Hardware 3DS Top Screen Issues

[Dragonstei]

My brother's 3DS top screen suddenly got messed up for an unknown reason, he tells me he didn't touch it for some time so I just have to believe him for now.
This is how the screen looks when I start up the 3DS:

I opened up the 3DS to check if I could see any damage to the screen it cable but everything seemed fine. I am thinking of replacing the LCD Panel if that's the issue but I'm not 100% sure that the screen is the problem. There's no warranty on the 3DS anymore and sending it to Nintendo for repair would be too expensive.

Did anyone else have a similar problem like this or does someone know what it is?

 

[lambstone]

WOAH.

Judging from the smear patterns I'd hazard a guess that the top lcd is spoilt.

Since it is out of warranty, I'll suggest you search ebay for say... a replacement LCD, they costs roughly usd50.

 

[josh_axey]

Before doing all that, have you checked all connections and ribbon cables going to it so make sure nothing is damaged, pinched, or shorting?
Hopefully someone chimes in with info on the same issue you are having and can help.