Hardware L, ZL, and ZR buttons on my "launch-day" New Nintendo 2DS

[Hambrew]

I have a good suspicion the L, ZR, and ZL buttons no longer work on my New 2DS XL, which is a shame, because that means games like Mario Kart 7, Smash 4, etc. are a bit more lackluster to play. I think these three buttons "dislocated", and won't work. ZR doesn't even provide the "metallic click" that happens when a shoulder button is pressed down. I hope I don't have to replace my New 2DS XL!

 

[Hayato213]

..

 

[TurdPooCharger]

For the n2DSXL model, the shoulder buttons have push button trigger switches that are soldered to the motherboard.

See images of the n2DSXL motherboard at:

• New 2DS XL Motherboard Pictures

In order to repair these, you'll have to desolder and resolder replacement switches.

• [eBay] 5pcs Repair Kit L/R Button Shoulder Triger Switch For Nintendo 3DS LL XL Console

 

[Hambrew]

you'll have to desolder and resolder replacement switches

WOAH WOAH WOAAAAHHHHHHH! I have to resolder in the shoulder buttons!? I can't solder at all... I seriously think that I just have to relocate the shoulder buttons so it hits the "actual button" shown in the motherboard pics. It CAN'T be that difficult. Once again, I have no soldering experience at ALL.

 

[TurdPooCharger]

WOAH WOAH WOAAAAHHHHHHH! I have to resolder in the shoulder buttons!? I can't solder at all... I seriously think that I just have to relocate the shoulder buttons so it hits the "actual button" shown in the motherboard pics. It CAN'T be that difficult. Once again, I have no soldering experience at ALL.

If only I could show you some of the PMs I got when I tried steering several people into getting a n3DSXL over a n2DSXL... Their defensiveness suggested a disregard or less of a factor that the US $50 (technically $60 if factoring in AC charger) they're saving gets them a system with a less robust and durable design when compared to its 3D siblings.

No matter how careful one will be handling delicate electronics, components will wear down and break within these systems. You just have to be comfortable with that model's repairability limitations when a hardware fault does occur.

As something @Hayato213 was correct in assessing earlier, this would have been easily fixable if this was a different 3DS model. Except for the o2DS which also has soldered in shoulder push button switches, the o3DS / o3DSXL / n3DS / n3DSXL all have replaceable shoulder button flex cables you can disconnect and swap.

***

@Hambrew, I do not suggest fixing those buttons yourself if you do not have experience with the soldering iron. You can easily F-up if you don't know how or have a feel for how melted solder behaves and flows.

You'll need to contact a buddy who's good with the iron and electronic repairs. Offer him some beer money, Chipotle, or whatever small token gift that will satisfy payment for labor.

If you ain't got a friend like that, visit local independent (Apple & Android) phone/tablet/computer electronic repair shops. You'll want to find one that specializes in screen replacements as they have the skillset in disassembling these handhelds. More importantly find a shop that has a soldering workstation on site. Ask if any of the employees will take up contract work with an asking price of no more than $40... That's $10 per each button. You'll have to buy those replacement switches yourself and supply the n2DSXL + switches + payment.

If those prices are not reasonable, you'll have to learn how to solder yourself by practicing a lot with junked and gutted electronics. Look for those irons most popularly sold on Amazon, but make sure you get a kit that has a fine tip adapter. Practice until you no longer fear the scorching heat and strangely enough find soldering an enjoyable hobby.

The last option is to sell yours broken as-is through craigslist. Don't use eBay as you'll get screwed over if the buyer decides to send back a brick, keeping their money and yo n2DSXL. eBay does not provide protection for small time sellers.

The cheapest brand new n3DSXL is the SNES Classic edition for going price of $150 on Amazon, although it's out of stock at the moment after Black Friday. Refurbished n3DSXL from trusted sellers on eBay go for around $120.

 

[Hambrew]

aaaaand i got another New 2DS XL. Wanted the original New 3DS, but hey; its not a launch-day system, and the shoulder buttons actually work, though i have a suspicion of what caused it besides shoulder button dislocation...

 

[DeoNaught]

Just send it in to get fixed, or find someone who knows how to solder, it's simple for someone who know what they are doing, so it shouldn't cost that much from them.

 

[Kwyjor]

If only I could show you some of the PMs I got when I tried steering several people into getting a n3DSXL over a n2DSXL... Their defensiveness suggested a disregard or less of a factor that the US $50 (technically $60 if factoring in AC charger) they're saving gets them a system with a less robust and durable design when compared to its 3D siblings.

Yikes! I was not aware of that. I would have thought the N2DS would be more durable than the N3DS, on account of the lack of 3D.

Is it just the shoulder buttons, or are there more components that are likely to fail inconveniently?

 

[TurdPooCharger]

Yikes! I was not aware of that. I would have thought the N2DS would be more durable than the N3DS, on account of the lack of 3D.

Is it just the shoulder buttons, or are there more components that are likely to fail inconveniently?

When you take a look at the 3D mode, all it is, is the top LCD having doubled pixel density on the horizontal axis with a slide switch and repurposed camera for super stability face tracking (ignoring the software aspect). Having 3D or not contributes very little to a system's build durability.

Do you really want to know? From durareliability and repair-ability standpoints, the n2DSXL has issues that goes beyond just the shoulder buttons.

 

[Kwyjor]

Do you really want to know?

Well, I mean, only if it's conveniently documented somewhere already. Otherwise, not badly enough that I'd want someone to start writing a text wall from scratch.

 

[TurdPooCharger]

Well, I mean, only if it's conveniently documented somewhere already. Otherwise, not badly enough that I'd want someone to start writing a text wall from scratch.

The annoyance of dissembling the n2DSXL,

• Anyone recommend a screwdriver for New2DS XL?
• When it's time to replace the battery, you have to be careful not to tear apart cables. Also, the battery is glued on.
  • Simple RAM reset fix cannot be easily performed on the n2DSXL!!

Replacing the (fragile) top LCD where even Nintendo repair technicians weasel out of doing or half-ass switching out with a different unit,

• n2DS XL Repair Gone Wrong
• Broken New 2DS XL top screen
• Luma3DS repair SD Card after board change
• Not Fun Fact: Did you know that the upper glass panel and display are glued together? If the LCD breaks, you might as well buy both replacement glass cover and LCD when swapping.

Soldering horrors #1,

• This thread with the shoulder push button switches.
• (POWER) button also uses the same push button switch.
• D-Pad, START, SELECT, Y-X-B-A, HOME are all integrated to the motherboard. Requires delicate procedure replacing with new contact patches like this and this.
• Game cart reader is also soldered on, although this is shared with the o2DS / o3DS / o3DSXL.
  
  • Only the n3DS and n3DSXL models are unique having module (replaceable) button, game slot, and SD reader boards.

Soldering horror #2,

• N2DS XL Volume Slider Repair

Soldering horror #3,

• 2DS Broken SD card reader how to weld a microSD adapter

Charging failure. Missing fuses?

• New 2ds xl fuse locations?