Hacking Broke my DS.

[Sportsmaniac1322]

While I was recently on vacation, I decided to pack my DS. When I took it out of my suitcase, I opened it up, and the hinge was broken. When I open it, it doesn't click into place. It just flops around. Also, when I close my DS, the screen doesn't turn off to conserve battery anymore, a major feature for me. I'm wondering if there's a way I can repair this by myself. I have a little experience with opening and modding systems, but don't expect me to be digging real deep into it. I'm also considering shipping it into Nintendo, but that may cost a lot of money. If there's a service that will repair a DS like this for relatively cheap, I'll consider that too. What do you guys think I should do?

 

[zidane_genome]

Buy a new shell from DealExtreme... just got mine for my Phat (a very slick looking matte black shell)

Everything works!

 

[Sportsmaniac1322]

Buy a new shell from DealExtreme... just got mine for my Phat (a very slick looking matte black shell)

Everything works!

Will that fix the hinge too? If it does, how easy is it to install? Would I have to take the whole thing apart to install it?

EDIT: It's a DS Lite if that matters...

 

[Steevsee]

Replacing the case is pretty involved as you basically have to remove everything and reinstall it in new case.
There are some good guides online to see what you would be up against.

Until you decide, be very careful of the ribbon and cables which connect through the hinge as they are easily damaged.
I recommend closing your ds and keeping it closed (Packing tape works well!) until you can get new case or if you absolutely must use it be extremely careful.
Good Luck

 

[Jundeezy]

If you are considering replacing the whole shell, I hear thieves like us is making a in depth guide to disassemble and reassemble the DS Lite.

http://gbatemp.net/index.php?showtopic=81293 there are some reviews here for shells.

 

[Sportsmaniac1322]

Replacing the case is pretty involved as you basically have to remove everything and reinstall it in new case.
There are some good guides online to see what you would be up against.

Until you decide, be very careful of the ribbon and cables which connect through the hinge as they are easily damaged.
I recommend closing your ds and keeping it closed (Packing tape works well!) until you can get new case or if you absolutely must use it be extremely careful.
Good Luck

I've used it since then, but everything seems to still be working, so I assume nothing's damaged. I'm going to go ahead and open up my DS to see if I can actually do this. As of now I think I'll be ok, but I just want to be sure.

 

[Sportsmaniac1322]

Well, after opening up my DS and attempting to follow some disassembly guides, I've realized I'm in way over my head! So that brings me to my next question; should I send it into Nintendo? I'd also be willing to send it somewhere else that has a service that will put on a replacement case for me. Any way that I can get my DS hinge fixed without having to replace the case myself I'm all for!

 

[Sportsmaniac1322]

Sorry for the double post, but I need serious help! After trying to put my DS back together, no matter what I do, I can't get the power to work. It doesn't connect to anything, so it's just basically moving freely against the DS. I got the volume slider to work, but no matter what I do, the power won't work. HELP!

 

[neo_hito]

Well you'll have to open it up again and redo the bottom part of the ds.
You probably closed it up without positioning the power switch on the shell properly,
move the switch on the shell down towards you (off position) then put it together.

 

[Sportsmaniac1322]

Well you'll have to open it up again and redo the bottom part of the ds.
You probably closed it up without positioning the power switch on the shell properly,
move the switch on the shell down towards you (off position) then put it together.

I tried that multiple times, but it still wont work

 

[chiseen]

I think you might have broken off the power switch actuator. In this case the easiest way to repair it is to solder a new power switch back on.

 

[pitoui]

I just purchased a ds phat shell off DX and Im after a nice tut for it. Can someone please link me to one? Thanks

EDIT: Sorry, I don't want to hijack this thread but I don't really want to make a new one up just for this question.

 

[Sportsmaniac1322]

Which way is the arrow supposed to go for the power switch? And for the person above me:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62647765@N00/...57594277451148/
and
http://www.phosphors.com/nds/

 

[pitoui]

Thanks for the links Sportsmaniac. I want to change the case on my Phat though. Are they relatively similar to take apart?

 

[arctic_flame]

Thanks for the links Sportsmaniac. I want to change the case on my Phat though. Are they relatively similar to take apart?

The phat is easier - cables are more accessible. They are pretty similar however...

 

[Sportsmaniac1322]

Which way is the arrow supposed to go for the power switch? And for the person above me:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62647765@N00/...57594277451148/
and
http://www.phosphors.com/nds/

Sorry. That's what I get for skimming! I guess just google it. You should find some good guides. How would I solder the power thing back on if I broke it?

 

[Sportsmaniac1322]

Well I've officially given up. I just went to Nintendo's website and ordered a remanufactured like-new DS to replace my broken one for $85. Maybe when I get smarter I'll be able to fix my broken one so I'll have 2

. Thanks for your help guys!

 

[neo_hito]

XD
well anyways the arrow is supposed to point away from you... not that it matters anymore