Before you can fix something you first must know what it wrong with it. Use this section to diagnose what is wrong with your DS Lite and what parts you need to fix it. Scroll down to see the correct DS diagnosis for given symptoms.
The Ultimate DS Lite Repair Guide
Hinge is broken & unit doesn’t work
The most common DS repair. The corner of the case has broken, the hinge and/or axis has been damaged and/or lost, and the top LCD screen ribbon cable that runs through the left hinge has been damaged. You will need a new case, a new hinge axis, and a new top LCD screen. You can purchase these 3 items at a discounted price and view repair/installation instructions here as part of a repair bundle, DS Lite Case, Top Screen & Hinge Repair Bundle
Hinge is broken but otherwise unit functions
The corner of the case has broken, the hinge axis has been damaged and/or lost, but the ribbon cable that runs through the left hinge has not been damaged. You will need a new case, and a new hinge axis. You can purchase these 2 items at a discounted price and view repair/installation instructions here as part of a repair bundle, DS Lite Case & Hinge Repair Bundle
Touch screen is not responding, is scratched or cracked
The DS touch screen is damaged, please visit the DS Lite Touch Screen product page to view installation/repair instructions.
Bottom display not working, but otherwise unit is functioning
The bottom LCD screen is damaged, please visit the DS Lite Bottom LCD Screen product page to view installation/repair instructions.
Top display not working, but otherwise unit is functioning
The top LCD screen is damaged, please visit the DS Lite Top LCD Screen product page to view installation/repair instructions.
Hinge has lost is ‘stiffness’ & the top section won’t stay in place, but there is no visible damage and the unit is functioning
The hinge and/or axis is broken and needs replacing, please visit the DS Lite Hinge & Axis product page to view installation/repair instructions.
Directional, start, select, or A, B, X, Y buttons aren’t responding
Button rubber backing pads have worn out and need replacing. Please visit the DS Lite Button Rubber Backings product page to view installation/repair instructions.
Games not registering
The DS unit is not registering game cartridges. The game socket has been damaged and needs replacing. Often when you look closely into the game socket one or more of the prongs are visibly bent. Other times there is no visible damage, in these cases the prongs have lost their spring and are no longer making a good contact with game cartridge contacts. Please visit the DS Lite Slot-1 Game Socket product page to view installation/repair instructions.
When the power switch is flicked the green light flashes briefly before turning off, and the screens may flicker briefly also, but there no visible damage to the console
One of the LCD screen ribbon cables is damaged. You will need to replace either the top or bottom LCD screen. As the bottom screen is easier to replace we recommend trying to replace the bottom screen first and see if this resolves the issues, if it doesn’t then try replacing the top LCD screen. Please visit the DS Lite Top LCD Screen & DS Lite Bottom LCD Screen product pages to view installation/repair instructions.
Battery doesn’t charge or goes flat very quickly
The battery is faulty, please visit DS Lite Replacement 2000mAh Battery product page to view installation instructions.
When the power switch is flicked the DS does not respond at all
This can have several causes. 1) A broken on/off switch. Please visit the DS Lite on off switch product page to view installation on/off switch repair/installation instructions. 2) A blown fuse. Please visit the DS Lite Fuse product page for DS fuse repair repair instructions. 3) A faulty battery. Please visit DS Lite Replacement 2000mAh Battery product page to view battery replacement instructions.
