Replacing DS Lite Case

Mr E

I got a replacement case from consolesandgadgets.co.uk for my DS Lite (my hinge cracked). I have all the tools needed (including a tri-wing screwdriver). No instructions with it, so I looked it up on youtube. To say it looks daunting is an understatement. There are some fiddly bits, and the potential to break connectors and even brick the DS.

Has anyone done it? How hard is it to actually replace the case?

witnessmenow

Hey Mr E,

Did you order the same colour as your broken case?

I presume its the hinge that has the power LEDs on them?

I'll pm you some information later on this evening

Mr E

I got a lovely metallic red case to replace my plain old white one.

After watching a youtube video last night -- (the same one that someone posted here earlier this evening, then deleted again - thank you masked stranger, way ahead of you) -- I saw how easy it would be to feck it up (especially the flat wire connection to the motherboard).

I'm going on holidays next week, and I need my DS for that. I've no problem with DIY or electronics, so when I get back I'll have a stab at it. I just wanted to know if anyone had done it and how hard they found the process...

witnessmenow

I wrote this out as a pm for a guy a few months back and have sent it on to a few people since, hope it helps.

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Instructions:

I found the video i used to learn how to open them (oh the memories )

I haven't seen anything better than this since, its pretty good.


What you'll need:

• A DS screw driver
• A Precision screw driver kit too. I used these when I started first and they do the job pretty decent, I got a different set since , but they are quite dear (relatively speaking!). There is ones on DX too, but i cant comment on them since i've never used them.
• Time
• A small nail file

The Case:

I've used a good few of these at this stage and they are basically all the same, they nearly all require a bit of modding to get them to work (filing excess plastic off them).


Extra tips:

USE THE OLD SCREWS!!! The ones that come with cases are pretty crap. You can use them but the other ones are much better.

Be gentle with the ribbon cable of the top screen, its a fragile little flower

You do not need to remove the bottom screen from the mother board when replacing the case, same goes for the touch pad.

Remove the rubber pads that cover the screws with the small flat head screw driver from the precision kit

The majority of dismantling the Lite is easy. Pay close attention to how the the L&R buttons and there spring is set up. Also pay attention to the black and white cable are running, as its best to route it back that way when your done.

the tricky part is getting the ribbon cable of the top screen through the top half of the case. you need to roll it up so it can go through. its easiest if the black and white cable aren't in the way.

Let me know how you get on. If there is anything you need to ask fire ahead.

Also dont be too worried when trying to fix it, there really isn't anything you could break that isn't fixable (unless you go out of your way!)

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Mr E

Thanks for that. Do you have spare ribbon cables if I need to get one? (Worst case scenario)

I'll leave this until after my hols (my DS is fine, the hinge is cracked), so I'll let you know in a few weeks how it goes.

witnessmenow

Ribbon cable is part of the top screen, so it cant be replaced on its own, but top screens are pretty cheap (~€10 or so). I do have top screens that i can sort you out with if it goes belly up


Also i didnt mention in the above, but while i think of it now. Its easier to get the ribbon cable through when the top screen is not in place(as in not sitting in its final resting spot). Also if possible, some cotton gloves or something would be a big plus when handling the screen, cause its easily smudged and difficult to wipe off once the ribbon cable is through.

You dont need to solder when your replacing the case, but you will if you need to replace the screen (very easy solder points though)

Im thinking of making a youtube video after college is finished on how to do it, There is lots of videos how to take the DS apart, but few about how to put it back again!

majiktripp

Mr E wrote: »

(the same one that someone posted here earlier this evening, then deleted again - thank you masked stranger, way ahead of you.

That would be me, thought I was great! Then read your ENTIRE post, realised my idiocy and went and sat in the corner..

Don't think I'd have the bottle to go about replacing the cover myself now, maybe when I get the wear out of the Ds lite I will, just for the sake of it.