Hardware My 3DS XL's right hinge is starting to crack. What should I do?
- Thread starter adrian2040
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I might have drop it before... I had this crack for a while, but I didn't think it was something serious until I read about it recently. I'd rather not buy a replacement shell considering this the Pikachu Edition of the 3DS, but I'm willing to do it if there are no other options. The crack does seem to open up a bit when I start to close the 3DS.
EDIT: I've heard that superglue might work, but I'd rather not risk it without further opinions on the matter.
EDIT: I've heard that superglue might work, but I'd rather not risk it without further opinions on the matter.
You're out of luck. There aren't any white replacement shells. If there were, you could just replace the hinge portion of the shell and keep your pikachu faceplate and bottom. If you chose to get a replacement shell, you'll end up with a black/pikachu 3ds instead of the original normal white/yellow pikachu.
Some types of glue eat plastic so that might be something to consider.
The plastic of a DS Lite held up fine against super glue but I can't say I have any experience with it on a 3DS XL. that said I'd personally give it a shot were it my system.
The crack is facing the shoulder button, so it's a long way before cracking all the way and causing any serious damage. My DS Lite's hinge partially flaked off, but in non-threatening areas, so I'm not too worried. 
If you're going to go the superglue route, make sure not to allow the glue to seep into the system and onto the shoulder button or the electronics - just cover the crack with a modest amount and let it dry, that should create a strong enough bond to keep the crack from expanding. It's delaying the inevitable and not really fixing the issue though - you might want to look for replacement shells if the crack grows in size.
If you're going to go the superglue route, make sure not to allow the glue to seep into the system and onto the shoulder button or the electronics - just cover the crack with a modest amount and let it dry, that should create a strong enough bond to keep the crack from expanding. It's delaying the inevitable and not really fixing the issue though - you might want to look for replacement shells if the crack grows in size.
I honestly can't tell whether that is a crack or just a scratch. I wouldn't be too worried since it's so small.
It's a crack. It opens up a bit when closing the system.
EDIT: Would this work fine? It doesn't include the hinge lock, but maybe I could use my current one? I really don't know about replacing this type of things.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nintendo-3D...Face-Hinge-Plate-Part-USA-White-/321373406639
I'd suggest super glue or plastic adhesive. If you're not familiar with small electronics, replacing the casing could be a bit of a nightmare. Instead just apply a little to smooth it over and prevent it from spreading. That should stop it and prevent any further issues. Not to insult you but I'd really suggest not replacing it unless absolutely required as it's difficult. Now if you've replaced say a 4S screen or taken apart some other consoles, go for it but the crack looks small enough for you to be able to put some glue on it and stop things before they become a problem.
I've taken apart (and successfully reassembled) plenty of small electronics, including an iPhone 3GS and a DS Lite for repair purposes. I disassembled my 3DS enough to replace the circle pad, and holy crap was that one of the worst things I've ever done.
That's the correct part, but with a crack so small I wouldn't recommend trying to replace it, especially not on an expensive special edition console. It's just not worth the effort or the risk of further damage. To replace that section you need to open up the top half of the console to remove the hinge lock and it's very difficult to remove the four square covers for the screws in the top half of the console without doing at least a small amount of cosmetic damage to them as a result of prying them off.
So... should I go for the superglue method or see how long the 3DS will survive before replacing the hinge part is a must?
if you can, and only if you can fix it yourself. unless you have the warranty to get it fixed you might be outta luck
I don't know if I can post external links and I'm sorry if I can't but I found a white inside bottom 3DS XL replacement shell here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/221662269019?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/221662269019?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82
i have been seeing this probmen lately with my 3ds xl too, and my sisters had the hinge broken off a while ago, im concerned about the integrity of my 3ds, similar to the original person that made the thread, my 3ds is a special edition, to be specific: a 3DS XL year of luigi edition
It isn't something important, I had it on my 3DS too. It won't develop on a bigger crack for a long time, considering I had it for years.
You might want to change the shell, you can find some off ebay, use superglue method, or just be more careful when opening/closing the hinge, to be safe.
You might want to change the shell, you can find some off ebay, use superglue method, or just be more careful when opening/closing the hinge, to be safe.
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