Hardware Way to fix this?

[anonynom]

Woke up to my new 3ds button (ZR) on the floor and the piece that keeps it in place broken off the hinge and now my button falls out at any angle that isn’t upright. Is there a way to fix without sending to Nintendo since it’s hacked? I’m not great at DIY with electronics just yet to do a housing swap myself.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Woke up to my new 3ds button (ZR) on the floor and the piece that keeps it in place broken off the hinge and now my button falls out at any angle that isn’t upright. Is there a way to fix without sending to Nintendo since it’s hacked? I’m not great at DIY with electronics just yet to do a housing swap myself.

I have no idea how to repair this without opening the console.

When I first read your post I said to myself: “No, I will not open a perfectly working N3DS.” After a few hours curiosity got the better of me (once again). I opened it to compare it to your pictures and came to the above conclusion: I don't see a way of repairing it without opening.

The hardest part is actually removing that tight small screws without striping them. I was soooo careful and used a perfectly fitting screwdriver and still managed to f… up one of them badly (now to search for a replacement – this will suck).

↑↑↑

↑↑↑

Thankfully I got it out.


Other than that this repair is pretty simple once you got all screws out.
Maybe you can superglue something in place to hold the button without interfering it’s function… or get a replacement shell (part). No need for full disassembly (only replace the back part).

Things you need:

• good Phillips screwdriver (size 00 I think)
• If this is a non-XL model: triwing/tripoint screwdriver (for removing micro-SD reader)
• replacement back part of the shell (or skill and some creativity to repair the damaged part)

Important:

• After removing the screws: Don't try to simply remove the back part. Some ribbons are still connected to the motherboard and have to be disconnected carefully before separating.
• Ifixit.com has some good pictures (just go for the mainboard replacement guide – first part is getting the back side off)
• Reconnecting the ribbons is a little frustrating and may require patience.

If you do not want to do it yourself: Sending it in to Nintendo is a bad idea with a modded console. Maybe some independent electronics/phone repair shop will do it for you if you provide the replacement shell part.

 

[IC_]

I have no idea how to repair this without opening the console.

When I first read your post I said to myself: “No, I will not open a perfectly working N3DS.” After a few hours curiosity got the better of me (once again). I opened it to compare it to your pictures and came to the above conclusion: I don't see a way of repairing it without opening.

The hardest part is actually removing that tight small screws without striping them. I was soooo careful and used a perfectly fitting screwdriver and still managed to f… up one of them badly (now to search for a replacement – this will suck).

View attachment 192315
↑↑↑

↑↑↑

Thankfully I got it out.


Other than that this repair is pretty simple once you got all screws out.
Maybe you can superglue something in place to hold the button without interfering it’s function… or get a replacement shell (part). No need for full disassembly (only replace the back part).

Things you need:

• good Phillips screwdriver (size 00 I think)
• If this is a non-XL model: triwing/tripoint screwdriver (for removing micro-SD reader)
• replacement back part of the shell (or skill and some creativity to repair the damaged part)

Important:

• After removing the screws: Do try to simply remove the back part. Some ribbons are still connected to the motherboard and have to be disconnected carefully before separating.
• Ifixit.com has some good pictures (just go for the mainboard replacement guide – first part is getting the back side off)
• Reconnecting the ribbons is a little frustrating and may require patience.

If you do not want to do it yourself: Sending it in to Nintendo is a bad idea with a modded console. Maybe some independent electronics/phone repair shop will do it for you if you provide the replacement shell part.

I remember the screws on my N3DS also being so hard to remove that I had to use a hammer to get them out but at least I didn't damage any of them

 

[godreborn]

do the innards of a 3ds use triwing of phillips like the battery cover? they sell the really small gauge on ebay. the only thing I've repaired on my system is the back plate, because some paint had chipped off opening it over 100 times (whenever I install something new). the paint chipped off around the screws. I bought a replacement back panel, and my god are those washers a test in frustration.

 

[anonynom]

I have no idea how to repair this without opening the console.

When I first read your post I said to myself: “No, I will not open a perfectly working N3DS.” After a few hours curiosity got the better of me (once again). I opened it to compare it to your pictures and came to the above conclusion: I don't see a way of repairing it without opening.

The hardest part is actually removing that tight small screws without striping them. I was soooo careful and used a perfectly fitting screwdriver and still managed to f… up one of them badly (now to search for a replacement – this will suck).

View attachment 192315
↑↑↑

↑↑↑

Thankfully I got it out.


Other than that this repair is pretty simple once you got all screws out.
Maybe you can superglue something in place to hold the button without interfering it’s function… or get a replacement shell (part). No need for full disassembly (only replace the back part).

Things you need:

• good Phillips screwdriver (size 00 I think)
• If this is a non-XL model: triwing/tripoint screwdriver (for removing micro-SD reader)
• replacement back part of the shell (or skill and some creativity to repair the damaged part)

Important:

• After removing the screws: Do try to simply remove the back part. Some ribbons are still connected to the motherboard and have to be disconnected carefully before separating.
• Ifixit.com has some good pictures (just go for the mainboard replacement guide – first part is getting the back side off)
• Reconnecting the ribbons is a little frustrating and may require patience.

If you do not want to do it yourself: Sending it in to Nintendo is a bad idea with a modded console. Maybe some independent electronics/phone repair shop will do it for you if you provide the replacement shell part.

Yeah I'm not confident enough to do another swap myself because last time I did my ribbon cable for the speaker ripped slightly and would shut my system down with a pop.. I have all parts necessary for anyone ELSE to fix though lol. For now, I've very carefully put in some gel control super glue ONLY on the pieces that touch the pink "pads" of the system so it clicks still. I guess I'll do that in the meantime until I can find someone to fix my system for me, thank you for this though I really appreciate it if one day I decided to try myself

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

do the innards of a 3ds use triwing of phillips like the battery cover? they sell the really small gauge on ebay. the only thing I've repaired on my system is the back plate, because some paint had chipped off opening it over 100 times (whenever I install something new). the paint chipped off around the screws. I bought a replacement back panel, and my god are those washers a test in frustration.

I think it depends. I have one new 3ds that has the typical "cross" shapes for a micro SD card to be held I believe and then another has triwing

 

[godreborn]

if you do open it (and it seems to be a pita), try replacing the screws. I have a screwdriver with a removable head. I was repairing one of my 360 controllers, which requires torx security. however, the head of the screw driver was too fat to fit in the bottom holes. I think I used a phillips head to get them out. I replaced all of the screws with phillips head. now, it's much easier, 'cause I have a lot of phillips head screwdrivers, and I don't have to worry about the screwdriver being too fat.

hmm...I know nintendo has been using triwings for a while. I believe even the switch uses them. however, with something that you can open without voiding the warranty, they may have just decided on a common screw.

 

[anonynom]

My screws are all good thankfully (not stripped at all) I have to go buy a triwing if I'm to open it but a small glasses clase (forgot the name of the little flathead (size 00?) That works on the regular screws. I'm too nervous to try opening it myself though and having to disconnect anything cus I'm just bad.

 

[TurdPooCharger]

@annoynom, replacement n3DS shell parts can be found and bought at:

• [eBay] wiigotem (Nintendo New 3DS Parts)

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@KleinesSinchen, no why you do that to precious n3DS!?