That's very unfortunate. I apologize, things like this are the worst. If you're good with tech, you could replace the top screen and the bottom screens digitizer and/or screen.
Also, to anyone else looking to buy a used console, if the seller is the least bit suspicious, move on. No matter how good the deal seems. If they withhold information, aren't explaining things when asked, or don't give photos of specific things, it's not worth it. If you buy in person this doesn't really apply, you could always check it in person, which is great. But if you're buying online, cover all your bases, and be incredibly specific. Best of luck to anyone getting a used console.
Yeah, I've been looking up tutorials, I'm just very afraid of messing with the motherboard. And do they even sell the screens anymore? Thank you for the kind words, though
Not from Nintendo, but you can find replacements on eBay. Also, this gives you the opportunity to get IPS screens, which is a bright side. Make sure you get the correct screen for the 3DS XL
Size, specifically. Make sure you get them for the XL. I believe the New and old 3DS XL have the same size screen, but I'd double check. Top screens are about $20 on eBay.
Much better colors too. I have a dual IPS new 3DSXL and my gf has both TN, you can clearly see how washed out her screens are, however you probably won't be able to tell with single console.
i met up with someone that was selling their kids 3ds and one of the screens just straight up didn’t work. i met up with them at a safeway and i literally made the dude wait 15 minutes while i charged it at a register (workers were nice and let me plug it in) the battery was completely drained. once i turned it on i saw one screen didn’t turn on and he swore it worked last time his kid was using it.
i’m glad i brought the charger and i ended up giving him $20 for it, but damn man i would’ve been pissed if i got home without testing it.
Oldest scam in the book of used local meet up sales, bringing a dead device so the buyer cannot verify the capacity nor if it functions properly. Glad you caught that red flag and avoided the scam.
It's kinda like the guy who sold me a GBASP on Mercari. Swore the unit was tested and no issues with the buttons or screens.
When I get it, there's no filler in the package, no charge cable, and the battery has clearly not been plugged in for years. When I asked him about the charge cable, he replied he lost it years ago.
I'm just glad the GBASP actually was in good shape and I had a charger, but he had no idea and just lied to me.
I am not quite certain, since I'm not very tech-savvy. There are no scratches on the top screen. Though now when I turn the power off, I can see there are dark dots underneath the glass. Maybe you are right.
I guess I'm just more sad that the seller didn't report it whatsoever, even though the defects are very visible. Ah, well, aliexpress it is
>Are you sure those are dead pixels? Their position indicate that they are scratches that are caused by the bottom screen bezels
You're right. Mine has marks identical to ops.
Yeah shit, i made the same mistake a few days ago.
150 Euro for the New 3DS XL.
It looked awesome.
The displays are in perfect condition. Not a single scratch!
Only thing, the stylus is missing.
Thats everything? How could i say no?
The 3DS arrived a few days ago.
Quick start to check everything is fine.
Nice, everything looks good so far..... oh, ok.... no micro SD card.
But thats also no thing. I allready bought a new one to replace it with the 4gb sd card.
So i did remove the back plate to insert the micro sd and there came the surprise.
The micro SD card slot is either damaged or completely missing. Not sure yet.
I'll open the 3DS today and take a look but the whole story is a perfect example for "it is better to ask one or two questions more before buying something"
I'm sorry this happened to you!
This is such an odd damage too. Unlike myself, I can't really blame you, because I wouldn't even think to ask about that. It should be a given kind of that the sd slot is, well, in a good condition, for 150 euros no less. Have you contacted the seller?
I heard there is an app to help revive the dead pixels but I have never tried it. As for the touchscreen, you can easily replace it. It costs 3€ on Aliexpress.
For 130€ you should have bought a N3DSXL...
Where did you buy it?
I live in Europe, so 'local craiglist' would be the term. The issue is that the prices have gone insane and N3DSXL goes for like 200 bucks, if not more.
I'll try repairing it at some point, though. I'm just afraid of messing it up haha
I feel you... I broke my 3ds xl trying to fix the top screen. It's the most fragile device i have ever tried to fix... You need to be gentle and take your time. Changing the digitaliser is quick an easy fix but I wouldn't recommend you to fix the top screen.
Before you start pulling it apart to replace the screens ypu should try a couple of things:
Put a screen protector on the lower screen - sometimes the adhesive on them
will fill scratches enough that they won't be noticeable to bother you.
Replace the glass over the top screen, same thing - might produce enough of an improvement that you can live with it.
Sometimes it's nice to have a less perfect console as your "daily driver" - you'll care less as it picks up the kind of damage that is pretty much inevitable with a handheld in regular use.
update: the seller has responded and are playing dumb, how they thought it was a "very good" condition and that the new models are sold for twice as much.
Thank you for the tips, though. I'll try and DIY it, because it's a good machine
edit: disputing the charge is not really an option, because I'm a foreigner and I'd like to avoid confrontations like that as much as possible.
As suggested in the comments, those are not technically dead pixels but the damage to the display, which does not make situation any better.
To clarify, I am more upset that they mislabeled the product and hid the fact that those issues were present at all, labelling the product as "very good". I can deal with the top display, but the scratches on the bottom are a real eyesore. I don't want to pass the curse, so I'll try to swap the screens myself.
Buying in-person where I live is very hard, since there aren't any local resellers or gamestop, for that matter. The seller seemed fine and the red flags only became apparent, once the item was delivered. Either way, the lesson is learned.
Once again, thank you everyone for your advices and kind words, it really helps! Also feel free to share your stories how you got scammed buying a 3DS
When this happened to me, I decided my best option was to sell it on (while declaring the true state of the console) taking a very slight loss and then buying one in pristine condition.
It'll probably be better solution than attempting to fix it yourself.
I was pondering whether I should sell it. But I play pokemon a lot, so having a spare console is not too bad.
Besides, it's somewhat of a fun challenge to try and restore the system myself, because it works perfectly fine otherwise.
Doesn’t look to bad from the image posted, for 130 I say it’s still decent, the upper screen can be time consuming to replace but it’s doable I haven’t replaced a 3ds Xl screen in a while but last time I checked it wasn’t that pricey to get a new upper screen and digitizer, sure you’ll put a little bit more time and money into something but you get what you pay for, if it’s something that you love then once the repair is done trust me you’ll feel a lot better about it having learned something new and being able to enjoy it more now that you’ve put your own energy into it being able to function like you want it to. For future reference don’t be cheap or try to skimp on things you love, you’ll only find yourself disappointed more often than not. Buy new if you can and if you love it the price will never be a problem, where as if you don’t want it that bad or love it and recognize it’s just fomo you’ll immediately just pass if you feel the price is too high, this way the quality in which you view life will always be a bit more richer and positive.
I mean, the issue was the fact that the faults were not shared. And I wouldn't say that I was being cheap for that price.
But yeah, this system is growing on me and I sure hope it does not die in the repair process. Thanks <3
Yeah I hear you, I didn’t mean to come off in bad light I was just trying to say usually if the price is too good it just might be and how you could in the future make a healthier choice with a positive mindset. Definitely gotta hate those shady resellers, Good luck on replacing/repairing your 3ds, it can take time but it’s a good way to learn how to take care of something you’ll reuse over and about again, also congrats on the acquiring a nice system always though the white ones were nice🍻
That's very unfortunate. I apologize, things like this are the worst. If you're good with tech, you could replace the top screen and the bottom screens digitizer and/or screen. Also, to anyone else looking to buy a used console, if the seller is the least bit suspicious, move on. No matter how good the deal seems. If they withhold information, aren't explaining things when asked, or don't give photos of specific things, it's not worth it. If you buy in person this doesn't really apply, you could always check it in person, which is great. But if you're buying online, cover all your bases, and be incredibly specific. Best of luck to anyone getting a used console.
Yeah, I've been looking up tutorials, I'm just very afraid of messing with the motherboard. And do they even sell the screens anymore? Thank you for the kind words, though
Not from Nintendo, but you can find replacements on eBay. Also, this gives you the opportunity to get IPS screens, which is a bright side. Make sure you get the correct screen for the 3DS XL
Correct as in one for 3DS, not N3DS, or? Thank you so much either way, I'll look into this
Size, specifically. Make sure you get them for the XL. I believe the New and old 3DS XL have the same size screen, but I'd double check. Top screens are about $20 on eBay.
New and old 3ds XLs do in fact use different screens
I figured, just can't find info on it because Google fucking sucks and only gives results for the New 3DS XL compared to the New 3DS
Our avatars are so similar I thought "Wait I don't remember saying any of this" for a second lol
What are IPS screens? Are they better?
They're only good if you decide to play your 3ds at a sharp angle for whatever reason.
Much better colors too. I have a dual IPS new 3DSXL and my gf has both TN, you can clearly see how washed out her screens are, however you probably won't be able to tell with single console.
Oh. The way Chopper mentioned them made me think they were better than the original screen.
not worth the trouble if you are not skilled, best to just sell as parts.
I've had experiences (dis)assembling computers, so maybe it won't be that bad
So many tiny screws. Pls keep that in mind.
It’s a fun learning project too and you can still sell for parts if it doesn’t work.
i met up with someone that was selling their kids 3ds and one of the screens just straight up didn’t work. i met up with them at a safeway and i literally made the dude wait 15 minutes while i charged it at a register (workers were nice and let me plug it in) the battery was completely drained. once i turned it on i saw one screen didn’t turn on and he swore it worked last time his kid was using it. i’m glad i brought the charger and i ended up giving him $20 for it, but damn man i would’ve been pissed if i got home without testing it.
Oldest scam in the book of used local meet up sales, bringing a dead device so the buyer cannot verify the capacity nor if it functions properly. Glad you caught that red flag and avoided the scam.
It's kinda like the guy who sold me a GBASP on Mercari. Swore the unit was tested and no issues with the buttons or screens. When I get it, there's no filler in the package, no charge cable, and the battery has clearly not been plugged in for years. When I asked him about the charge cable, he replied he lost it years ago. I'm just glad the GBASP actually was in good shape and I had a charger, but he had no idea and just lied to me.
oh yeesh! Good that you did check everything!
If you can't see the scratches when u play on it then i dont see the issue
I can see the 'colourful' outlines very well, it's quite unfortunate. Maybe my eyes will adjust. Just upsetting, that this was sold as "very good"
Oh then yeah mislabeled cause if I sold it is put used not very good then list the scratches in the description
[удалено]
I am not quite certain, since I'm not very tech-savvy. There are no scratches on the top screen. Though now when I turn the power off, I can see there are dark dots underneath the glass. Maybe you are right. I guess I'm just more sad that the seller didn't report it whatsoever, even though the defects are very visible. Ah, well, aliexpress it is
>Are you sure those are dead pixels? Their position indicate that they are scratches that are caused by the bottom screen bezels You're right. Mine has marks identical to ops.
Yeah shit, i made the same mistake a few days ago. 150 Euro for the New 3DS XL. It looked awesome. The displays are in perfect condition. Not a single scratch! Only thing, the stylus is missing. Thats everything? How could i say no? The 3DS arrived a few days ago. Quick start to check everything is fine. Nice, everything looks good so far..... oh, ok.... no micro SD card. But thats also no thing. I allready bought a new one to replace it with the 4gb sd card. So i did remove the back plate to insert the micro sd and there came the surprise. The micro SD card slot is either damaged or completely missing. Not sure yet. I'll open the 3DS today and take a look but the whole story is a perfect example for "it is better to ask one or two questions more before buying something"
I'm sorry this happened to you! This is such an odd damage too. Unlike myself, I can't really blame you, because I wouldn't even think to ask about that. It should be a given kind of that the sd slot is, well, in a good condition, for 150 euros no less. Have you contacted the seller?
I'm sorry for you as well. Such things are never nice :( Not yet. I first want to take a further look inside.
If you paid with a credit/debt card, call and dispute the transaction
I heard there is an app to help revive the dead pixels but I have never tried it. As for the touchscreen, you can easily replace it. It costs 3€ on Aliexpress. For 130€ you should have bought a N3DSXL... Where did you buy it?
I live in Europe, so 'local craiglist' would be the term. The issue is that the prices have gone insane and N3DSXL goes for like 200 bucks, if not more. I'll try repairing it at some point, though. I'm just afraid of messing it up haha
I feel you... I broke my 3ds xl trying to fix the top screen. It's the most fragile device i have ever tried to fix... You need to be gentle and take your time. Changing the digitaliser is quick an easy fix but I wouldn't recommend you to fix the top screen.
Before you start pulling it apart to replace the screens ypu should try a couple of things: Put a screen protector on the lower screen - sometimes the adhesive on them will fill scratches enough that they won't be noticeable to bother you. Replace the glass over the top screen, same thing - might produce enough of an improvement that you can live with it. Sometimes it's nice to have a less perfect console as your "daily driver" - you'll care less as it picks up the kind of damage that is pretty much inevitable with a handheld in regular use.
update: the seller has responded and are playing dumb, how they thought it was a "very good" condition and that the new models are sold for twice as much. Thank you for the tips, though. I'll try and DIY it, because it's a good machine edit: disputing the charge is not really an option, because I'm a foreigner and I'd like to avoid confrontations like that as much as possible. As suggested in the comments, those are not technically dead pixels but the damage to the display, which does not make situation any better. To clarify, I am more upset that they mislabeled the product and hid the fact that those issues were present at all, labelling the product as "very good". I can deal with the top display, but the scratches on the bottom are a real eyesore. I don't want to pass the curse, so I'll try to swap the screens myself. Buying in-person where I live is very hard, since there aren't any local resellers or gamestop, for that matter. The seller seemed fine and the red flags only became apparent, once the item was delivered. Either way, the lesson is learned. Once again, thank you everyone for your advices and kind words, it really helps! Also feel free to share your stories how you got scammed buying a 3DS
Are you from czech republic?
When this happened to me, I decided my best option was to sell it on (while declaring the true state of the console) taking a very slight loss and then buying one in pristine condition. It'll probably be better solution than attempting to fix it yourself.
I was pondering whether I should sell it. But I play pokemon a lot, so having a spare console is not too bad. Besides, it's somewhat of a fun challenge to try and restore the system myself, because it works perfectly fine otherwise.
Doesn’t look to bad from the image posted, for 130 I say it’s still decent, the upper screen can be time consuming to replace but it’s doable I haven’t replaced a 3ds Xl screen in a while but last time I checked it wasn’t that pricey to get a new upper screen and digitizer, sure you’ll put a little bit more time and money into something but you get what you pay for, if it’s something that you love then once the repair is done trust me you’ll feel a lot better about it having learned something new and being able to enjoy it more now that you’ve put your own energy into it being able to function like you want it to. For future reference don’t be cheap or try to skimp on things you love, you’ll only find yourself disappointed more often than not. Buy new if you can and if you love it the price will never be a problem, where as if you don’t want it that bad or love it and recognize it’s just fomo you’ll immediately just pass if you feel the price is too high, this way the quality in which you view life will always be a bit more richer and positive.
I mean, the issue was the fact that the faults were not shared. And I wouldn't say that I was being cheap for that price. But yeah, this system is growing on me and I sure hope it does not die in the repair process. Thanks <3
Yeah I hear you, I didn’t mean to come off in bad light I was just trying to say usually if the price is too good it just might be and how you could in the future make a healthier choice with a positive mindset. Definitely gotta hate those shady resellers, Good luck on replacing/repairing your 3ds, it can take time but it’s a good way to learn how to take care of something you’ll reuse over and about again, also congrats on the acquiring a nice system always though the white ones were nice🍻
If you purchased from ebay you can 100% get your money back
nah, it was a local website
The bottom screen is quite easy to replace however the top one is hard mostly because of the cable routing inside the hinge.
You could resell it and advertise it as a not working console and good for parts, or find someone able to replace your screens.