Tutorial
Updated
Chopsticks Stylus Pen Mod
About this tutorial.
I once semi-jokingly recommended that someone should make his own stylus pen out of chopsticks if he couldn't purchase a replacement for his n3DSXL.
While that person may not have liked the suggestion, the proposed idea was a viable one given his financial means.
This tutorial is for those out there who cannot acquire real Nintendo or 3rd party replica stylus pens. Or if they're into DIY accessory modding.
Tools and Parts List
Not everything on this list is necessary. Adjust and substitute your acquired goods to what is locally or regionally available to you.
Step 1. Measure the total length for the new stylus pen.
Insert your chopstick into the n3DSXL stylus pen port, and mark where you plan to cut with the pen. Use the mini hacksaw to partially cut around that final length.
Step 2. Cut a ring groove.
Take a ruler and measure 0.25-inch below the final length. Mark that with the pen and cut a notch.
Step 3. Test fit the string.
Tie and loop the string within the ring groove. Saw the notch until satisfactory fitment.
Step 4. Sharpen the tip.
Sand down the tapping end of the stick. We're not going for super pointy. If you want to do that, use a pencil sharpener.
Step 5. Color the pen.
You can skip this step if you like the natural wood look. Black is not the only choice as permanent markers come in other colors.
Step 6. Tie a pull string.
A string length of about 1-inch should sufficient. Add a ball knot to the end of the string for easy catching with your nails. If you suck at tying the string to the notch like me, you can cheat by adding a little super glue.
Step 7. Adjust the pen port.
Add some duck tape to narrow the hole size. This is probably the trickiest part as you'll need to stack about 3-5 layers of tape until it catches and holds the pen in place. My advice is that you don't cover the entire hole length (despite one of the pictures showing otherwise).
Also, your last layer of tape should cover or overlay all the ones below it. The stylus pen can catch and unroll the stacked layers if their edges are exposed. This will cause the pen to jam.
I once semi-jokingly recommended that someone should make his own stylus pen out of chopsticks if he couldn't purchase a replacement for his n3DSXL.
While that person may not have liked the suggestion, the proposed idea was a viable one given his financial means.
This tutorial is for those out there who cannot acquire real Nintendo or 3rd party replica stylus pens. Or if they're into DIY accessory modding.
For anyone who believes I'm 
posting, just for your info, all my posts ARE posts.
posting, just for your info, all my posts ARE posts. Tools and Parts List
Not everything on this list is necessary. Adjust and substitute your acquired goods to what is locally or regionally available to you.
- wooden chopsticks (round profile)
- mini hacksaw
- scissors
- sandpaper
- duct tape
- ruler
- pen
- permanent marker
- string
- superglue
Step 1. Measure the total length for the new stylus pen.
Insert your chopstick into the n3DSXL stylus pen port, and mark where you plan to cut with the pen. Use the mini hacksaw to partially cut around that final length.
Step 2. Cut a ring groove.
Take a ruler and measure 0.25-inch below the final length. Mark that with the pen and cut a notch.
Step 3. Test fit the string.
Tie and loop the string within the ring groove. Saw the notch until satisfactory fitment.
Step 4. Sharpen the tip.
Sand down the tapping end of the stick. We're not going for super pointy. If you want to do that, use a pencil sharpener.
Step 5. Color the pen.
You can skip this step if you like the natural wood look. Black is not the only choice as permanent markers come in other colors.
Step 6. Tie a pull string.
A string length of about 1-inch should sufficient. Add a ball knot to the end of the string for easy catching with your nails. If you suck at tying the string to the notch like me, you can cheat by adding a little super glue.
Step 7. Adjust the pen port.
Add some duck tape to narrow the hole size. This is probably the trickiest part as you'll need to stack about 3-5 layers of tape until it catches and holds the pen in place. My advice is that you don't cover the entire hole length (despite one of the pictures showing otherwise).
Also, your last layer of tape should cover or overlay all the ones below it. The stylus pen can catch and unroll the stacked layers if their edges are exposed. This will cause the pen to jam.
Last edited by TurdPooCharger,
, Reason: Re-upload missing pictures.
