game and the console i suggest everyone to watch Nick Robinson's videos about the Mc Dsi and training game.

[@SamuraiTacos1]

looks awesome i thought you could change language

[@ZMAN5150]

I had a question I have a original Xbox and it refuses to read any disc what's the best disc drive to replace it with?

[@Brady_Knifedge]

Love seeing the Cod bo3 special edition ps4s

[@jacobenzor3359]

Hello, I love watching you repair stuff lol. I have a DS I bought new back in like 07 that when opened all the way the speakers stop working, but when half open they work. Gotta be a wire caught in the hinge. Wanna fix it for me? 😅

[@SKotris84]

A true master of his craft. Reminds me of when the PS4 came out and I replaced the HDD on my own. I felt like king crap so I tried to put a Craigslist ad to replace other people's HDD. I got ZERO responses lol

[@thegees]

thank you for using the correct terminology 'spicy pillow' haha. +1 for watching nick robinsons video and playing the software yourself it's fun

[@cheezyfriez12]

You can softmod it and change the language, or at least i think you can. it can at least be done on 3ds.

[@TakeNoShift]

I have a black and blue DS Lite that works and just needs a battery and battery cover (the top screen hinge is also floppy), a Pokemon Black DSi with a broken top screen, and a disassembled 3DS in my electronics drawer that failed due to snapped ribbon cables going up to the screen and I broke the top screen shell during disassembly so it needs a shell. When I was about 3 years old, the DSi for my 7th birthday I think, and the 3DS around when it launched. I'm eventually gonna repair them both. Too many memories with them to just toss em. Does anyone know if anyone makes cool clear shells for the 3DS? Like the clear N64 colors. I know they do that for the switch.

[@funnytomato69]

I think the wrench icon app is the settings

[@spongeboner6518]

@tronicsfix hey I love your videos you have inspired me to start doing it myself. I just want to say thank you for what you do and entertaining me every day keep up the good work!

[@shakespear90]

Hello. I d like to know what is the most common problem you faced in ps5 and how to avoid it happening when using ps5 over time. thank you in adcanced for your shared experience

[@CDRaff]

Getting that ribbon cable through the hinge is so frustrating I can hardly watch someone else do it.

[@N0xturn]

Yea one big mac with a Nintendo DSi please!

[@colonelgraff9198]

Did that come with fries?

[@TechGamer-pq1gu]

I fricken hate replacing the top screen because of the terrible ribbon design that can be damaged with little to no effort during installation.

[@MXTuber3000]

Really curious on if the language part is hard coded etc

[@1LeggedBandit]

Love the video steve i want to know have you ever worked on Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 Devices i dropped mine and the mute button is stuck and i have to press hard to mute/unmute and none of the repairs shop werent interested trying to fix and im not a repairs guy haha

[@realgamerguyvlog32]

Nice Steve, are you planning on keeping this DSI, I would if I were you,

[@Tronicsfix]

Undecided. It's definitely a cool one though

[@DracoGalboy]

3:08 would have been a perfect segway into sponsor read, since iFixIt (iirc) has repair guides and detailed instructions on disassembly and assembly.

[@kenz301]

have this problem on my N3DSXL “An error has occurred. Hold down the POWER Button to turn off the power, then turn it on and try again." but this only appear on pokemon X is this mean the cartridge already broken?

[@tspawn35]

I have been wanting to do this to my dsi and lite for so long. The touch screen on both are going bad. I just don't know if I have the patience to actually do this.

[@aalvarez8874]

My all life console was a blue DSI which even nowadays I still play. This video hurted haha

[@hanbill]

Wow never knew those even exists

[@colinboneham7387]

After just fixing the left & right trigger buttons on my dsi & 3ds I left the pain of trying to get the dsi bk together, they are so fidgety esp wen you got large fingers like me…..

[@IamOmgPhil]

A Japanese DS is only avail in JP. you can flash the firmware on it, so thats the only way to get english (I have 3DS LL / Speak Japanese)

[@barrybumpernickel]

how do you clean the metal hinges?

[@SouthernMenace]

Not gonna lie: I always have an anxiety spike seeing DSi and 3DS hinge jobs. Changed my 3DS to screen once, never again, with my sausage fingers.

[@Tronicsfix]

That's a difficult repair!