Got a problem with my US 3DS. Battery won't charge at all. After trying a new battery and charging it in both the cradle and AC out I can only really conclude it's blown a fuse internally or something. Sending it to Nintendo isn't an option 'cus I got it from some fly-by-night on eBay for a crazy low price. Anyway, it'd be awesome if you guys could recommend somewhere in the UK I could post it to for a no-nonsense repair (rather than taking it to some mobile phone accessory shop that'll probably destroy it). I've done a little research but I reckon you guys are the best to ask.
Bonus points for ghetto fixes I could try myself, but I have rudimentary at best soldering skills...
Console repair recommendations UK
Re: Console repair recommendations UK
Weird problem. Even though it's a US model have you tried phoning Nintendo to ask if they have heard of the problem before? Maybe it can be identified.
They likely won't help you with repairs if you tell them it's a US model (Sony basically told me to get lost regarding my PS3 that worked for a whole two weeks) but there's a possibility they may be aware of such issues and can direct you to the cause and resolution.
They likely won't help you with repairs if you tell them it's a US model (Sony basically told me to get lost regarding my PS3 that worked for a whole two weeks) but there's a possibility they may be aware of such issues and can direct you to the cause and resolution.
Always outnumbered, never outgunned - No zuo no die
ChurchOfSolipsism wrote: ALso, this is how SKykid usually posts
Re: Console repair recommendations UK
I've done a fair bit of research in to this. Seems even the Nintendo site admits this is a fairly common problem. Usually it's because the charge port has come away from the PCB, in which case charging from the cradle should work. I then bought a (Nyko?) battery that's charged on a proprietary base, ie directly charging the battery. Even then this doesn't seem to work: the unit won't switch on even with a fully charged battery. Seems if it's not a problem with the port, there's a blown fuse (which is indicated by the red charge light coming on for a few seconds, but the console itself not booting). Annoying, because this is outside of the capability of my feeble skill set/tools. I figure there must be SOMEWHERE in the UK I could send this to. Or even take a day trip and visit if it's in or around London...
Doubly annoying because this is the first problem I've ever had with a Nintendo handheld. My fat Gameboys that I've gigged with and dropped and soaked in beer still work fine, bah.
Doubly annoying because this is the first problem I've ever had with a Nintendo handheld. My fat Gameboys that I've gigged with and dropped and soaked in beer still work fine, bah.
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PC Engine Fan X!
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Re: Console repair recommendations UK
I own one of those all-black colored USA region 3DS...haven't had any problems with charging it with the official 120v AC adapter setup. I definitely make sure that it doesn't fall down when charging on a dresser shelving and the like. By using a 3rd-party multi GBA/NDS/3DS AC adapter, it takes less time to charge up but doesn't last as long per charge is the only stipulation/factor to consider. I've noticed that with the official 3DS AC adapter, it takes longer to charge but ends up lasting longer per charge. Such a trade-off when it comes to charging the 3DS either way.
I still haven't seen Nintendo's 1st party NDS or 3DS/3DS-XL replacement battery packs for sale in the retail stores...you'd think they'd do so with their 3DS/3DS-XL handhelds being sold but it's no cigar these days.
Perhaps you need another one to take the place of your old one, MX7? My local Gamestop sells them on the cheap but with the condition of the screens is anybody's guess (assuming if they applied screen protectors upon getting it brand new or not is another deciding factor). Or would you rather get a brand new USA region 3DS or 3DS-XL instead? The newer USA region 3DS-XL variants are the ones currently being sold in stores right now (including the all-black colored 3DS-XL version). The cheapest price that I've personally seen for a brand new USA region 3DS-XL was at $129.99 USD as a one week special deal (but that was during the 2013 Christmas shopping season and they're back to their regular selling price of $179.99 USD nowadays).
Yeah, I reckon it'd be best for Nintendo to take a look at it and with their expertise, fix it but since it's out of warranty/different country region -- both issues to take into consideration. I'm not sure what they'd charge to fix it though.
PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
I still haven't seen Nintendo's 1st party NDS or 3DS/3DS-XL replacement battery packs for sale in the retail stores...you'd think they'd do so with their 3DS/3DS-XL handhelds being sold but it's no cigar these days.
Perhaps you need another one to take the place of your old one, MX7? My local Gamestop sells them on the cheap but with the condition of the screens is anybody's guess (assuming if they applied screen protectors upon getting it brand new or not is another deciding factor). Or would you rather get a brand new USA region 3DS or 3DS-XL instead? The newer USA region 3DS-XL variants are the ones currently being sold in stores right now (including the all-black colored 3DS-XL version). The cheapest price that I've personally seen for a brand new USA region 3DS-XL was at $129.99 USD as a one week special deal (but that was during the 2013 Christmas shopping season and they're back to their regular selling price of $179.99 USD nowadays).
Yeah, I reckon it'd be best for Nintendo to take a look at it and with their expertise, fix it but since it's out of warranty/different country region -- both issues to take into consideration. I'm not sure what they'd charge to fix it though.
PC Engine Fan X! ^_~
Re: Console repair recommendations UK
I have a problem with my NTSC Front Loader NES that I got at a garage sale. The system powers on fine and the picture looks normal, but the controller doesn't do anything. I opened it up and checked the controller ports and everything looks fine. The controller works fine on other consoles too. I then noticed that there are a few thruholes where the ppu is inserted that have missing contacts. It seems as though they were torn off. Again, the picture looks fine, but nothing happens after the menu screen pops on. Is there any way to fix the contacts, or to wire a direct connection? I have no idea of the schematics.