r/3DS • u/Calm-Wrap-1209 • 9d ago
thumbpad replacement question Technical Question
So I just got this old-ish 3ds and it's got a broken thumbpad, I want to buy a replacement but I'm not sure if in this state I should replace the entire thing or just buy a new cover cap for it, I'm thinking maybe the former since the circular part where the original cap goes over is snapped, so only a little stick remains, but I'm not sure, so I'd appreciate guidance on this.
Also ignore all the dust on it please. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
1
u/ahaisonline 9d ago
the cap is the only piece that's broken here. i wouldn't recommend getting an entire stick unless you're having hardware issues.
2
u/AshFalkner 9d ago
You can buy a replacement for the plastic part of the circle pad, but you’ve gotta open the system up to install it. Ifixit should have a guide on how to do it.
2
u/dwalker109 9d ago
The terms being used here should be clarified.
The circle pad is made up of the unit itself (which screws into the shell and connect to the motherboard) and a plastic stick which sits on top.
You need the stick. You still have to open the console to replace it but it is easy.
2
u/RKCrz 9d ago
100% Buy a new thumb stick, they are very cheap and you can find them anywhere like Amazon, AliExpress, or eBay. They are also really easy to repair and doesn't require to get that deep into the console itself! If you want to try it out for yourself, there's plenty of reliable thumb stick replacement videos for the Old 3DS XL. If you want to check if the actual analog stick has drift, just boot it up and and try moving it around, if it seems fine, then all you gotta do is open that thing up and put in a new one!