Hardware Y Button not working on N3DS XL

[Pikachuk]

Hi, I bought some times ago a New 3DS XL on Ebay and it worked fine for games not using the Y button (so I didn't notice this issue immediately), however when testing games like Pokemon X or Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, I noticed that the Y button had no effect in game.
As the console itself seems to have no damage impact or anything, I think it is simply caused by a short circuit or dust inside and that it wouldn't really require to buy new pieces, just clean the contact of the button.
Is there any recommended tutorial to disassembly the N3DS XL to clean its buttons ?

 

[IC]

Ifixit has good tutorials

 

[Pikachuk]

Ifixit has good tutorials

I see, thanks.
After opening the battery compartment, I noticed that to go further I'll still have to buy more screwdrivers lol

 

[godreborn]

it's probably triwing, which is what nintendo often uses, since like the gamecube. I think they're even used on the switch. the outer casing may be phillips (I know the pro controller's is).

 

[Pikachuk]

it's probably triwing, which is what nintendo often uses, since like the gamecube. I think they're even used on the switch. the outer casing may be phillips (I know the pro controller's is).

From what i've seen it isn't triwing, however, it is incredibly tiny so I have to buy a really small screwdriver to open it

 

[godreborn]

those gauge 00 screwdrivers -- check with ebay. some of them are so small that you may not be able to find them at a hardware shop. if it's not triwing, it could be torx or torx security (torx with a hole in the middle).

 

[IC]

those gauge 00 screwdrivers -- check with ebay. some of them are so small that you may not be able to find them at a hardware shop. if it's not triwing, it could be torx or torx security (torx with a hole in the middle).

They should be in any shop like that from my experience
Maybe ask your friend or someone if they have some screwdriver set that has it

 

[godreborn]

I was never able to find at least very small torx, so I bought off ebay. I think that was for the xbox 360 controllers, but they use torx security screws, and my main screwdriver was too fat to fit in the bottom holes. anyway, I go on ebay when I need something very specific.

 

[Pikachuk]

The ifixit tutorial gives a link to buy required screwdrivers but it's like 19.99$

 

[godreborn]

get the name and gauge and look on ebay. or just type in what you're trying to fix on ebay. they sell minisets of tools for specific jobs, like opening up a game system.

 

[TR_mahmutpek]

for temporary fix, there is a thread about button swap on gbatemp but cant find atm

 

[Pikachuk]

get the name and gauge and look on ebay. or just type in what you're trying to fix on ebay. they sell minisets of tools for specific jobs, like opening up a game system.

Yeah I'll probably look at it when I'll get paid lol

 

[godreborn]

they're literally as low as pennies.

 

[Pikachuk]

they're literally as low as pennies.

I know they're cheap but i'm not allowed to buy anything until I'm paid else my mother will still criticize me by saying I do tons of "unneeded spendings" lol

 

[Pikachuk]

So, my mother ended up having the required screwdrivers, the problem though is that while i've been able to remove most screws, there were two screws that seem to have broken heads
I tried to enlarge the hole around them to try to remove them using a flat screwdriver but with no success.

do you have any suggestions to solve this issue ?

 

[IC]

So, my mother ended up having the required screwdrivers, the problem though is that while i've been able to remove most screws, there were two screws that seem to have broken heads
I tried to enlarge the hole around them to try to remove them using a flat screwdriver but with no success.

do you have any suggestions to solve this issue ?

Try using a hammer (put the screwdriver in the screw and hit the screwdriver from the top a few times but stop turning it if it doesn't turn the screw to avoid breaking it more)
That's the method I use and recommend but other people will probably have different opinions

 

[Pikachuk]

Try using a hammer (put the screwdriver in the screw and hit the screwdriver from the top a few times but stop turning it if it doesn't turn the screw to avoid breaking it more)
That's the method I use and recommend but other people will probably have different opinions

I'll have to try.

It's still annoying how nintendo uses really fragile screws for their stuff

 

[Deleted User]

(Deleted)

 

[TurdPooCharger]

So, my mother ended up having the required screwdrivers, the problem though is that while i've been able to remove most screws, there were two screws that seem to have broken heads
I tried to enlarge the hole around them to try to remove them using a flat screwdriver but with no success.

do you have any suggestions to solve this issue ?
-snip-

Manually drill the screw out by hand.

• N3DS XL Blue Power Light Black Screen [post #21]

***

Replacement n3DSXL YXBA daughter board.

• [eBay] 2015 New Version Nintendo 3DS XL LL Control Button Start Battery Board N3DSXL
• [aliexpress] Repair Parts Power Switch Button board D pad ABXY Button board for Nintendo New 3DS XL LL 3DSXL 3DSLL

Another option is to replace just the YXBA contacts. This would require carefully removing the old patch with a hair dryer to soften the sticker and isopropyl rubbing alcohol + q-tip to clean off the sticky residue.

• [eBay] Repair Part Function Cross Keys Button Film Metal Patch for Nintendo new3DSXL/LL
  
• [aliexpress] JCD 1PCS For Nintendo 3DS LL XL / New 3DS XL LL Controller D Pads D-Pad Metal Dome Snap PCB board buttons Conductive FIlm