DS Lite Self Repair

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Here's the story: I sold my DS Lite over a year ago for some extra cash, but now that HGSS and BW have come out, I decided to buy another one. I got a great deal on eBay, paying only $35 for a fully-functional DS, with the only problem of a broken hinge. From what it sounds like, it's a relatively easy fix -- I can either use a non-Nintendo repair service for $20, buy a crystal case, or buy a shell kit and do the repairs myself.

While I've bought myself a hard crystal case, I'm also considering buying a shell kit and making the DS look brand-new -- I'm compulsive like that. I've seen some do-it-yourself videos on Youtube, and I've had experience fixing laptops and small speakers before and I'm confident I can do it. The warranty on the DS expired so I'm not worried about voiding it, either. My only question is if any of you have ever tried it, and what your results were.
 
I havn't done it myself, but can you explain to me what a shell case is? my original DS has the same problem, and if you Do/can fix it can you lmk. thanks
 
The shell case is basically the outer covering -- you can buy it on eBay for varying price. Used ones are sold by top or bottom and cost ~3 bucks, while you can get kits complete with a replacement screen, hinge, buttons, the screwdriver needed to dissemble the DS, etc. for ~13 bucks. International sellers usually have over 40 covers to choose from -- it's actually kind of fun looking, as some people replace the case just for a change.

If I choose to go down the self-repair route and do it successfully, I'll let you know!
 
The hinge can be annoying, but it's hardly a problem, I've got a couple friends who's DS's have that problem. I'd snag it.
 
I agree with Lordy. The hinge issue really isn't a massive problem. If you do decide to do a shell swap, you'll be fine. Seeing as how you have experience in working with laptop and small speaker hardware, this is the perfect mod for you. Good luck! post the results.
 
My hinge has broken on the 3rd DS I've had! I had the original one, hinge broke and touch screen wouldn't work, so I don't have it anymore. Then I got a DS lite, hinge broke and L button doesn't work, so I traded it in for another DS lite (used) and the hinge is broken on this one too! But I'm one of those weak girls that has absolutely no experience with tools.....so could I just get it repaired at GameStop?
 
I really doubt most GameStops would be in the DS repair business but it wouldn't hurt to ask I guess.
 
Where would I go to fix it? I really don't want to ship it to Nintendo or anything like that, but I guess I could if I really have to and I want to keep my DS from falling apart :\
 
No, he doesn't mean shipping it to eBay or someone on eBay, rather buying the parts and doing the repairs yourself.
 
I replaced the shell case on my brother's Gameboy Advance SP. It wasn't all that difficult, but it was a pain getting the parts to fit back in the shell. I was younger at the time, and I didn't have a whole lot of patience, but I can't imagine the DS would be that difficult.
 
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