Black DS Lite - Fix or Replace?

[kaedesdisciple]

I've had a black DS Lite for a few years and it has gone through some heavy usage. The screens, body and slots are fine, it's just the buttons that are a little spotty now. The cross pad is flakier than usual on diagonals and I really have to press some of the action buttons hard to make them work. In your opinion, is it easy/worth repairing or should I just get a whole new console? I'm fairly comfortable with small repairs and have a bit of spare time, but not that much.

[cityside75]

I've done a few case replacements on DS Phats and Lites. I'd suggest it's probably not worth the time at this point. The process itself isn't the hardest thing I've done, but it's definitely no cakewalk and there's a reasonable chance you will break the DS in the process (especially the Lite which has a really tricky and fragile ribbon cable that has to run just right between the top half and the bottom half).

A few years ago when these sold for more, I felt it was worth it. But with good condition used Lites selling locally for $50-$60 I just think it's better to replace it. You could probably sell your current Lite as-is on ebay and make a few bucks back towards a new one as well.

Edit - If you want to try opening it up to clean the button contacts, that might be worth it and doesn't require dismantling the whole thing if I recall correctly. You'll need a tri-wing screwdriver to open up the case though.

[omp!]

You can by replacement contacts off ebay for cheap, the contacts (rubber) may be torn.

[alec006]

Mmm, honestly a new one would be better route, unless you just love taking things apart and fixing them but the DSi is really a pain in the ass to fix. There's also the send to Nintendo option, but I believe that now costs more than just buying a brand new one.