Thrifty Thinking: DSi Repair (Guest Post)

Note: the following is a guest post. Even if you don't have a DSi, scroll to the bottom for tips on what to do if your electronic device gets wet.

Also, he's sent me a video about ewaste, and this post is "thrifty thinking" because it's often cheaper (and better for the environment) to repair rather than replace devices.

Nintendo DSi Repair Services and more

I not-so-recently had an email exchange with Jolyn, a mother of an 11 year old if I remember correctly, about Nintendo DSi repair and thought I'd share my findings. First of all let me clarify, our repair service options don't include DSi repair and my primary expertise is with smartphone repair. It is safe to say though that if you can repair some of the phones manufactured today, you can dig into just about anything. From what I've found the Nintendo DSi is no exception, in fact, it seems to be a relatively inexpensive and not-so-difficult DIY repair for those who are brave enough to try. In discovering this, I'm thinking we should include this repair within our services, so thanks to Jolyn for giving me a potentially valuable lead to explore.

The size and shape of the DSi is very similar to the DS Lite. It is slightly thinner, longer and wider and also has a roughness to it that makes for a better grip and provides enhanced scratch resistance. It was surprising to see that the camera is only 0.3 megapixels because the majority of phones in the marketplace now have a minimum of 1.3 megapixels.

This is an extremely easy device to disassemble for anyone who has experience tearing their gadgets apart. Compared to smartphones, and even the easiest of such iPhone repair models (3G and 3Gs), this device is much simpler. Not too many tools are required to take it apart, even if you are digging into the motherboard. The tools needed include plastic opening tools, Phillips #00 screwdriver, spudger and metal tweezers. So if you don't own any of these the tools will cost around $10.

As far as parts, the most expensive part I've seen involves the entire outer shell. This will run in the $30 range. Jolyn mentioned her friends screen is stuck on red, which indicates screen repair needed for LCD damage. From the research I've done, this is typically the top LCD that has gone bad but there is also a bottom LCD. The top LCD is the ëtouch LCD. Parts cost from $20 to $30. All other parts for possible issues (camera, Wi-fi, speakers, battery) are less expensive and the repairs are not too difficult. There are shops that offer parts and walk-in or mail-in services. If you order a part for DIY repair from one of these places, it is smart to ask them what exactly you should be ordering. If they are selling the part, they probably can help in this regard. eBay always has some great deals as well but you always run the risk of buying used parts (which can be fine) and the person may not provide the needed help to guide you.

One final note, if your DSi or any other electronics device gets dropped in water, turn it off immediately. Then remove the battery. Then leave it open and don't touch it for 72 hours or until completely dry. Once corrosion builds, your device can be in serious trouble and many repair services don't do a great job at repair this. It is imperative that water damage with any personal electronics is treated this way.

Nintendo offers repair services as well. You would have to inquire with them about the details but the warranty appears to cover many parts failures for 1 year. A quick search in Google can find you repair manuals, videos, parts and tools. Kudos to Nintendo for building a device that is relatively easy to fix compared to past models. We will also be looking into this service, as it seems easy and helpful to a whole bunch of folks looking to save a few bucks and provide their kids with entertainment.