I Bought 9 BROKEN (But NICE) Nintendo Handhelds - Let's Fix Them!

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: ​skl.sh/tronics...
I Bought 9 BROKEN (But NICE) Nintendo Handhelds - Let's Fix Them! The Nintendo handheld game consoles included 2 DS Lites, 1 2DS XL, 4 3DS XLs (including 2 special editions), and 2 3DSs. They were actually all in pretty good condition... but don't worry, I found things I needed to take apart, solder on, and repair.
►Tools & Parts I Use (paid link): www.amazon.com...
►TronicsFix Game Console Repair Forum: www.tronicsfix...
🎵 Like the Music? I use Epidemic Sound (paid link): share.epidemics...
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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
-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.

[@Tronicsfix]

The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: ​skl.sh/tronicsfix07211

[@ThePS5Player1]

Thanks for the free trial!

[@goveyjones3851]

After all these decades, we are still "blowing air" into Nintendo products to help them work better. As a 1980 baby, does my heart proud

[@Tronicsfix]

If only it was that easy to fix modern electronics

[@inklingswtf]

i still have to do it on my nes and gameboy

[@saulvillalobos5232]

@@inklingswtf same have 2 gameboys

[@abaque24]

the old ways persist, tradition is preserved as we modernized :D Next we will blow into the switch on camera XD

[@mikelara7789]

@@awilliams1701 that replacements cartridge slot messes up the pins on the game after time

[@-Sangral-]

Just a little tip, if the 3DS battery is completely empty, it just needs to charge for 10, sometimes 15 minutes before it turns on again. Just because it does nothing immediately after you put on the charge cable doesn't mean the battery is faulty or dead.

[@katieg1071]

The most stunning part to me is that they came with their styluses!

[@StatikkRaccoon]

I love how calmly you take the challenge of finding out what's wrong with any device, also, how you know what to do in any cases... I've trying to fix a 3DS XL that turns off instantly just before turned on for like 4 weeks with no luck... I'll try some of the things you used in here. Exellent content! :D

[@Tronicsfix]

Be sure to check the ribbon cable that goes through the hinge. Also...be sure that the ribbon cables are all seated fully and correctly. Good luck!

[@ThePS5Player1]

Good advice, thanks, i had something similar with a 3ds a few years ago :)

[@josue8712]

lil

[@MyRegardsToTheDodo]

@@StatikkRaccoon If it's the ribbon cable (which seems to be the case) it makes a distinctive cracking noise when you try to turn it on. Sadly these ribbon cables break pretty easily.

[@lelsewherelelsewhere9435]

I found a bad WiFi card/WiFi card cable can cause issues. See if you can turn off WiFi via the side switch thing, if that helps.

[@zcalot]

Always so amazing to see that so many handhelds and consoles are being sold as salvage just because no one takes the time to diagnose them.

[@Daniel-dl6fp]

Im very surprised and happy you didnt get a bunch of them with smashed screens thats a common thing that happens with people trying to sell them as no power to hide the fact it has a broken screen it happened to my mate vince a few times at least there are honest sellers like this glad you could fix them keep up the great work

[@Tronicsfix]

Those sellers drive me nuts. Just be honest about what you're selling.

[@notnowmike_]

On a side note: I'm glad there's positive news on Right to Repair lately.

[@Ryan_DeWitt]

Really enjoy watching you and Northridge fix's videos on micro soldering. I am amazed at your skill in soldering things so small.

[@Tronicsfix]

Love his videos!

[@LucaBlightOfHighland]

When I bought batches of broken ds / 3ds and at a first try they seemed perfectly working, the most frequent problem that I encountered with a more accurate control was the touchscreen that didn't receive the input in the most peripheral parts (near the frame), often it was enough to disassemble and clean them, but sometimes the digitizer needed to be changed.

[@lmShakeFTW]

Where did you buy the batches? I can't find anything on ebay

[@LucaBlightOfHighland]

@@lmShakeFTW I'm sorry but I got them right on ebay, until 5-6 years ago these lots were found if you had the perseverance to look for them and repair the consoles was a hobby that paid for itself (abundantly), now they are almost impossible to find, the consoles that have a chance to be repaired are sold individually at crazy prices and lots contain only junk cannibalized or put together from broken pieces...

[@Atizzle121310]

its crazy how he buys "broken" consoles just to find out that they are in pristine condition haha. I wish I had that luck.

[@pextor]

27:26 After watching you work on these systems, it would be awesome to see the factory make them and see how they automate the process of assembly.

[@MrZornick]

Always test the shoulder buttons with a Nintendo DS. They got messed up really quickly with dirt. Its a know problem and a easy fix with some IPA

[@andreinicolae4787]

I just love watching these repair videos. They really help me relax after a hard day’s work. Man … that blue handheld was a beauty … would love to have it.

[@irregularmana6216]

I 1000% regret getting rid of my 3ds xl. I didn't play it all and it was just sitting there for 1 year but man did I wish I kept it during the pandemic

[@guidope288]

I’d love to see a tour of your parts storage :)

[@bls3746]

You should defiantly do PS3s and Xbox 360s. Maybe even Wii’s. I think you should buy a PS3 with the yellow light of death or a 360 with the red ring of death and see if you can fix one of those

[@MyRegardsToTheDodo]

There is no real permanent fix for Xbox 360 RROD, for the PS3 it sometimes works if you replace the caps.

[@Nova2127U]

@@MyRegardsToTheDodo I mean there is, and that's reballing the chip, and IFixIt has their own guide and kit to fix or prevent RROD most of the time. It's caused because of the original 360's terrible solution for cooling.

[@bls3746]

@@MyRegardsToTheDodo I know but it would be good if he could at least get it working again even if it is only temporary

[@damian9303]

24:26 I like whoever assembled that 3DS at the assembly line decided to write you a hello message

[@generalorgana45]

These are my favorite videos! I love watching you fix handhelds. I started learning how to fix handhelds recently and love it, so thanks for all the help!

[@rexxthevaliant]

After testing the first ds lite, I was surprised you didn't also test the GBA slot as that's up to half the overall functionality of the DS lite

[@zaulism]

I enjoy watching your videos! My daughter's Switch Lite recently started having some issues, and you inspired me to try and fix it myself. The wifi started only being able to connect to my nighthawk router from 5-6 feet away. Then, it got worse, only able to connect a foot away from the router... I restarted the switch (held down power), I factory reset the switch, with no luck. I took apart the switch, and the wifi antennas looked good. I accidentally broke the right controller connect back to the motherboard (I now know how fragile those flip down ribbon cable holders are!) After replacing that board, I ordered new wifi antennas. After putting the switch entirely back together... the performance of the wifi was the exact same. It works, but only about 6 in or so away from the router. I've changed the MTU to 1500, changed auth types, tested 5G, changed my wifi channels to ones that didn't have any signals present, and nothing made a change. Any ideas on anything I can do? At this point, I'd assume the main motherboard has some issue.

[@hero_in_deepblu]

I remember how badly I wanted that triforce 3DS XL when it came out, but every store near me had sold out of it 😭. The gold triforce DS lite was cool too.

[@reyanak9818]

1:30 That red one brought back sooo many memories, my little brother broke mine but that made me a bit emotional 😭

[@kirara4953]

30 minutes of DS renovation? Oh, this is popcorn worthy, let me set up.

[@kirara4953]

@Joe Mama sadly, that how it be.

[@emlyndewar]

Love these types of videos, with a batch of consoles. Very lucky with this haul! The Zelda console looks great 👍

[@alixsthilaire6403]

Love the videos of fixing small consoles ..But I support with every video 💯

[@Tronicsfix]

I really appreciate that!

[@payelizabethh]

This takes me back to my DS days I still have the original DS but I lost the charger and all my games

[@peteb2867]

Awesome trigger button repair on that 2DS XL! Have a bunch of original 3DS models I have never been able to figure out with 2 somewhat common issues. Some of them just making a loud pop noise when turning on and also the others wont get past the 3D slider test in the initial setup. Would love to see in a future video. Id send you a popping one you can have for free just to see you fix it!

[@MilaNavi]

poping sound is due to the speaker cable. just replace it =) I have videos on my channel about it

[@andya696]

I love the fact that there are dedicated people out there, like yourself, who give "dead" tech a new lease of life. Bravo to you, Sir. Bravo!

[@MrZestubo]

You got started fixing dslites on ebay once upon a time, right? It's very cool to see you returning to this. That feeling of familiarity is palpable.

[@nostalgicgaming998]

I like the background music steve and it's more relaxing while watching your repair vids!!!

[@thomashernandez6536]

That Zelda 3ds makes me jealous to see the condition of mine... it got dropped and scuffed REALLY bad. I had a tear run down my adult face..

[@railpao]

This video has a serious lack of perfect amount of thermal paste. And I blame Nintendo for that, how dare they.

[@thomashernandez6536]

It isn't thermal paste, but @ 9:25 or so there is a nice little glossy look that is kinda kewl.

[@AceSlayerDU3]

Imagine in the future this guys like " ok guys so I bought a broken electronic house now let's open it up and let's see what problems we have"

[@jonb7805]

Love the longer video and just watching you re-assemble things!

[@perish1n]

I just love these type of videos. I am watching you for a long time ,and all I can say is JUST KEEP UPLOADING MAN YOU ARE THE BEST 😁🤴

[@kai123]

I love al DS/3DS Console Line

[@ThePS5Player1]

Great Video, keep up the good work Steve !

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks, will do!

[@yarit.1523]

thanks for teaching how to clean the card reader.

[@Jzwiz]

Always love checking my to watch list and seeing one of your longer videos.

[@ResilientBlaze]

I was quite dissappointed with nintendo's recent launch of switch with oled. Hope to see some tronic fix vids for onexplayer or the aya neo

[@Tronicsfix]

I was as well.

[@muckymucks]

That’s because the Switch OLED isn’t meant for current Switch owners. It’s meant for all the people on the fence who still don’t own the Switch and were expecting a revision. Well, now they got it. All the features we were expecting on the Switch Pro will be on the Switch 2.

[@tabascooooooo]

That blue #7 3DS was in great condition. I hope that is still up for sale.

[@ThoughTMusic]

#8’s reassembly put me into a trance. That was so relaxing.

[@alisonmcgregor2002]

keep it up with the repairing nintendo handhelds dude!!!! i love your videos like this. they are so entertaining and their handhelds are pretty cool

[@giovanycatano8611]

Great video Steve, i love watch this videos of reparation🤘

[@Tronicsfix]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@needjuiceinmywrld8248]

That blue regular 3DS that wasn’t the turquoise one is the Luigi’s mansion edition! They are pretty hard to find

[@windowsxpprofessional]

Yay!! I love these fixes as always :) these are satisfying

[@Tronicsfix]

Glad you like them!

[@MikeeVee]

I'm a simple man, I see a new tronics fix repair video, I click to view as soon as I get the notice and click like before finishing the video, lol. (And comment before finishing the video too)

[@Tronicsfix]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@leol6406]

Love your videos and this one is no exception. Keep up the good work. The format is perfect!

[@maik9962]

I can't believe how lucky you are on these salvages lots, you expect them to be broken but they are just dirty.

[@TheNintendoWizrad]

These Nintendo handheld repair vids are my favorite from you

[@Papple476]

Props to you for using Shrek to test the GBA slot on the DS lites! 😂

[@tonyblox]

14:50 A replaceable/removable battery! Haven't seen one of them for some time now... I miss them so much plz come back

[@Tronicsfix]

They're pretty great!

[@jerrybaughman4340]

What?? A battery that can be replaced?? Has anyone mentioned this to cell phone manufacturers yet, seems like something they might add as a feature in the future....

[@talos86]

The EU is just accepted the law for the electric device repairability, and the US goverment is talking about, so in a few years, it will definetly come back.

[@fulldepwell]

man after all these videos of 3ds repairs im still hoping you will get a 3ds that has a problem like mine. the bottom screen works but is all fuzy like a very bad CRT. i really hope to be able to repair it someday. thanks for your videos, they are entertaining and i learn so much from them.

[@jessthebenjamin758]

That dark blue 3DS is the Colbalt Blue one. It was supposed to be bundled with Luigi’s Mansion 2, and is actually fairly valuable

[@JoeyDoesTech]

Amazing video again Steve 😁

[@RafalBorowski]

I really need to get myself on of those "broken" hardware lots ;)

[@psylencecy]

just change your battery :)

[@SCOTT-JASONGAMING]

I used to fix ds lites years ago buy faulty ones with broken hinges or power issues for next to nothing put new cases on them clean them and sell them for a decent profit... I know ds lites had an issue with a little fuse on the board that used to go change that and they used to work never once had 1 with no power that wasn't the fuse stopped repairing them when prices went up have tried to repair other things since but ebay is just full of items that aren't listed correctly and trying to repair them is almost impossible for me very little knowledge awesome video as always though been watching your videos for a few years now found your videos as recommendation when watching my mate vinces videos

[@chiapetalex]

I remember play that Wizards of Waverly Place game with my sister back when I was around 10 years old. I’ve totally forgot that that game existed

[@brentchevalier3626]

Well, we know how to fix Nintendo DS's. Just put a good battery in them lol.

[@stest2935]

Nice video. Watched many of his videos and does a lot of fixing myself. Got a lot of 30 Nintendo DS handhelds for $5 each about 2 years back. Might be time to go through them and get them fix up. Most of them should be easy fixes like his where the battery is low or dead and a few with stuck or missing button.

[@Gurupimp10]

Good job Louis, a real pro! :D

[@richevans3358]

Another banger. Love ur work steve. Uk follower 😀😃😄😁

[@virgildeklerk]

Hi Steve, i really love these kind of videos. Lots of things to fix and perfect analyses and fixes. Hope you'll be able to buy a whole container of ps4's Xbox's and switches 😁. Keep up the great content, stay healthy and most important have a good one. 😉👍🏻

[@Nemesis2K]

Are you leaving enough time for the dead batteries to hit the ‘turns on’ threshold? I thought they wouldn’t turn on until they get a good 5 mins charge from dead.

[@Tronicsfix]

I don't have time to wait when I'm making a video...that's why I just use a known good battery to test them for the video.

[@Nemesis2K]

@@Tronicsfix ahhh makes sense, i thought you may have just edited for time maybe. I was confused how all those batteries could be bad when charging lol.

[@TheSkaldenmettrunk]

I got the 3DS XL Zelda special edition myself. Beautiful console. The blue 3DS also looks really good!

[@NightsofShadow]

Do all patreob members get a update when you sell anything? Do you ship worldwide if necessary? Love your repairs!

[@pahasaradezilwa2565]

I was waiting for a new video to drop ❤️✨ Love from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

[@mjw665]

Great vid. Thanks for the trick to clean a dirty cart slot. I was able to clean up my aunt's 2ds xl :)

[@killingtime4444]

I have the zelda 3ds and i love it. It did get a scratch throughout the years but i baby that thing as much as i can.

[@MilaNavi]

I love these handheld videos!!

[@jameswturley]

Dude, even if all you had to do was just test a whole set of working, no repair needed, devices…I’d watch that. I like watching the process of testing.

[@38911bytefree]

Nice lot. Love the Luigi and Zelda ones.

[@darezi]

When a device reacts to a charger being plugged in, it doesn't have to mean that it is charging too!!! With devices like this always check the batteries with a multimeter to see how much the battery is charged and then charge it for several minutes and then check the battery again!!!!

[@megami215]

Exactly. I remember thinking my vitas battery died but I realized it doesn’t hold a charge until it was charged for like 15 mins

[@mjc0961]

Yeah, and sometimes devices won't power on until the battery reaches a certain level of charge. Like the Switch, which is really annoying when I want to play it docked, but nooooooo, I have to wait for a battery I don't even want because I never play portable to charge enough first.

[@maxrexpower1]

I'm so surprised right now, I just thought about that I like your repairing x amount of consoles videos, and when I search your channel I see this videos, hahaha.

[@mattieniki]

I Guess that the DS Lites were just thrown away because of Age. It happened to me too, I've found a perfect Nintendo 64 in a landfill, needed cleaning and a Power adapter and it's fine. People just think that everything old Is garbage and throw It away

[@juanseariza3396]

someday i will do this and it will be epic see how those consoles turn on

[@TopVersnelling]

Just don't ever dare to touch a 2DS or even worse 3DS top display as your first job. Those ribbon cables deserve a special place in electronics-hell.

[@celestemangonya]

Huh. I have the Year Of Luigi 3DS XL in my collection, and it was damaged by a sticky drink as well. Killed one of the buttons entirely, messed up the volume slider, and broke the headphone jack. That was all before I got it, but when I took the bottom panel off, over half of the bottom was covered in sticky residue from the drink.

[@REMEDY-REPAIRS]

U always make good content keep it up 👍🏾💯

[@yenterpriseonebay]

These are my favorite types of videos!

[@retrogamingcritic3555]

I enjoy all of your vids

[@thadofalltrades]

The amount of items you get with nothing wrong is pretty astonishing

[@iMaydayz]

Do you ever check if the 3DS’ are banned? I think you’ve said you resell them before so was JW

[@deathbyzombiefilms]

#3 (the pink DS Lite) has heavy yellowing on the bottom LCD and has heavy discoloring/yellowing throughout the whole outer shell. Relatively easy fixes though, but in its condition, I would not call it excellent by any means.

[@prestooooo12]

i have the LoZ 3DSxL myself, it's served me well

[@Outofthedust]

That Zelda 3ds XL Is in GREAT Shape. Very Nice.

[@TheGlitchyMario]

Good video. Nice way to wind down after a long week.

[@Tronicsfix]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@sgsuperkiddan]

I like watching these kinds of videos. :)

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy.

[@mtshark7]

Awesome job Steve!

[@Vuknovic_04]

I love you keep the work up!!!

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks!

[@Animegurl12368]

Just watching you is good entertainment my man!

[@maskman3000]

really excited to watch this one.

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks for watching!

[@livingthedreamrvcouple7187]

Zelda one is a gold mine nice job👍😃

[@Aman-786]

These are the types of videos that usually blow up

[@adammackenzie]

Cool, love the fix vids !

[@moocrafter972]

realy nice video´s. Love to watch them : )

[@rassim_ax7769]

Keep it up bro 🔥

[@collectingonthecheap56353]

With the New Nintendo 2DS XL being my favorite of all handhelds, it made me sad to see it so damaged.

[@n7russ38]

Great video as always. I have the Zelda one as well. Love it. Will never sell it.

[@CraigSalterza]

This video makes me miss my 3DS that was stolen in a house break in