I've broken the screen on my modded 2ds XL, but my local repair store refuses to work on 3ds products. I've already tried to do the repair myself before on another, and it ended poorly. I would rather not break it further. Is there any service in the continental U.S. where I could possibly have the top screen replaced? Thank you for you time.

top 5 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Top screen?

It is absurdly difficult to work on 3DS series top screens. I repair handhelds, and I don't know anybody who voluntarily works on top screens.

The problem is the hinge. Even if you do everything right, those ribbon cables will tear on the hinge if you even look at them wrong. And the ribbon cables are permanently attached to the screens, so if you tear the cable you've ruined the whole screen.

Since you've tried the repair yourself, you know how difficult it is.

Sadly, you're unlikely to find anyone reputable to do the work.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I have literally thrown away a 3DS at some point because during a broken shell swap, i’ve torn one of the ribbons twice and came to the conclusion that cost of repairs far outweigh the cost of not doing them.

The ribbon bundle, shoved through that tiny circular hole, has got to be one of the worst design choices they’ve made

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago

It was a good business decision - because it meant consumers can't repair their devices, and therefore have to buy new ones.

But it's terribly anti-consumer.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Yes that is precisely the issue I had with it. I ruined two replacement screens previously by damaging the ribbon cables when pushing them through the barrel hinge. Thanks anyway!

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 week ago

Yeah, Nintendo has long been anti-right to repair, as evidenced by its products.

It's infuriating, because the parts are cheap and easy to come by.

Until someone designs a "slab" shell that eliminates the hinge, we'll continue to see consoles like yours end up in the trash. :(