Hardware Has anyone tried "brushing" a N3DSXL?

[Bubsy Bobcat]

By that I mean has anybody tried purposely scratching up a N3DSXL to give it a brushed metal look to hide other scratches on it? I've been considering doing this to mine since it's gotten some noticeable scratches recently. I remember years ago people used to do this to the metal back of their iPhone since they loved to pick up scratches. The only thing I've tried brushing before is some rev. holo pokemon cards which hid the nasty scratches on them nicely.

 

[iAqua]

By that I mean has anybody tried purposely scratching up a N3DSXL to give it a brushed metal look to hide other scratches on it? I've been considering doing this to mine since it's gotten some noticeable scratches recently. I remember years ago people used to do this to the metal back of their iPhone since they loved to pick up scratches. The only thing I've tried brushing before is some rev. holo pokemon cards which hid the nasty scratches on them nicely.

Probably not the best idea... I mean if you mess up at all you're gonna end up with a very ugly 3ds... Could you post a pic of the scratches?

 

[Hayleia]

At worst, try with a cheap bottom backplate found on eBay or whatever. That's the easiest part to replace on a New 3DS XL so even if it ends up looking like shit, you'll still be able to put your old backplate on. But if it ends up looking good then go for the rest

 

[Bubsy Bobcat]

Probably not the best idea... I mean if you mess up at all you're gonna end up with a very ugly 3ds... Could you post a pic of the scratches?

My phone managed to pick up a few of the scratches (including the worst one) and some dust lmao. (The black tape on there is to cover up the bad scratch until I do something about it)

 

[iAqua]

View attachment 57680
My phone managed to pick up a few of the scratches (including the worst one) and some dust lmao. (The black tape on there is to cover up the bad scratch until I do something about it)

ouch... That's pretty bad, but like @Hayleia said you could test it out on a cheap nintendo backplate.

 

[3DSPoet]

Just go the other direction. Pick up a cheap case from Amazon or eBay. I ordered one yesterday for like $4. A rainbow of colors are available.

 

[Dennis G]

get a decal? they can look really good, and fix your scratch problem, i got a bad scratch somewhere in the first month since then i got a decal on it, it's amazing.

 

[icecreamcake]

get a decal? they can look really good, and fix your scratch problem, i got a bad scratch somewhere in the first month since then i got a decal on it, it's amazing.
View attachment 57914 View attachment 57915

Is a decal like a sticker? If so it takes good precision to stick it at the right places. Do you replace it when it gets worn?

 

[DaRk_ViVi]

Is a decal like a sticker? If so it takes good precision to stick it at the right places. Do you replace it when it gets worn?

Usually decals are made of vinyl and and really good, they can last a lot without any damager (unlike normal stickers).
I have used them for years on my MacBook and had one my 3DS for about 2 years, and it was still as good as new.

However yes, you have to be very careful while placing them, like a smartphone screen protector.

 

[Dennis G]

Is a decal like a sticker? If so it takes good precision to stick it at the right places. Do you replace it when it gets worn?

i've never replaced it, have it on since i got it, it looks brandnew, no tears nothing. and it took like 10 minuts to install, the glue on it is very good, it holds very tight but can be removed problemless.