Gaming Difficulty of replacing shell?

[EricHarmon]

Exactly how hard would it be to replace a shell on a DS Lite? I am a complete noob, I have never done any soldering in my life. The closest thing I can think of that I've done that would relate was building a desktop computer. Do you think I could get the job done? I ask because my hinge is broken and the local shop charges about $40 for the service.

 

[Kittymat]

It is a little difficult but if careful not impossible.

If you are not replacing the touchscreen I use tape to make sure the bottom screen and touchscreen do not pull out from their connectors (tape the screen to the circuit board) the little touch screen connector is very fragile and if damaged almost impossible to repair.

If not replacing the top screen (the cable is undamaged) then there is no soldering, the only soldering is the 2 speakers to the top screen (contacts on the ribbon connector) Unless you do not put the base together correctly and it is easy to break off the plastic lug of the power switch.

Read the guides carefully and do not rush

 

[BORTZ]

The ribbon cable and getting some of the wires back in place like the mic and uh something else... that runs behind that cartrage dock... but its not tooo bad. just be careful.

 

[Tikker]

40 bucks for the repair isn't that bad actually

assuming it includes the cost of the replacement shell that is.

 

[The Catboy]

It's not too hard, I made my own DS once or twice in the past. Still the worst it moving all the little cables back and making sure you don't snap off the power switch when putting it back together.

 

[bialy_gibson]

Watch some youtube guides, then start working slowly step by step. Try not to use force more than necessary when removing cables and such.

 

[mjax]

As most people have suggested, be careful with the screen ribbons, while detaching them from the board. Watching videos will help a lot, watch them several times to get a good know-how about it.

Just one word: 'Patience'.

Don't force anything too hard and be careful with the sudden jerk actions. Also be careful with the screwdrivers, make sure they don't slip at any time.

 

[Jotaha]

The best advice I can give you is to watch some videos before and while you do it; It's not hard, but it does has it's quirks and tricky stuff...

I had the exact same problem with mine (broken hinge) and I tried to replace the shell without whatching any videos; this resulted in a lot of frustration when one of the ribbons snapped loose and I couldn't get it to stay where it should because it has a subtle lock that I wasn't aware about.

Like everyone else said, if you are careful and patient, and if you follow a video tutorial step by step, you shouldn't encounter any major problems.