Gaming Is it possible to remove top-screen stains on o3DS?

StrayGuitarist · Oct 2, 2020

The o3DS I've had forever has accrued these ugly stains on the top screen from the bottom screen's bezel. I've tried using a few screen cleaning products, yet none of them will remove these ugly gashes in my console. Scraping my fingernail across it gives the sensation that it might be dug into the plastic, but I'm not sure.

Does anyone know of a way to get rid of these? If not, how feasible is it to replace the plastic over the screen? It makes playing with 3D enabled a motionsick disaster.

KleinesSinchen · Oct 2, 2020

You probably won't get rid of that scratches. I tried it with a O3DS with very, very fine display polish when it begun to show the first very weak marks → Nothing.

I recommend using a screen protector on the upper screen.

It is easier to find display lenses for the new and XL models of the 3DS. Hope this is the right part:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Top-Screen...Replacement-For-Nintendo-3DS-USA/152291379102

The only interesting steps for you are number 23-25 on this ifixit page:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Nintendo+3DS+Upper+LCD+Replacement/6176

You might have a hard time installing a new lens without getting dust caught in between the LCD and the Lens.

Good luck and have fun!

StrayGuitarist · Oct 2, 2020

Good Lord, that reminds me of replacing iPod Nano screens.. I suppose I might just have to invest in one of the other 3DS family consoles that doesn't suffer from this issue.

But if I'm ever feeling daring, I might attempt that. Thank you!

KleinesSinchen · Oct 2, 2020

Just to make that extra clear: You don't have to fully disassemble the console like in that guide.

Heating the lens and gently removing it is possible without doing all the other stuff. But I did not find any pictures of that outside the complex LCD replacement guide. Upper LCD replacement on any DS is a hard repair.

If you plan to replace the lens you don't have to be as careful when taking it off. The guide assumes reusing it after LCD replacement. The lens may break in your case (obviously nothing else so avoid using too much heat).