Homebrew New Nintendo 3DS not turning after a while of no use.

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It must be the SD Card slot, because the 3DS still shuts off when magnet is placed and cart is inserted when I do the Start-Select-X combo. I've made sure all the files are correct and the Cart is properly place (I tried 4 times) all to no avail. I also had a bit of a question... How would I be able to set up the cart if I can't power on my 3DS and have no other systems?
For the R4i Gold 3DS Plus made by www.r4ids.cn, that model has an internal slider switch that you put to N (ntrboot mode) when opening up the flashcart. It has the benefit of not needing to be reflashed with the ntrboot rom using a working system.

If the n3DS turns off despite doing everything as per guide instructions and multiple checks for correct files placement, formatting, techniques, etc. when doing ntrboot, that means you've exhausted all non-intrusive methods of troubleshooting and must come to the conclusion that the SD card reader needs to reconnected (if knocked loose) or requires replacing.
 
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Miketb101

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For the R4i Gold 3DS Plus made by www.r4ids.cn, that model has an internal slider switch you put to N (ntrboot mode) when you open up the flashcart. It doesn't require reflashing the ntrboot rom onto with a working system.

If the n3DS turns off despite doing everything as per guide instructions and multiple checks for correct files placement, formatting, techniques, etc. when doing ntrboot, that means you've exhausted all non-intrusive methods of troubleshooting and must come to the conclusion that the SD card reader needs to reconnected (if knocked loose) or requires replacing.
It needs to be replaced, since I opened up the 3DS as well and found nothing wrong or loose with any ribbon cable on the motherboard. If the SD card reader is replaced and there are still complications with the 3DS not turning on, would I have any other options to resort to?
 
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It needs to be replaced, since I opened up the 3DS as well and found nothing wrong or loose with any ribbon cable on the motherboard. If the SD card reader is replaced and there are still complications with the 3DS not turning on, would I have any other options to resort to?
:(

What I normally suggest to those who aren't successful at repairing their 3DS systems would be to:

1. Send theirs in to get it fixed by wiigotem, testerfan, or local electronic repair specialist who's willing to take up fixing these handhelds.
  • Basically, outsource your hardware repairs to someone else that is likely much more skilled than you and I at this sort of stuff.
  • Reasonable cost with relatively low risk.
  • Nintendo no longer offers fixing n3DS, so that's why 3rd party repairs are mentioned.
-or-

2. Buy another fully functional 3DS/2DS of the same model, swap their motherboards to check if the broken one still has an intact (working) mobo, and then do A/B parts testing to determine what unknown component(s) is/are broken.
  • The major drawback is that this method is very expensive and considered an extreme measure if the person can't figure out what parts are bad (no obvious signs of damage).
  • This method is also super risky as you can end up breaking the donor system.
  • It is typically reserved for those who are desperate to recover and backup their games and saves (ie, did not previously used save managers or dumped their titles into CIAs).

***

Unfortunately for your case, because the n3DS system is quite rare compared to the other models where Nintendo didn't manufacture that many of them, neither of the above options are (within reasonable means) affordable, practical, or available.

Basically, you'll have to hope and pray that replacing just the card reader is enough to resolve the issue and that nothing else is broken.

***

Side note
If you happen to get yours fixed, consider carrying the n3DS in a hard case from now on when traveling with it if you haven't done so before.
  • [Help] Brick on Waking from Sleep
  • I'm mentioning this as I've lately been seeing a string of hardbricked(-ish) 3DS systems. Broken or dead n3DS makes me especially sad.
 
Last edited by TurdPooCharger,

Miketb101

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:(

What I normally suggest to those who aren't successful at repairing their 3DS systems would be to:

1. Send theirs in to get it fixed by wiigotem, testerfan, or local electronic repair specialist who's willing to take up fixing these handhelds.
  • Basically, outsource your hardware repairs to someone else that is likely much more skilled than you and I at this sort of stuff.
  • Reasonable cost with relatively low risk.
  • Nintendo no longer offers fixing n3DS, so that's why 3rd party repairs are mentioned.
-or-

2. Buy another fully functional 3DS/2DS of the same model, swap their motherboards to check if the broken one still has an intact (working) mobo, and then do A/B parts testing to determine what unknown component(s) is/are broken.
  • The major drawback is that this method is very expensive and considered an extreme measure if the person can't figure out what parts are bad (no obvious signs of damage).
  • This method is also super risky as you can end up breaking the donor system.
  • It is typically reserved for those who are desperate to recover and backup their games and saves (ie, did not previously used save managers or dumped their titles into CIAs).

***

Unfortunately for your case, because the n3DS system is quite rare compared to the other models where Nintendo didn't manufacture that many of them, neither of the above options are (within reasonable means) affordable, practical, or available.

Basically, you'll have to hope and pray that replacing just the card reader is enough to resolve the issue and that nothing else is broken.

***

Side note
If you happen to get yours fixed, consider carrying the n3DS in a hard case from now on when traveling with it if you haven't done so before.
  • [Help] Brick on Waking from Sleep
  • I'm mentioning this as I've lately been seeing a string of hardbricked(-ish) 3DS systems. Broken or dead n3DS makes me especially sad.
One final tiny thing, those replacement SD Card Readers you linked to were not the type my 3DS has. The one in my 3DS doesn't have a tiny lego piece at the end, it's a short orange ribbon with gold contacts at the end of it. Do you have any other links to these types of SD Card Readers that you recommend? If not I'll just order this one.
 
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One final tiny thing, those replacement SD Card Readers you linked to were not the type my 3DS has. The one in my 3DS doesn't have a tiny lego piece at the end, it's a short orange ribbon with gold contacts at the end of it. Do you have any other links to these types of SD Card Readers that you recommend? If not I'll just order this one.
:!: Hold up.

Do you understand that the three (3) new series systems Nintendo created, there are New 3DS XL and New 3DS (regular)?


Which one do you have?


maxresdefault.jpg
 
Last edited by TurdPooCharger,
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The New 3DS XL. Were the ones you were recommending for the regular New 3DS?
:mellow:

*Bangs head on table*

Your thread title never mentioned "XL", and your original post made it sound like you own both a New 3DS (which I thought your nonbootable one was) and another that's New 3DS XL.

Since you never stopped to correct this, and I did make this point back in my post #17,


I continued to assume yours was a New 3DS (regular).

***

THIS is the SD card slot reader for New 3DS XL.

***

Everything I said in post #23 is actually available to you.

  1. Repair specialists:
or

2. Acquire another n3DSXL for the motherboard swap method. See my signature referring to refurbished n3DSXL sold at Nintendo's official e-stores.
  • Or, find private listings for used and functional n3DSXL on eBay, craiglists, or Facebook marketplace.
 
Last edited by TurdPooCharger,
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Miketb101

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:mellow:

*Bangs head on table*

Your thread title never mentioned "XL", and your original post made it sound like you own both a New 3DS (which I thought your nonbootable one was) and another that's New 3DS XL.

Since you never stopped to correct this, and I did make this point back in my post #17,



I continued to assume yours was a New 3DS (regular).

***

THIS is the SD card slot reader for New 3DS XL.

***

Everything I said in post #23 is actually available to you.

  1. Repair specialists:
or

2. Acquire another n3DSXL for the motherboard swap method. See my signature referring to refurbished n3DSXL sold at Nintendo's official e-stores.
  • Or, find private listings for used and functional n3DSXL on eBay, craiglists, or Facebook marketplace.
Sorry, I thought had mentioned that the 3DS I was having complications with was XL in the description. Thank you for the help, I'll go order and replace the SD Card slot and report back with my results here in... a few days.
 

Miketb101

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:mellow:

*Bangs head on table*

Your thread title never mentioned "XL", and your original post made it sound like you own both a New 3DS (which I thought your nonbootable one was) and another that's New 3DS XL.

Since you never stopped to correct this, and I did make this point back in my post #17,



I continued to assume yours was a New 3DS (regular).

***

THIS is the SD card slot reader for New 3DS XL.

***

Everything I said in post #23 is actually available to you.

  1. Repair specialists:
or

2. Acquire another n3DSXL for the motherboard swap method. See my signature referring to refurbished n3DSXL sold at Nintendo's official e-stores.
  • Or, find private listings for used and functional n3DSXL on eBay, craiglists, or Facebook marketplace.
It turns out it takes a bit longer than a few days. I have the new SD Reader, but I am still having complications. The top screen blinks for half a second and afterwards abruptly shuts off. Maybe it's the SD card.
 
Last edited by Miketb101,
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It turns out it takes a bit longer than a few days. I have the new SD Reader, but I am still having complications. The top screen blinks for half a second and afterwards abruptly shuts off. Maybe it's the SD card.
:(

For the top screen blinks and then entire n3DSXL system turning off, do you hear any popping noise?

If you do, this means one of the flex cables,
  • (1) upper LCD
  • (2) speaker assembly
[either, and/or]
  • (3) camera assembly
, were damaged from the disassembly.
 
Last edited by TurdPooCharger,

Miketb101

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:(

For the top screen blinks and then entire n3DSXL system turning off, do you hear any popping noise?

If you do, this means one of the flex cables,
  • (1) upper LCD
  • (2) speaker assembly
[either, and/or]
  • (3) camera assembly
, were damaged from the disassembly.
I hear no popping noise, the only thing that happens is the upper screen.
 
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I hear no popping noise, the only thing that happens is the upper screen.
Does the top screen still turn off when you boot these?

With the microSD card [formatted in FAT32 + 32 KB cluster size] inserted in the n3DSXL containing the files, and holding the specified button(s),
  • sdmc:/boot.firm (Luma3DS v9.1 -or- v10.0.1)
  • sdmc:/luma/payloads/GodMode9.firm (v1.9.0)
  1. Luma3DS chainloader → GodMode9 | (START)
  2. Luma3DS configuration | (SELECT)
  3. Recovery Mode | (L)-shoulder + (R)-shoulder + (UP) d-pad + (A)
 

Miketb101

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Does the top screen still turn off when you boot these?

With the microSD card [formatted in FAT32 + 32 KB cluster size] inserted in the n3DSXL containing the files, and holding the specified button(s),
  • sdmc:/boot.firm (Luma3DS v9.1 -or- v10.0.1)
  • sdmc:/luma/payloads/GodMode9.firm (v1.9.0)
  1. Luma3DS chainloader → GodMode9 | (START)
  2. Luma3DS configuration | (SELECT)
  3. Recovery Mode | (L)-shoulder + (R)-shoulder + (UP) d-pad + (A)
Even with the SD card formatted correctly, and trying both Luma 9.1 and 10.0.1, the screen still flashes quickly and shuts off without a sound.
 
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Even with the SD card formatted correctly, and trying both Luma 9.1 and 10.0.1, the screen still flashes quickly and shuts off without a sound.
:(

Unless you can determine which exact component failed on you, refer to bulletin points (1) and (2) from post #23 regarding further repair options.

If you plan to buy another fully functional replacement n3DSXL, check my signature for Nintendo official refurbished models.

***

Edit - If you decide to disassemble your n3DSXL again, take a magnifying glass and examine the flex cables for any broken leads.
 
Last edited by TurdPooCharger,

Miketb101

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:(

Unless you can determine which exact component failed on you, refer to bulletin points (1) and (2) from post #23 regarding further repair options.

If you plan to buy another fully functional replacement n3DSXL, check my signature for Nintendo official refurbished models.

***

Edit - If you decide to disassemble your n3DSXL again, take a magnifying glass and examine the flex cables for any broken leads.
So I just got around to looking inside the 3ds for any broken cabled, and this grey tiny one looks a bit mangled for some reason. Do you think it could be the culprit?
Edit: I can confirm that this grey cable is broken, but I believe that it is connected directly to the bottom screen so replacing it might be difficult.
 
Last edited by Miketb101,
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So I just got around to looking inside the 3ds for any broken cabled, and this grey tiny one looks a bit mangled for some reason. Do you think it could be the culprit?
Edit: I can confirm that this grey cable is broken, but I believe that it is connected directly to the bottom screen so replacing it might be difficult.
split-leads_miketb101.png


The right, two leads definitely look split. This cable is from the touchscreen digitizer.
***

Here's an example of someone who attempted hardmod on their n3DSXL and broke their touchscreen digitizer cable and connector. No clue whether his n3DSXL still booted or not.
A different example of a semi-bricked o2DS that booted up with a poorly connected touchscreen. Keep in mind what works for one 2DS model might not hold true for a different 3DS model. Also, poorly connected or disconnected cable may react differently than a broken cable.
Not directly related to the touchscreen but worth sharing the difficulties of broken cables. Here's an o3DSXL that wouldn't boot due to its upper LCD's flex cable having a split.
This last example I could find most likely relates to you. The user Hovel and his hardmodded n3DSXL no longer booting after splitting traces in the touchscreen digitizer(?).
 
Last edited by TurdPooCharger,

Miketb101

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View attachment 190015

The right, two leads definitely look split. This cable is from the touchscreen digitizer.
***

Here's an example of someone who attempted hardmod on their n3DSXL and broke their touchscreen digitizer cable and connector. No clue whether his n3DSXL still booted or not.
A different example of a semi-bricked o2DS that booted up with a poorly connected touchscreen. Keep in mind what works for one 2DS model might not hold true for a different 3DS model. Also, poorly connected or disconnected cable may react differently than a broken cable.
Not directly related to the touchscreen but worth sharing the difficulties of broken cables. Here's an o3DSXL that wouldn't boot due to its upper LCD's flex cable having a split.
This last example I could find most likely relates to you. The user Hovel and his hardmodded n3DSXL no longer booting after splitting traces in the touchscreen digitizer(?).
Thank you for the confirmation and all the information, it is greatly appreciated. I have ordered the piece, and this is probably the last hurdle needed to fix my N3dsXL. I have to thank you, and everyone else who helped me in this thread. So Thank You guys.
 
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