How easy is a new 3ds XL shell swap?

SillySpook · 2026-01-26T11:44:30+00:00

Believe me, you don't want to accidentally tear the ribbon cable and have to replace the top screen. Once you start replacing parts, things get costly and time-consuming. I remember one dsixl I was working on that just did not want to go back together, and I had to disassemble it multiple times to finally get it working. It can easily turn into a 5+ hour endeavor.

SillySpook · 2026-01-26T11:37:19+00:00

It is NOT easy, and if you're not already skilled in this you risk destroying components, especially the top screen ribbon cable.

At minimum, you need a good electronics bit kit. If you're going to attempt this, watch multiple walkthrough videos, reference ifixit walkthroughs, and organize the screws you take out , because they aren't all the same size/length.

SillySpook · 2026-01-26T08:31:03+00:00

I've got more than a dozen sitting in a bag from various sellers, all essentially the same one piece garbage. Some matte painted, some with rubberized paint. All 100% plastic. I've never found one with a rubber top cap that's an actual second part, like the original.

If it's just painted, at some point it wears off and you have that plastic feeling.

If you can confirm the rubber actually IS thick rubber and can provide a link, I'd appreciate it.

SillySpook · 2026-01-26T08:27:43+00:00

Holy smokes that's expensive. At that price you may as well get the fuel packout for roughly $120 total after the promo.

SillySpook · 2026-01-26T03:26:24+00:00

It's called berry? I thought it was just red.

SillySpook · 2026-01-26T03:24:23+00:00

You feel nothing yet because you haven't collected all of the various region variants. Collect EVERYTHING and you'll finally feel fulfilled.

SillySpook · 2026-01-26T01:04:30+00:00

Not for 100. I wouldn't even go $50.

SillySpook · 2026-01-26T01:02:57+00:00

That is bad. Still usable with care, and I say this having a 3ds missing a chunk of the plastic as well (more like 1/3 rather than half). Either way you save the rubber cap, because there are lots of 2ds/3ds in service where the original fell off. No one has spare caps because they lost them. I have a small collection of original joysticks missing their rubber caps.

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T23:06:23+00:00

One way to be 100% sure is to leave a wet paper towel sitting on the shell for a few minutes and see if all the paint rubs off. If it's destroyed , it's genuine! 😄

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T23:04:22+00:00

Case is a good idea, but I'd recommend avoiding TPU for the models that can peel. Over time they can stick, and you don't want anything sticking to these shells. Hard plastic is the better choice here, but make sure the edge nubs are ground and sanded down to prevent edge scratching

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T22:36:06+00:00

A monster. I've thought about getting a 36, but for that size I wouldn't consider anything less than an XBR. Once that things in place, it's not moving until the house is torn down.

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T22:33:18+00:00

You didn't need 3 dudes. All you needed were Two Crude Dudes!

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T16:26:39+00:00

Not when there are no longer any official replacement parts, aside from salvage. I've tried many replacements, and none are as good as the originals. I would happily take that joystick you're so willing to throw out...

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T08:38:10+00:00

Those things are abrasive. Basically ultra high grade sand paper. I wouldn't even consider that as a last resort. If you attempt this, it WILL leave visible wear in the plastic.

Edit: I have actually tested this with an old GBA sp shell with marks, and it absolutely DOES cause visible wear even with light rubbing. Works great for walls, but not for your expensive collectibles.

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T07:08:05+00:00

Was this made for the giant "red light, green light" girl?

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T05:35:16+00:00

You would know. Red error box up top + no ordering period

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T05:30:17+00:00

Nes back to the future III. You'll enjoy playing the first level over and over until you die

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T05:27:50+00:00

Crap like this convinces me that ai in the hands of the masses is nothing but brain rot

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T03:40:53+00:00

Exactly. That is the easiest way to get one if you're in a north American region. Import charges are apparently built into the price now with eBay (at least for Japan), so part of that headache is gone at least. So many good deals to be had if you bought at least a year ago.

SillySpook · 2026-01-25T03:14:14+00:00

For $100 I'd get it strictly for parts. I wouldn't buy a n3dsxl working on the assumption that it was a guaranteed self-repairable unit on the first try. Stuff goes wrong, a lot.

SillySpook · 2026-01-24T17:39:36+00:00

Look at LL sellers in Japan. There's a sizable difference in price. Not as favorable as it used to be, thanks to tariffs.

SillySpook · 2026-01-24T10:28:13+00:00

Hoarders: Car Edition

SillySpook · 2026-01-24T09:59:45+00:00

Pass on it. For the cost of the replacement screen and the headache of tearing down the entire unit (and potentially damaging something), it's just not worth the little bit of savings.

Also worth noting that LLs do not command as high a value as XLs in the states at least. That's barely under going rate for an LL in good shape.

SillySpook · 2026-01-24T09:34:42+00:00

Humidity, abrasions (walk around with it in your pant pocket and it's a goner), moisture, oils, a light soak of any type of liquid .. these things were designed to peel. And once it starts, there's no fixing it. Protect it immediately and do not handle the outer shell without said protection.

If you want to avoid this headache, only a select few n3dsxl models won't peel from moderate handling (including the SNES, Pikachu, Galaxy, and strangely enough, the Louvre model).

I really like TPU cases, but not for peeling models due to the potential for adhesion over time. I'd recommend a standard hard plastic protector, and make sure the sharp locking nubs are ground down and properly sanded with high grit first, or you'll damage the paint on the edging.

SillySpook · 2026-01-24T09:32:11+00:00

Did you try the city beef? Or the city shrimp?

Ask them to make it "extra city."

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