Broken NDS, what to do with them?

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Erik_Twice
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Broken NDS, what to do with them?

Post by Erik_Twice »

So I have two broken NDS, one works perfectly except that the lower screen doesn't work and the other one works perfectly except for the fact that the hinges are broken. Both DS are the original "fat" model.

Now, I saw a website when I can get a new lower screen for around 10 euro or so, including shipping so I can fix it, is it easy? Is it worth it when I can buy an used DS for 40 euro?

The hinges on the second DS seem harder to fix, any tips?
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PharmaceuticalCowboy
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Re: Broken NDS, what to do with them?

Post by PharmaceuticalCowboy »

I would suggest attempting to fix them if you have any kind of skill doing so. The DS with the broken hinges is probably the easier fix, as I believe the only thing you need to do is replace the case (many are available all over the place, I saw some on e-bay that looked official).

I am not well versed in the screens on the DS, but I would imagine fixing the touch screen could possibly be a PITA and require some soldering. Someone with some DS fixing experience should chime in...
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Ziggy
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Re: Broken NDS, what to do with them?

Post by Ziggy »

The one with the broken hinges is a dead simple fix, just need to get a replacement case.

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid ... Categories

Replacing the screen should also be fairly easy to do. I don't believe there's any soldering involved, just need enough patience to take it apart and put it back together.

Since they're both the original fat DS, why not just swap the cases. Then one DS will be fine, and the other will have busted hinges and a busted screen. Then you could sell off the broken DS and keep the working one. Or sell the working one and use the money to repair the broken one. Depends what you wanna do.
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Fickieboy
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Re: Broken NDS, what to do with them?

Post by Fickieboy »

Or you could go to a thrift store and get a lite for 50.
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zombi_ryu
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Re: Broken NDS, what to do with them?

Post by zombi_ryu »

I'd say that its up to you how much time and money you want to invest into fixing one or both. What's the battery life like on them? My original DS has a maximum charge of about an hour at this point so if your battery is weak too, I'd just sell the broken ones for parts on ebay and use the money for a DS lite.
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Erik_Twice
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Re: Broken NDS, what to do with them?

Post by Erik_Twice »

Fickieboy wrote:Or you could go to a thrift store and get a lite for 50.

Around here DS lites are sold for 80 euro so no chance. I don't care either, I prefer to save some money and keep the fat one. Also I don't want to buy a new supercard because the one I have wouldn't work.

I didn't think about replacement cases, had I known earlier I would have considered it! Is it hard to do? The upper screen doesn't seem to have any screws so I don't even know how to open it!

If I were to go trough the hassle of fixing it I would fix both given that it seems cheap and everything else runs fine including the battery life.
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Re: Broken NDS, what to do with them?

Post by jeffro11 »

There are screws under the little bumper pads on the stop screen. It is pretty easy to swap cases. Just take your time and make sure not to pull too hard on anything :)
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Erik_Twice
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Re: Broken NDS, what to do with them?

Post by Erik_Twice »

jeffro11 wrote:There are screws under the little bumper pads on the stop screen. It is pretty easy to swap cases. Just take your time and make sure not to pull too hard on anything :)

Wow, really? I can't seem to be able to move them so as to see what's below them. Man, I'm so bad for this stuff.
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Ziggy
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Re: Broken NDS, what to do with them?

Post by Ziggy »

You need to get a triwing screwdriver if you don't already have one. I was just looking at replacement cases on eBay, and some cases come with a triwing, some come with a triwing and mini philips head. $8 shipped. Not bad.

As far as taking it apart goes, I'm sure there's YouTube videos that will walk you through the project.
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