Is a console ever "too nice" to mod?

[Hanafuda]

Thought about putting this in the retro console group, but few would see it.
Thought about putting this in the 3DS forum, but it isn't specifically about the 3DS. Could be any old console.

A couple months ago, my wife and daughter came home from an extended stay in Japan, and one of the items they brought home for me was a Happy Home Designer edition New 3DSLL. (you may have seen it if you follow the 'Things I bought or got" thread.) And it is basically perfect. The retailer provided a certificate of condition, and it got no negative marks. That's as to the condition of the console itself, the box/packaging, and the completeness of all items inside.

3DS prices are high, but I don't think they're necessarily inflated. They're not making them anymore, and there are fewer and fewer out there in really good condition anymore. With this particular N3DSLL being a limited edition, its near-perfect condition makes it even more of a unicorn. I know they made millions of them, but I do think this 3DS I got will only increase in value over time, as even more of them are wearing out, getting bricked, getting broken. But that's only if I leave it in 'museum' condition. If I mod it, load it up, and start playing the snot out of it, then it'll just be another 3DS on the road to ruin. But I'd be enjoying it, instead of just storing it.

There are no right answers. Just wondered if anyone else has an all-original console like this that they're hesitant to mod, and what your thoughts are on this dilemma?

 

[yankii]

I have a Switch that I bought just to keep, so I definitely understand. I don't want to mess with it at all - haven't even taken it out, in fact.

I have a few backup Switches so I'll be fine even if my current one dies, which is only why I can afford not to mod this one.

 

[hippy dave]

For me I get things to use/play them, I don't keep things boxed as collector's items. I kinda understand it but am not interested in doing it myself.

It's a nice gadget, my vote would be to play it.

Post automatically merged: Oct 5, 2025

When you talk about its value increasing over time, would you be hoping to sell it for profit in the future, or just keep it knowing that it's worth more?

 

[DinohScene]

I prefer not to do invasive mods that irreparably damage the exterior casing.

 

[cearp]

I sort of regret doing a case mod on a limited edition SP that I have - I could have just waited longer for a better screen that didn't require plastic to be cut out. It's all internal and hidden, but still.

When it doesn't require any physical changes, and it's just a softmod etc, nothing to worry about.
But yes I have definitely seen some people who think it takes something away by hacking a console, I don't agree at all.

 

[Hanafuda]

When you talk about its value increasing over time, would you be hoping to sell it for profit in the future, or just keep it knowing that it's worth more?

Definitely a part of my thought process. I do think it will appreciate in value, but the dollar amount wouldn't be all that much. Maybe it would double over 20 years? And a few hundred bucks is not worth waiting two decades for. I just thought it would be nice to give to a grandkid one day.

My daughter found this by chance and it wasn't my expectation or intention that she'd find me something this nice / virginal. I've never hesitated to mod a console before this, and I'll probably talk myself into it with this 3DS too.

 

[cearp]

@Hanafuda In your case you can uninstall the hack - so there's nothing to lose.

 

[Hanafuda]

@Hanafuda In your case you can uninstall the hack - so there's nothing to lose.

True about the hack being reversible, but the reason I don't play with it now is because it isn't hacked. Once it is, I'll start using it, i.e. wear and tear.

 

[Armadillo]

Depends what kind of mod. Softmod or internal mod that leaves no outer damage, I'd mod anything with the exception being some sort of collectable where the value is that it's untouched.

Mod that needs holes cutting, then depends on the condition of the console, I'm not chopping up a nice looking console for that, I'd rather buy a tatty one to do what ever it is.

 

[tofino]

Its definitely a case of whether its a soft or hardmod.

My XBOX 360 has never been hardmodded because it's something that I don't want to risk bricking either the console or my hands.

But with badupdate and its derivatives, it's practically a no brainer.

 

[sexually_inactive]

Depends whether you already have a hacked New 3DS XL. If you don't and want to play it then go ahead. If you want to keep it in good condition then only play it at home and store it out of reach of children and pets.

 

[Hanafuda]

Depends whether you already have a hacked New 3DS XL. If you don't and want to play it then go ahead. If you want to keep it in good condition then only play it at home and store it out of reach of children and pets.

I already have a hacked regular size New 3DS.

 

[Ondrashek06]

It's not exactly the same (though it roughly fits the definition of "too nice to mod"), but I'd say that it's my Playdate - it doesn't even NEED modding because you can officially sideload literally anything you want as long as it's in the pdx format.

And I heard that they want to do a major firmware update which lets you sort games into folders, something which Nintendo STILL HASN'T IMPLEMENTED to the switch despite all these updates.

 

[lightwo]

The way I see it, soft modding; who cares, make a NAND backup and restore it later if need be. Just be sure to make multiple copies.

Hard modding... obviously, not desirable, but wear and tear may make it necessary.

Still, talking about "museum" condition is a little odd given that this is, as you pointed out, one of millions.

Ultimately, if I were you, I'd keep the plates in mint condition and use the console as normal, putting different plates instead (it's otherwise just a pearl white n3DSLL after all). If that isn't possible/too difficult due to top plate, treat it as a prized possession and display the box somewhere, I guess.

If you need help deciding, consider whether you're more interested in using it or keeping it as a display piece.

 

[Tipi]

I don't think I've ever had a hardmodded console. It's not that I'm against it or anything, there just hasn't been a need for one, softmodding has been enough so far... though I wouldn't mind if someone replaced the failing NAND in my poor Wii U.

What worries me is what to do when my devices eventually die. They seem quite sturdy, especially the Nintendo handhelds, but nothing lasts forever and I doubt anyone will be offering spare parts. And even if they were, I can't solder and thus would still need to find someone to do the replacement(s) for me.