Trying to fix a subscribers Nintendo DSI | The Retro Future

This was sent in to my PO box by a viewer of mine who had messaged me and asked if I could fix their DSI. My normal answer is no, however over the course of a few weeks I could see she had really been trying very hard to fix it so I told her just to send it over to me. Several weeks later I finally got round to trying to fix it. This is that adventure.
#DSI #Nintendo #TheRetroFuture

[@ITSDXINX]

Thank you thank you THANK YOU! Handled like a true boss! After breaking down thinking I’d lost all the memories held on this DSI you saved the day! The next time I attempt to rehouse a console for the first time in my life I’ll make sure it’s one That doesn’t actually hold any sentimental value 😂 I got way to big for my boots and was humbled very quickly smh....thank you for being so kind to help fix my f**k ups! Christmas truly came early. How dope is this shell though? It’s gonna look sick on my display 💕

[@odeo-]

Really happy for you! I got the same feeling when I overestimated my soldering skills while fixing my GBA.

[@Th3OmegaPoint]

@@odeo- Of all the consoles to start modding for the first time, this was def not a good choice! Elliot to the rescue!

[@odeo-]

@@Th3OmegaPoint true! Actually watching Elliot's videos gave me full understanding that I should NOT try modding DS myself

[@trevrr]

I think the artifacts on the top screen that Elliot was talking about can be fixed with two little calibration screws behind the battery, but you've got to be careful with them because if they strip your screen is screwed up forever, (unless you replace the power PCB again)

[@KelseyKurls]

Aye!!!! 💜

[@DoubleU555]

Now every 11-year old fan of Retro Future: I WILL TOTALLY ASK ELLIOT FOR FREE REPAIR.

[@TheStanHill]

Double so many kids are going to be banned. So many broken hearts...

[@staceyoppong6247]

Same I'm 11 wanted mine fixed but meh I grew up with the 3ds

[@SaviTheGamer]

@@staceyoppong6247 r/wooosh

[@dasty3314]

@Adventist he has a girlfriend.

[@ameliaalice.e]

Does he do them for £££?

[@danrock6215]

The screws included with these aftermarket shells strip so easy

[@myrealusername9998]

For me it’s the screwdriver that got stripped somehow, also stripped the original screws more than theirs

[@SlavTiger]

I always temper the screws using my stovetop, some pliers, and a glass of water

[@reptilzum1616]

Yea I bought a gameboy advance sp replacement shell because my gameboy was really scratched, but two of the screws I put in the bottom of the console were stripped and now I cant remove them. This wouldn’t be a huge problem normally, but the screws didn’t go in all the way either so now the gameboy makes a creaking sound because the shell flexes.

[@myrealusername9998]

@@SlavTiger a lighter could work well as well

[@spencerwarren8302]

Usually there made of zinc, it's the cheapest material they make screws out of, they tend to do this because the average person only needs to put them in once. Chances are the stock screws are steel in which case they will destroy the plastic screw hole before stripping

[@kjtgp1]

The clear pink case is really cool. And I love that you took the time to do this for someone that’s very kind of you

[@Malsherz]

I absolutely despise working on the DS series of handhelds and it's mainly because of that dang top screen ribbon cable. It's such a pain in the butt trying to get it through the hinge and that metal ring.

[@c08o.prkiua46]

Well I'd say the OG DS (the phat) is actually pretty easy, but then again, the hinge is kinda ugly as a trade off...

[@lillyelboateng6594]

Here from Daina’s story ❤️

[@kleann]

yo goated

[@L._Vireo]

“Procrastination, noun. The action of delaying or postponing something.”

[@NoahDotExe]

Yes you bothered to try and pause on it like me

[@mariowater65]

All of this stuff Eliot is doing I remember doing 2 months ago, bro the amount of stress. (It was my first time every fixing something)

[@subtoyoungfogo]

I can't solder so I might be able to fix my DSi touch screen

[@GldRush98]

Man the DSi looks like a nightmare to work on. Better you than me 😅

[@shadowking141ghost]

same with ds lite

[@DieAlteistwiederda]

The New3DS and 2DS are worse but the DSi is still really bad to work on.

[@deepmage7174]

@@DieAlteistwiederda I did a full shell/button/circlepad swap and ips screen swap and it really wasn't that bad. Just took a little longer than I wanted but now I have a brand spanking new device

[@malick9549]

@The tricky tick the 2ds is quite easy because it does not have hinges, just gotta be careful with all the ribbon cables.

[@JacobLaurenzana]

Yeahh all DSs are the biggest nightmare to repair. I've been trying to fix one for my cousin for over a year! I'm putting it in a clear blue shell and adding extra led lights to make it look cool, but repro shells just suck!

[@Magic_Doge]

that shell looks awesome

[@petrescuework-difficultcas6581]

I love both, the clear pink one and the hot pink one

[@TheOlympicHero1]

In my opinion, it looks nice, but its very low quality plastic. I have a blue transparent one for my DS Lite and regret making the swap.

[@ono_o_o]

@@TheOlympicHero1 The original shells are really hardy. My brother's dropped his while snowboarding and he's also a huge clutz, but his dsi lasted longer than his 3ds

[@themysteryfighter]

I think it would be cool if it was non-coloured transparent, but the pink does look cool

[@dontworryboutit608]

So nice of you to help Dainá 😛 i came from her story, damn this looks hard as hell to do!

[@naturallynirvelli]

Daina sent me here! This was fun to watch, Glad you fixed her DSI 😆

[@MultiDearDiary]

You are so kind Elliot! I can say this because I am a fan for a long time 😍 Also I have a thing for pink handhelds 💕 Great video!

[@TheRetroFuture2]

Thank you :)

[@crueltuber2887]

What a nice thing to see after coming home from work. Love the content!

[@jorgeeduardoarteagasanchez44]

Hi Elliot, thanks for your content here and in The Retro Future, hello from México. ✌🏻 Thanks to you I repear a lot of stuff, you are my inspiration, i hope you grow more and more.

[@elias9725]

This is mental! I attempted a screen replacement for my DSi 8 years ago and did the exact same thing - accidently detached the power connector off the motherboard right when I was assembling back together. I made an iFixit post where they did mention possibly stripping the cable, but I never got round to it to my lack of soldering skill and if it would work since I remember seeing traces fly off when I took it apart. But the fact that you've done a video doing this EXACT repair, it's given me confidence to just do it! All those memories can be recovered! Thanks @Elliot :D

[@uneekaking1033]

#DNASubbie Thanks for giving my girl Daina a HUGE Christmas gift early...she truly deserves it🙌🏾💕😍🔥

[@instinct8892]

Wtf is this cursed comment

[@NoahDotExe]

What is this comment

[@RickRickiGames]

That was so kind of you!! I love that. And I hope people don’t bombard you with requests now! I think this is the perfect example of why you don’t!! Not everything comes out perfect, and if it’s your own no harm done! I’m glad she’s happy with it 😁

[@MaggitJef]

She'd had a really good crack at it, good on you for helping her finish it up

[@bunnylove273]

Hi bud that very kind of you to help that lady out like that so big thank you for that and good luck with this project

[@austinwilburn1772]

I know this is from a few good months ago man but thats really wholesome and just wanted to say good job man. This was really sweet of you.

[@imagimation3238]

I got two black and white DSis. I exchanged their shells, and I love the gorgeous monochromatic looks of it.

[@amyh553]

I'm here from Dainá's S/o 💕💕

[@dontworryboutit608]

Same 😛

[@euphoria_7477]

When your "donor" is way better than the replacement.

[@tahlia5436]

Came to show support from Dainas page love seeing kind gestures in the world

[@fromthegamethrone]

"I like this box." Elliot Coll ~ 2020

[@philiphalpert2155]

Hello there Ah, General Kenobi

[@Christophersanchez1326]

Always a good felling to help some with trouble and KZbin help people out.

[@jirijiri5437]

Stay healthy and keep up the good content flowing. Best wishes from central europe

[@xX_cumtech_Xx]

Pleeeeease do more of these It’s super interesting to see how you repair all sorts of different devices. I’m not even saying it because I want something fixed, it’s just super entertaining watching you fix broken stuff. Also, laughed so hard at the random “Don’t like it” song xd Edit: And the “Never again” also bruuuuuh

[@joles-gaming]

I had a nightmare with a clear aftermarket shell, the screws are rubbish and no good. Lesson learnt! Thanks for the video😎

[@TheOlympicHero1]

I bought a blue transparent shell very similar to this one for my DS Lite. I finished the swap but regret it. Those shells are very cheap and made poorly. If it was my original DS from childhood I'd feel even worse but I bought it second hand. The original shell was fine just dirty and some of the finish had worn off.

[@LRM12o8]

Some of the original shells don't hold up well at all, though. I bought a broken DS for a bottom screen replacement and the plastic of the OG shell has gone so so brittle, that I couldn't remove a single screw without the screwpost completely shattering in the process and the case broke in multiple places while I disassembled it. It was absolute console splatter! o.O

[@NoOne-mn7so]

Extremerate now has transparent ds shells. Not sure if the quality is better but it looks to have good reviews.

[@beatertechbeatertech2893]

The NDS was one of the hardest to work with if you were doing a case swap or change the top screen. The cables can easily get caught if not set properly in the given gaps also the ribbon cable can easily get damaged if not rolled correctly. If you are looking for a first time project do not buy an NDS to fix go for something a little easier like a gameboy, alternatively you can buy a working NDS for very cheap ( save the headache ) . Good effort Elliot, I have spent hours working on these only to have them generate another fault somewhere else ( would like to see Nintendo's factory fault % on build )

[@Evercade_Effect]

Very nice of you to help. In the end it turned out good.

[@machripe]

I'm sure the temptation to open it again just to remove that writing will be strong.

[@Spintechfilms]

The reason why they were able to pump out so many of those DSi were because of all those poor Toads in those Mushroom Kingdom Sweat Shops pumping them out

[@aetheralmeowstic2392]

I have a Pokémon Center New York GBA that I managed to repair (my first Nintendo system repair). The ribbon cable got knocked from the motherboard just loosely enough to mess up the video signal after it fell off of a shelf. The repair holds to this day, and I still use it to train up my Lucario-Rank Rescue Team, (called _Team Hypernova_ ) in _Red Rescue Team._

[@lv1hunnid977]

Clear? Now that's sick

[@Briayawna]

I'm hopefully getting a DSi for Christmas (I have a switch, but I wanted a Dsi to bring back old memories) and I would never try to do this myself xD Kudos to her for trying tho

[@nathanmisener3328]

I am very happy to see that the DSI caused you some issues Elliot. I thought it was only me! For anyone modding this console, it's a real piece of work. Great vid Elliot

[@ASAN2042]

As always, splendid job!

[@naomiemorton5056]

I love my DSi, even when the shoulder buttons stopped working I was too scared to try and fix it, now the relic sits on my shelf as a memory :)

[@vhfgamer]

probably the thing that bothers me the most is those hand written sharpie letters under the clear top shell. I would have tried to remove those with a dry erase marker and some alcohol.

[@Electro_Specter]

You’re a good dude, Elliot. Great vid. Not gonna lie, I hate the normal pink DSi’s, but this clear shell is looking really nice.

[@NotZ8X]

If the battery cover matched and the touc screen worked it would be better, but this is amazing

[@tomg5187]

You’re awesome dude, genius stuff this!

[@safaa9654]

That's a super cool clear shell

[@CH32mix]

that shell looks sick! if i ever get my hands on a similar shell for 3ds/dsi/ds i'll go for it!

[@teatime7977]

Soooo sick 😍 im a D&A don but this made me sub! I love this Mod!!

[@sovietbirdz]

I recently did 3 DS Lite repairs and it's honestly hell. I also messed up multiple times and had to reassemble each one multiple times. The DSi is even worse because it has a split circuit board AND extra ribbons and whatnot in the top housing. It's criminal how complicated these are to repair.

[@andrasszabo7386]

You can remove the digitizer from the lower screen and swap them over and if you wipe off the water then it will be perfectly ok and working

[@lifespanofafry1534]

That song was GREAT!

[@RiiOfDarkness]

Did you try different digitizers for the screen? You mentioned trying another display, which I guess had its own digitizer, though. Bad touch is most likely a worn out digitizer, which seem to be a common problem. I've replaced lots for DS Lite displays.

[@LRM12o8]

I think the digitizer is integrated into the screen on the DS lite and not a separate piece sitting on top of the display, like on the OG DS...

[@KeebyFan]

I have a 3ds and i can agree Touch problems are mostly worn out digitizers I got an old 3ds that's REALLY used and the digitizer feels like wet paper and bends (the glue probably melted or doesn't stick anything so the center of the digitizer is loose, imma change it as soon as i can lol)

[@RiiOfDarkness]

@@LRM12o8 It's actually a separate part on the DS Lite, as well. Just search "DS Lite digitizer" on eBay. Swapped one the other week, and I've got a few more to do.

[@julsbarracuda9892]

A lucky subscriber!

[@crimsama2451]

"this is never gonna be opened again" I hope the DSi hinges were better than the DSlite hinges...

[@Tetodash]

It looks really cool. I’d love to have a dsi like this.

[@dpearson80808]

I know the pain of dealing with those coiled upper display ribbon cables. It's the same on the 3DS witch I did a screen replacement on. Man what a pain. The original DS and the gameboy SP were way easier to work on. They just had part of the hinge come off to be able to route the display ribbon cables. Much less of a pain. actually a delight.

[@Chalky.]

I get friends and family asking all the time for me to fix stuff, and my only condition of fixing it for free is that they're there to watch and learn.

[@stonedsavage7814]

Same I just charge for parts and materials that's it.

[@LRM12o8]

That's a good policy, great idea! 👍

[@lennylicious69420]

I have a dsi and I adore it but the shells dead

[@jonsku03]

this is so cool! i laughed so hard at the little "i dont like it" remix :D

[@zer0b0t]

pretty good job given the situation

[@mrbisshie]

I think you can replace the digitizer for like 3 bux. But yea, I dealt with a lot of 3DSes that my niece and nephews broke. So, I know the pain of those damn ribbon cables. Fixing a top screen issue is a nightmare.

[@thefishinggamekeeper5713]

Small question for you. The top screen ribbon cable. If it have a small fold or wrinkle, would it still work or does that count as a rip? May have done that while fixing my own... Trial and error

[@brandon_cai11]

my hinges are broken and it wont charge or turn on probably gonna get a new one

[@kynkai]

Maybe it has an issue with the charging port, that's why But the hinges are a pain, especially if the shell is broken with it

[@crimsama2451]

Yeah.... Fuck the hinges tbh. They suck.

[@jasonedwin239]

I'm loving these uploads

[@CrashFan03]

1:35 What did you use to remove the rounded screws? I ended up rounding a couple of screws in my gba sp and I've been trying to figure out ways to remove them since

[@newwesterngrove]

Might just have to try to find a tiny drill bit and drill it out

[@ameliaalice.e]

I struggled to do shell swaps on my joy cons, this just looks like literal hell to do oh my lordddd

[@combustible7267]

Oooo that transparent shell

[@rgs777]

In these Nintendo handhelds, a screen protector can make the touchscreen to not work properly. Try to remove it.

[@AlPalC]

I accidentally popped off 2 small ribbon cable tab covers on a 3DS XL I'm working on. Would I be able to put them back in?

[@Ricar2002YT]

Wow, thats so kind

[@SavingPrivateBob]

13:18 I wonder if she was impressed with your little musical piece? I see what you were up to here, Elliot haha Get it, son

[@dpearson80808]

@Elliot Colli what is the wristwatch you are wearing in this video? It looks to be of a more modest size than most "diver" watches, which I prefer myself. Cracking watch, mate!

[@tommitch8449]

Hi Elliot, first up love your videos on both channels. I am currently rebuilding my childhood clear GameBoy DMG. When the GameBoy color was released I gave my original to my sister who lost it, after many years thinking it was gone forever my mother recently found it cleaning out the family home. I am having trouble finding a clear shell with pink text as a replacement housing. I hope you may know and can point me in the right direction to help bring life back to my first GameBoy.

[@DaWalkDude]

Elliot for the love of lead itself please invest in a fine pointed soldering iron!

[@fivestringpat]

WHAT why was I not already subscribed to your second channel. fixed it.

[@gaggioaxel]

I would have cut less insulation from those soldered cables... just for safety...

[@aidancommenting]

8:51 I wasn't expecting that

[@YukiTheOkami]

i never would take the risk to have a come out like this for a pink shell but taste is different

[@YukiTheOkami]

from a neutral perspective i like the suddle pink where you cant look through better because as a designer i thing ther several colours that compliment the motherbord/platina but pink isnt one of these colours so i dont like how it works together..or better how it does not work out together

[@jochenwuerfel]

Well done Elliot!!

[@stefanegger]

Nice of you, just I would have removed the marker on the screen and stuff to meka it look nicer. Use IPA or cantact cleaner (better this one in my experience) to remove the marker

[@endmymisery3623]

Anyone know where to get the clear DSI shell? (And if there is one for the DSI XL?)

[@DoubbleDdragon]

Aliexpress

[@angelaengle12]

5:35 I'm confused, why are there two boards? I thought DS Lites only had one mother board that everything connected to. Why does this one have two? Is this a different model?

[@murderdoggg]

I got a DSI XL where the hinge is broken off. Alixpress delivered the new shell, hinges, and R4 card today. What have I gotten my self into? I could always make an XL macro if things go sideways with the ribbon cable. Hnng gotta order a speaker now.

[@Filmedon3DS]

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO NOTICED THE START SELECT BUTTON MEMBRANE WASN'T THE CLEAR ONE???!!! THIS TRIGGERS ME!

[@twilightone145]

Do you know where I could get a replacement shell for an orginal ds silver. The hinge on it broken and has a crack on the bottom half of it. Not worried about the crack just the hinge. I had the broken piece but silly me threw it away lol

[@JuicyJakeRepairs]

this was too good @ 1:52 hahahaa

[@rangerreview1780]

I've dealt with 3rd party shells on my DS Lite. And it made me stay away from this stuff. My original DS Lite had the hinge break problem. So I said, I want to get a new shell to deal with that. And so I went with a green 3rd party shell. Since Nintendo never makes stuff in green. Or at least makes it easy to get in green. Like the Cooking Mama Green DS Lite. Well, I found out those 3rd party shell's are crap. Mine was slightly smaller than the real shell's. So nothing fit right. And fighting to put everything into it. Eventually made me rip the top screen ribbon cable. Since I had to take it out like 4 times. It's not worth it to get those shells. I would have been better off to have just repaired the hinge. The DS Lite hinges are one of the worst things you have to deal with. So much crap is packed into them. At least her custom shell fit the parts.

[@kanedaku]

I stopped doing repairs for people after my girlfriend took an early HTC android (which I hadnt even seen before) off a new colleague and said I'd fix it. After I had to order a digitizer from China, a week went by and somehow this stranger to me was texting me asking what was taking so long. Never repaired anything for anyone other than closest friends or direct family since. Thirteen years free.

[@i3_i9]

Aw man I need my dsi fixed XD The wifi died in it!

[@zorby1984]

So I have a 2ds its the zelda one that randomly just stopped working. It does not turn on and when plugged in 8t does not show its charging I am perplexed because there is no reason for this.

[@shept.7736]

*Procrastination* noun the action of delaying or postponing something

[@mickeydee3595]

Nice omega mate!

[@guestc142]

Shame that the DSi XL doesn't have aftermarket shells.

[@rasubosu355]

Ah man I thought the GBA SP ribbon cable was difficult 😬😅

[@BenchmarkCentral]

What is your camera setup?

[@izzymaedavidson1974]

Yes ds content!

[@kitman566]

Is it possible to get a brighter and better display for my original Nintendo DS? Since I have no experience in disassembling one.... I was hoping (and I'm not trying to be pushy, or anything) that someone could leave a link for me for an affordable display that might be brighter than this very dim DS.... and I just got this DS on December 16th, 2020.

[@ricardogarcia-ruiz5081]

DS DESTRUCTION CONSTRUCCION