Hardware The Do's and Don'ts of Caring for a 3DS

[ThisIsDaAccount]

I'm sure that quite a few of you guys make sure to always take great care of your system. Some of you might even have your launch day 3DS still shining good as new minus a scratch here or there. I've had a DS/3DS for quite some time now, and I'd love to get some tips. For some background:
I've had a DS/3DS since the launch day of the DS Lite, and I've loved my DS's to death, but I've always been terrible at taking are of my systems (which is awkward because my past 3 systems have been limited editions). I realized this when my Pikachu N3DS's circle pad top fell off a couple of months after my genius self jammed a penny into it in order to hatch Pokemon eggs faster. I decided to turn my abyssmal record around when I got a Hyrule N3DS in January. I got both a Duraflex covering and case for it, and I started to handle it more carefully and routinely clean my screen. And it's been good for these past months, except today for when I pulled it out of my backpack and there was a crack along the hinge (pic: http://imgur.com/4Coq0nn).
I sat down and thought about it, and I guess it may be because I always take it with me to school/work and I'm not careful with handling my backpack. Still, however, I would love to hear from the gbatemp comunity, especially because I also purchased a N3DS Mario bundle, and I'll open it soon once the Duraflex covering I ordered arrives. What are your console care tips? Including, but not limited to:

- Screen care
- Traveling with it
- Cleanliness
- Scratch prevention
- Making it last
- Recommending a case/ protection (Is the cityslicker worth it?)

Also please tell us the condition on your 3DS remains in and the time you've spent with it. Thanks everybody!

Edit: Forgot to add a question mark at the end of the title. If anyone could tell me how to correct that, that'd be great.

 

[The Catboy]

Don't buy a Brickwait
Do install A9LH
Do install an up to date and still supported CFW
Don't throw your 3DS at your wall
Don't throw your 3DS in a lake
Don't install RXTools on it.

 

[ThisIsDaAccount]

Don't buy a Brickwait
Do install A9LH
Do install an up to date and still supported CFW
Don't throw your 3DS at your wall
Don't throw your 3DS in a lake
Don't install RXTools on it.

It's already A9LH'd running the latest stable Luma. Also, I feel like those last 3 are in ascending order of stupidity

 

[Garblant]

Don't forget to buy and replace your screen protector (at least for the bottom screen)once every 3 years.
Do carry your system in a protective carrying case.
Do use dry pressurized air to remove dirt from hard to reach places.
Don't charge your system every night. Only charge it when it needs to be charged, overcharging reduces battery life.

My N3dsxl is in fair condition, but my bottom screen's screen protector is at its limit (Due to Pokemon Amie) and so is my circle pad (Smash bros). I replaced my circle nub with a psp analog stick so it's easier to play games that use it as a camera, and I bought it used, but the previous owner returned it after having it for a week

EDIT: I've had this N3DSXL in particular for 6.6 months!

 

[ThisIsDaAccount]

Do use dry pressurized air to remove dirt from hard to reach places.

No idea how do use this. What do you use for a small amount of pressurized air?

 

[Garblant]

No idea how do use this. What do you use for a small amount of pressurized air?

I clean the area around the circle nub, LR buttons, and sometimes the cartridge slot (I rarely clean the cartridge slot because it's usually not necessary).

 

[ThisIsDaAccount]

I clean the area around the circle nub, LR buttons, and sometimes the cartridge slot (I rarely clean the cartridge slot because it's usually not necessary).

Sorry, I meant to ask what you use to blow pressureized air into the system, just a regular duster (never used one, I always thought it would be too big for a 3ds).

 

[Garblant]

Sorry, I meant to ask what you use to blow pressureized air into the system, just a regular duster (never used one, I always thought it would be too big for a 3ds).

I normally get the cans of pressurized air that come with small straws...

 

[ThisIsDaAccount]

I normally get the cans of pressurized air that come with small straws...

Never seen these. Where do you buy them?

 

[The Real Jdbye]

Sorry, I meant to ask what you use to blow pressureized air into the system, just a regular duster (never used one, I always thought it would be too big for a 3ds).

Probably canned air, they come with a small nozzle.

I'm sure that quite a few of you guys make sure to always take great care of your system. Some of you might even have your launch day 3DS still shining good as new minus a scratch here or there. I've had a DS/3DS for quite some time now, and I'd love to get some tips. For some background:
I've had a DS/3DS since the launch day of the DS Lite, and I've loved my DS's to death, but I've always been terrible at taking are of my systems (which is awkward because my past 3 systems have been limited editions). I realized this when my Pikachu N3DS's circle pad top fell off a couple of months after my genius self jammed a penny into it in order to hatch Pokemon eggs faster. I decided to turn my abyssmal record around when I got a Hyrule N3DS in January. I got both a Duraflex covering and case for it, and I started to handle it more carefully and routinely clean my screen. And it's been good for these past months, except today for when I pulled it out of my backpack and there was a crack along the hinge (pic: http://imgur.com/4Coq0nn).
I sat down and thought about it, and I guess it may be because I always take it with me to school/work and I'm not careful with handling my backpack. Still, however, I would love to hear from the gbatemp comunity, especially because I also purchased a N3DS Mario bundle, and I'll open it soon once the Duraflex covering I ordered arrives. What are your console care tips? Including, but not limited to:

- Screen care
- Traveling with it
- Cleanliness
- Scratch prevention
- Making it last
- Recommending a case/ protection (Is the cityslicker worth it?)

Also please tell us the condition on your 3DS remains in and the time you've spent with it. Thanks everybody!

Edit: Forgot to add a question mark at the end of the title. If anyone could tell me how to correct that, that'd be great.

You didn't have to use a penny. I've jammed paper in the circle pad to hatch eggs a few times, all it takes is a few layers of paper or some thin cardboard. No damage done yet.
That cracked hinge could be a result of normal use, the hinge can wear out since you're always opening and closing it.
Myself I usually use a crystal case, screen protectors and pouch, my small n3DS only has a pouch though, I didn't see the need for a crystal case when it has replaceable faceplates and these days I really can't stand plastic screen protectors, they scratch really easily and they feel/look worse than glass screen protectors. So I haven't bothered putting screen protectors on my small n3DS, no scratches on the screens yet AFAIK. Screen protectors are not a bad idea though.

You'd probably be fine with a case or pouch (any case or pouch) and some screen protectors, it should protect against 99% of all damage as long as you're careful not to drop it when it's not in a pouch. I've always just used cheap Chinese crap and it does a good enough job. You can't beat Hori screen protectors though.

 

[Mikemk]

Edit: Forgot to add a question mark at the end of the title. If anyone could tell me how to correct that, that'd be great.

Report the post as please add question mark, a mod will come along and fix within a day or two.

 

[Zero72463]

I feel like this was made for the sole purpose you want a sticky. I have dropped my 3DS, spilled it in liquids, and even shoved it in absurd places no break. Guess its just me...

 

[Autz]

Don't charge your system every night. Only charge it when it needs to be charged, overcharging reduces battery life.

And also don't play with the charger plugged in. Can elevate the battery's temperature, which reduces the battery life too.

 

[dpad_5678]

I bought a N3DS XL back in January of this year. There's a scratch by the Notification LED and the other side of the hinge. Now I'm paranoid of scratching it even more. I put a Nerf case on it, but the case is pretty shitty since it's made for both the O3DS XL and the N3DS XL, so a lot of unnecessary parts of my system are exposed. But I've leaned I should also use a carrying case for it.

 

[Viri]

I dropped my 3DS a bunch of times, and it's just fine. Fuck cases, my 3DS is nekkid.

 

[xtheman]

Would anyone recommend a wrist strap? (you can use a wiimote strap on your 3ds)

 

[osaka35]

- Alcohol wipes are great for cleaning pins/connectors and outside marks/dust. Just avoid written text, as alcohol wipes can potentially mess with printed stuff.
- Get a semi-hard/hard traveling case to protect it from scrapes and dings while not being used. Use it.
- Hard or silicon shells might help, but I dunno. Feels too bulky to me. Personal choice here.
- Get eyeglass cloth and keep it in your traveling case. Use half a thimble of water on your cloth, then wipe the screen to clean.

Would anyone recommend a wrist strap? (you can use a wiimote strap on your 3ds)

Sure, why not. I know the 2ds has a place to put a charm/strap thingi, but I forget about the new 3ds/xl. If you're in a position where dropping it would make it fall into the ocean/water or into the grand canyon, go ahead. The extra security will probably make you feel less anxious. And no one is going to nab it. Personally, I don't like the aesthetics, but if it works for you, yeah?

 

[PrestoX]

Would anyone recommend a wrist strap? (you can use a wiimote strap on your 3ds)

I've been using the Wiimote wrist strap on my 3DSes since breaking my original XL. I just tighten the loop around my pinky, in case of clumsiness.

 

[astrangeone]

I've had an original sized "cosmos black" 3DS since it first came out. It had no case on it, and basically lived in my dorm room back at university. All I did was put screen protectors on it - I still have the 2 leftover ones from when I bought it. The touchscreen protector was scratched to hell and back because of Feel The Magic....(yes, I like weird minigames...so sue me.) I recently modded it and sold it to afford an ALBW 3DS XL. It survived six years of hard gaming with just scratches around the shoulder buttons. My 3DS XL just has no-name screen protectors and a fabric case around it. That system just lives at home because I just use it for Pokebank and other things like that.

My n3DS lives in my purse, and also has a clear/hard plastic case around it. It works well, but I've used screen protectors to protect the screens and to reduce the look of scratches. (Note: all three of my personal systems were bought used.)

- Screen care - I like to stick cheapy screen protectors. So far, I'm impressed with the HDE unbranded ones because they come with a ton of extras to ensure that user error doesn't happen (stickers for positioning, alcohol wipes and plastic swiper/smoother cards). For some reason, I hate using Hori ones, but maybe I've never had the "real" thing in my hands (I buy mostly online).

- Traveling with it - I like to camp/hike with my 3DS, and I usually have my 3DS in my purse because it works as a good distraction during long car rides (as a passenger!). I have anxiety so something that can distract me for a long while works well. I usually have a massive rechargeable battery pack (10 000 mah Anker) with an usb 3DS charger. Works nicely and is great for not needing to find a plug (especially in countries on the other side of the pond, with different currents/amperage that can fry electronics).

- Cleanliness - microfiber cloth + 75% alcohol. Works well and doesn't damage any of the paint. Sometimes I'd use a bit of canned air with the tiny crevice straw, but that's a once a year thing.

- Scratch prevention - I like hard cases and screen protectors. Your mileage may vary.

- Making it last - Don't drop the system (had a nephew destroy his by accident by dropping it - he destroyed both screens and it was honestly cheaper for my cousin to buy him a n3DS to replace his old one). Don't be rough with the cartridge slot - I had a customer for A9LH services accidentally bend the pins on his cartridge slot. Don't drain the battery completely (new lithium batteries don't appreciate having their batteries completely drained), and don't play with the thing plugged in (I do this sometimes when I'm caught up in the latest games.)

- Recommending a case/ protection (Is the cityslicker worth it?) - I like hard plastic cases, but that's because I can install one and forget about it until I need to open up my n3DS's sd slot.

My Favourite 3DS Accessories:
- 10 000 mah battery pack (good for your smartphone as well!)
- 3DS usb charge cable (great for traveling and random emergencies)
- microfiber cloth (can substitute an eyeglass cloth)
- screen protectors (I wish someone would make a glass protector for the 3DS, but I guess that's a dream...)
- hard plastic/clear case (great for showing off your cover plates/LE system and preventing minor scuffs and scratches)
- 3DS games binder/case - mine holds 22 games plus 4 sd cards (I have a 16 gb card with the essentials for downgrading systems on there)

 

[ThisIsDaAccount]

I've had an original sized "cosmos black" 3DS since it first came out. It had no case on it, and basically lived in my dorm room back at university. All I did was put screen protectors on it - I still have the 2 leftover ones from when I bought it. The touchscreen protector was scratched to hell and back because of Feel The Magic....(yes, I like weird minigames...so sue me.) I recently modded it and sold it to afford an ALBW 3DS XL. It survived six years of hard gaming with just scratches around the shoulder buttons. My 3DS XL just has no-name screen protectors and a fabric case around it. That system just lives at home because I just use it for Pokebank and other things like that.

My n3DS lives in my purse, and also has a clear/hard plastic case around it. It works well, but I've used screen protectors to protect the screens and to reduce the look of scratches. (Note: all three of my personal systems were bought used.)

- Screen care - I like to stick cheapy screen protectors. So far, I'm impressed with the HDE unbranded ones because they come with a ton of extras to ensure that user error doesn't happen (stickers for positioning, alcohol wipes and plastic swiper/smoother cards). For some reason, I hate using Hori ones, but maybe I've never had the "real" thing in my hands (I buy mostly online).

- Traveling with it - I like to camp/hike with my 3DS, and I usually have my 3DS in my purse because it works as a good distraction during long car rides (as a passenger!). I have anxiety so something that can distract me for a long while works well. I usually have a massive rechargeable battery pack (10 000 mah Anker) with an usb 3DS charger. Works nicely and is great for not needing to find a plug (especially in countries on the other side of the pond, with different currents/amperage that can fry electronics).

- Cleanliness - microfiber cloth + 75% alcohol. Works well and doesn't damage any of the paint. Sometimes I'd use a bit of canned air with the tiny crevice straw, but that's a once a year thing.

- Scratch prevention - I like hard cases and screen protectors. Your mileage may vary.

- Making it last - Don't drop the system (had a nephew destroy his by accident by dropping it - he destroyed both screens and it was honestly cheaper for my cousin to buy him a n3DS to replace his old one). Don't be rough with the cartridge slot - I had a customer for A9LH services accidentally bend the pins on his cartridge slot. Don't drain the battery completely (new lithium batteries don't appreciate having their batteries completely drained), and don't play with the thing plugged in (I do this sometimes when I'm caught up in the latest games.)

- Recommending a case/ protection (Is the cityslicker worth it?) - I like hard plastic cases, but that's because I can install one and forget about it until I need to open up my n3DS's sd slot.

My Favourite 3DS Accessories:
- 10 000 mah battery pack (good for your smartphone as well!)
- 3DS usb charge cable (great for traveling and random emergencies)
- microfiber cloth (can substitute an eyeglass cloth)
- screen protectors (I wish someone would make a glass protector for the 3DS, but I guess that's a dream...)
- hard plastic/clear case (great for showing off your cover plates/LE system and preventing minor scuffs and scratches)
- 3DS games binder/case - mine holds 22 games plus 4 sd cards (I have a 16 gb card with the essentials for downgrading systems on there)

Wow that was a really informative post, thanks! I only have a question about one thing- do the hard plastic cases protect the hinge? I've been using duraflexi clear cases for my O3DS and N3DS currently, but they don't cover the hinge, and I think the system I showed in the picture might not have been cracked if I'd protected the hinge (although it was on the inside, so you never know).

From the reviews, I've heard that the duraflexi protectors are less likely to cause scratches (although they've also scratched their fair share of systems) because they're flexible. Even though they're flexible, they protect the system well enough, at least in my experience this past year, except for the hinge, as I've mentioned. Do you ever take the case off to clean the system? And have you experienced any problems with scratching by your clear plastic case? Also, which brand of plastic case do you use?

Also, since you carry your n3ds with you in your purse, how gentle are you with your purse? Because, as I've mentioned, I'm pretty sure that helped crack my system too.


Thanks again!