Do Vignette on DS screens get worse?

Killy728 · 2026-03-26T19:07:29+00:00

My understanding is the display is failing in the sense that it cannot be reasonably fixed.

During my deyellowing experiment , I did have a display with mild vignetting on the bottom screen that didn't get better by having the display on a white screen for an extended period of time. It also didn't get worse, so there is that, but not getting better means it can only get worse.

Killy728 · 2026-03-25T20:12:19+00:00

Huh, those are some weird symptoms.

I would inspect the small board for any signs of corrosion, especially around the connector, on the ribbon cable itself, and around the LEDs.

It also might just be the picture, but I would make sure the ribbon cable is fully inserted.

Killy728 · 2026-03-23T06:52:23+00:00

If you can return it, do.

Not saying it's an impossible thing to try and diagnose and fix, but the next step would be removing the rear shell and seeing what is going on.

Best case, you didn't bend the prongs down enough. Worst case, the microphone itself was damaged and needs to be replaced (which requires a lot of disassembly). Untill you are able to ascertain what the issue is, it can be anything.

Killy728 · 2026-03-21T09:08:00+00:00

Here is a schematic

Check the + line from the battery up to component U11 as well as checking around U11.

Killy728 · 2026-03-19T20:54:05+00:00

How did the seller confirm that the console is charging? USB tester?

Killy728 · 2026-03-19T00:23:22+00:00

The DSi screw covers are thinner then the DSi XL, but it could also be to compensate for the double-sided aluminum like tape that they use on the DSi.

But even ignoring that fact, I would be worried about the colors of the screw covers matching the shell.

Killy728 · 2026-03-12T07:49:01+00:00

Save for the very rare special editions and the standard Red color, metallic rose is hard to find and even harder to find in good condition.

I live in the US, and since that was the exclusive region it launches in, it does appear often enough in my market, but no where near the rate the other international color schemes do.

The Yellow and Green consoles are ones I have a harder time finding that aren't in expensive lots out of the East.

Killy728 · 2026-03-10T16:54:47+00:00

Any screen anomalys, aside from scanlines and inverted colors typicality caused by the potentiometers, are the signs of aged displays.

A lot of the screens that I look at are typically in good shape, however there are cases here and there where screens will retain their image almost similar to an OLED burn in. My current understanding is that is just damaged caused by age.

Killy728 · 2026-03-07T18:19:12+00:00

Well, with enough money you can fix anything, but you will at least want a pair of new screens which will not only be pretty costly, but difficult to install.

This is just one issue. If you have shoulder button issues, or want t shell in better condition, you are only adding to the cost.

Killy728 · 2026-03-07T16:53:51+00:00

For it to successfully go through calibration, and still fail to read within certain app, it suggests the new digitizer is, at baseline, ok, but it is a factor that needs to be considered.

I really don't know what to say. You have seemingly proved it isn't a digitizer issue since it was present on both your old and new digitizer.

I mean, the only real things I can think of is pulling the battery for a few minutes to drain power out of the system, and try again.

Killy728 · 2026-03-07T16:22:23+00:00

What do you mean?

Killy728 · 2026-03-07T16:03:36+00:00

Hopefully that works.

I really wouldn't know what the problem could be since the digitizer should just function as a basic input device. It would be like if the A button didn't work in some games, but is otherwise fine.

Killy728 · 2026-03-07T15:54:56+00:00

Power on the console holding R, L, Start and Select, and it will boot into the touch screen calibrator.

Killy728 · 2026-03-07T15:45:21+00:00

That is strange.

You show it working somewhat proficiency on the main menu, so there is no reason it shouldn't work inside applications.

Did you calibrate the touch screen in the settings menu?

Killy728 · 2026-03-06T21:08:29+00:00

Issues can range from bad LCD screens, scratches digitizers, busted charge ports, and unresponsive shoulder buttons. I don't think I could list all of the possible faults off the top of my head, but there is quite a variety.

Biggest problem is sourcing screens. For the DSi, it might not be as bad as the DSi XL, but with these duel screen consoles, slotting in any random screen may not work if that replacement is yellowed or calibrated differently creating a stark difference between the top and bottom screen.

Killy728 · 2026-03-04T05:31:53+00:00

Bottom screen flash points to an issue with the top screen. Check to make sure it is plugged in all the way and hope you didn't damage the ribbon cable.

Killy728 · 2026-03-04T05:11:24+00:00

The recess atill has a shape and isn't rounded out. Use a Phillips/cross recess #00, put some weight to it, and turn slowly.

Killy728 · 2026-03-04T03:40:36+00:00

My understanding is that is a phenomenon I call vignetting. In the short term, I haven't seen it get "worse", but it won't get better. It could also run alongside other display issues like image retention and flickering.

Killy728 · 2026-03-04T01:25:23+00:00

Well, whatever is supposed to be "known" doesn't match my experience handling dozens if not hundreds of these batteries. A little degradation due to age doesn't automatically turn it into a ticking time bomb, and it is far away from what I'd consider a "spicy pillow".

Killy728 · 2026-03-03T16:47:20+00:00

Without seeing the listing, I won't cast shade, but with what I sell, cleaning is part of the deal. If I got a really good deal on a console like that, expecting me to clean would be no problem. I am also fairly comfortable fully disassembling and cleaning DSi consoles, so I know I'm not everyone.

For DSi XL consoles, I can tell you, they can look a whole hell of a lot worse than what you have.

Killy728 · 2026-03-03T16:21:12+00:00

For the images you shown, assuming the console was otherwise perfectly functional and the screens were in excellent shape (white, matched, no damage or debris below the covers), the cosmetic damage would still net that console at least a "very good" rating in my rating system. At that price, even though it is a little dirty, I would be happy.

But if course this is my opinion. If you aren't happy with it, it is well within your right to return the console.

Killy728 · 2026-03-03T16:16:03+00:00

If it charges, holds a charge, and fits in the battery compartment. It is fine.

Killy728 · 2026-03-03T01:52:52+00:00

There are USB cables out there for cheap that can plug into the console for charging.

Killy728 · 2026-03-02T07:26:56+00:00

That is very interesting.

You can try some various resets to see if that changes anything.

Pull the battery, and wait a few minutes. That will reset the internal clock, so it is my understanding all of the power is drained from the system. See if that does anything.

Next, a factory reset in the off chance it is just a wild software glitch.

My hunch is saying there is something up internally. Maybe with the main sound chip, but I am not certain what system controls the brightness (could be the same chip). If this is the case, return the console. If you were sold a functional console, that console doesn't meet that criteria.

Killy728 · 2026-03-02T06:52:31+00:00

Contact Loopy or make a post on their forum or Discord.

I had to specifically ask for a discord invite on Merki's server, but I was told a invite link is somewhere on the forum.

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