Hardware IPS top screen panel swap possible? Fire Emblem Fates 3DS XL

[the3dsguy]

So I have a few 3DS, some of which have a IPS Top, I noticed the FE 3DS XL has an IPS bottom and TN Top.

Would a swap be possible, there isnt anything coded in the motherboard to recognize the TN / IPS display is there?

How difficult would a DIY be?


UPDATE:

I finally did it, I swapped the panels. Holy Crap is it night and day! It took me all day, but it was well worth it.

I was able to make the 4 hidden screws flush as well, although still a little noticeable. at least its flush.

 

[j3yps]

So I have a few 3DS, some of which have a IPS Top, I noticed the FE 3DS XL has an IPS bottom and TN Top.

Would a swap be possible, there isnt anything coded in the motherboard to recognize the TN / IPS display is there?

How difficult would a DIY be?

i don't see why this would be impossible, just be very careful with the flex as it's very fragile

 

[copyiipc]

I did it. My fire emblem has an ips screen on the top and the bottom now. It was very hard opening the top screen up and threading the ribbon cables. I also added a hard mod and just have to downgrade it now.

 

[copyiipc]

I'll post some after pics tonight.

 

[snakes13]

View attachment 40010 I'll post some after pics tonight.

Looking forward on the pictures. I am planning to do a screen swap aswell.

3 Things I would love to see:
1. Status of the nubs protecting/hiding the 4 front screws on the top panel. ( Is it broken, do you have to remove it by force? )
2. The White Boarder of the top screen - do you have to remove it? If you did, was it adhered by glues?
3. How hard is it to remove the flex cables/ribbons from the hinge?

Thanks for the reply!

 

[Razor83]

Any chance you took pictures of the back of the different screens panels during the disassembly?
Im curious what the model numbers are on the back, as it might help determine who the actual manufacturers are for the IPS and TN screens.

 

[copyiipc]

The ribbon cables were hard to deal with. I rolled them to make a tube to slide through bottom case hole. The ips screen I installed did have a black border that is part of the screen. Once screws were removed the two shell pieces were only held with clips. I used a plastic tool from iPhone repair to separate pieces surrounding screen. Screen can just be push gently from bottom piece. Has a light amount of adhesive tape holding it in frame. I planned on using white crown to fix the rubber screw protectors. Otherwise they aren't bad.

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This is back of the TN screen that was in my fire emblem 3ds.

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Top shell part showing clips.

 

[JacksonS]

I don't mean to derail the thread, but are there any retailers that sell IPS 3DS XL screens? It seems like that would not be impossible to find, but I have not come across any.

 

[copyiipc]

Here are how the edges looked back together. Having trouble uploading pictures with both screens on. Says files too large.

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Side view

 

[the3dsguy]

oh man those stubs would other my ocd like crazy. i wonder if theres someplace i could order those stubs exactly.

but man, i cant stand my TN screen, the colors are all washed out

 

[j3yps]

Here are how the edges looked back together. Having trouble uploading pictures with both screens on. Says files too large.

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Side view
View attachment 40089

I can't seem to separate the top ang the bottom part, how did you manage to dissasemble the hinge?

 

[copyiipc]

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I can't seem to separate the top ang the bottom part, how did you manage to dissasemble the hinge?

I took off the board covering the buttons, then the black piece and frosted defuser in the corner next to the pin. Then I got a small screwdriver into the whole opposite the head of the pin and was able to push it out.

 

[the3dsguy]

what tools do i need. i was about to buy the ifixit kit but its like 100 bucks after tax and everything.

 

[copyiipc]

oh man those stubs would other my ocd like crazy. i wonder if theres someplace i could order those stubs exactly.

but man, i cant stand my TN screen, the colors are all washed out

Yeah let me know if you find the stubs. I'll find something to clean it up. Was happy that all the edges lined up and looks stock.

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what tools do i need. i was about to buy the ifixit kit but its like 100 bucks after tax and everything.

I mainly used small screw drivers, tweezers, and the grey iPhone tool seen in first picture at top of thread.

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The viewing angle and anti-glare on the ips screens are awesome.

 

[nero99]

I don't mean to derail the thread, but are there any retailers that sell IPS 3DS XL screens? It seems like that would not be impossible to find, but I have not come across any.

Go to eBay and search 2015 3ds screen. Depending on seller, they average from $55-$75

 

[copyiipc]

Ok more tips. An Exato knife placed along the edge of the rubber stubs and then pry under works good.
Once the four screws are out from the screen, you can slide it off by holding bottom shell with fingers and using thumbs to slide the outer shell towards the cameras.

 

[copyiipc]

This is the back of I think an IPS screen.

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They do also have white 3ds screw covers in eBay.

 

[the3dsguy]

man i dont hav a screw driver small enough for those screw, no idea where to buy them.

 

[Arubaro]

I didn't know that there were bottom IPS screens

 

[XavyrrVaati]

Hmph, I wish I knew how to do this lol, I also noticed the top screen was a TN display </3