Well, I did it. My first DS Lite cracked hinge. Tossed my DS down on a bed from a height of just a few inches while it was open, it snapped back to that second "what-is-that-even-for" open position that you're not supposed to use because it'll crack your hinge.
It's out of warranty so I'm thinking about fixing it. It's more than cosmetic. It won't stay shut of its own volition: if you turned it upside-down it would pathetically swing open. It also clicks several times, both audibly and in a tactile sense, when you open and close it, but doesn't satisfactorily click to the proper "open" viewing angle.
Anyone ever dealt with this? I see two types of replacement parts online: shells and hinges. Shells are just the outer casing that cost about 20 dollars; this would fix the actual crack. Hinges are just a couple little internal do-dads that cost a couple of bucks; I'm not sure if these require replacing. Do I need both? Do I need only one?
What if I just very carefully super-glue the crack closed? Will that work, or does something internally need to be repaired? I don't want to glue this thing shut only to realize that the lid still won't stay closed and then I'm screwed.
This is pretty bad timing, since I'm taking my DS to Comic Con for Dragon Quest 9 Tag Moding, and I'm going to have to rubber band it shut or something.
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Unless you need an excuse to upgrade to a DSi...
I can has cheezburger, yes?
Because it is unplayable in its current state, unless you consider having to continually hold the top screen satisfactory.
1.) the springs in the shoulder buttons (they like to shoot out into oblivion) just make sure you're slow and careful with this step.
2.) the power switch (I managed to break this part while putting my ds back together) just make sure it lines up and you don't force anything back together.
3.) the ribbon cable for the screen (note how it's curled up around the hinge, it will make things a lot easier when putting the unit back together).
If you watch for the things mentioned above you should be fine.
4.) the rubber pads on the bottom (you will have to lift them up to get to screws behind them) put em on some wax paper or something and keep em in an easy to find place.
Anyway the first thing to do would to find a nice guide (with PICTURES!) through google or a good nintendo community (just find one you understand the best). Take a look at that and study it for a while and make sure you are comfortable with the process. Next thing you should do is get a triwing screwdriver (like a philips head but shaped like a "Y") you should be able to find them on certain game parts/repair sites or ebay (should cost around $1-2).
Also have a small philips head screw driver (doesn't have to be microscopic or anything, just small). Next is a replacement case. These should be easy to find (again CERTAIN websites should have them around $20) just make sure it's a decent one that looks closest to the original (reviews should be a good indication).
Alright, by now you should have everything you need and are ready to go. Just take it slow and follow the directions you have.
I have the crimson red/black two-tone DS.