The Nintendo DSi is the third revision of the wildly successful Nintendo DS line, with this revision releasing in 2008/2009. This model features a different design with a removed GBA slot, but comes with upgraded memory and CPU clocks and a modified operating system that supported updates over the internet. To take the DS apart, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver and possibly a spudger.
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Solution
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The L/R buttons have failed
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- This is by far the most common issue with the original DS lineup. But fortunately there may be an easy fix where you don't even need to take apart your system. A common reason for the shoulder buttons failing is due to debris/dust getting caught and causing the contacts to fail. A potential solution is to mash the buttons as fast as possible for up to 2 minutes, then blow into the gaps on the outer left and right side between the main shell and the button. Repeat this process until the buttons become responsive or you've done the full cycle at least five times.
- If this doesn't work, you are going to need to take apart the bottom half of the handheld. This is so you can access the contacts of the shoulder buttons. A teardown to follow is available at https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo+DSi+Teardown/714 which you can follow until the contacts of the buttons are visible. You should check the flex cable that connects the button to the PCB for any signs of damage or tearing. If the cable appears clean then you should clean the contacts with something like a cotton bud. Then you will want to re-assemble the console and see if the buttons work.
- If the buttons don't work after either of these solutions, or there is damage to the flex cable, then you will want to replace these buttons. As a community-ran website, we can't advise you on where to get these items. Especially since the market is rapidly changing and information on the market becomes quickly outdated. But with whatever replacement buttons, flex cable and PCB you purchased, you should remove the old buttons and replace them with new ones. This should fix the issue. If this doesn't work then you may have fitted these buttons wrong or bought dodgy replacements
- If none of these work at all, then it is very likely the issue is much deeper than that. This is where you should start looking at the power delivery from the main board to where the flex cable is supposed to connect.
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The touchscreen isn't calibrating correctly
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- This issue is a lot more common with the DS lite, but can still happen to the DSi. The first solution would be to go into the system settings from the start menu, finding the setting labelled Screen Calibration, and follow what the console suggests. If it doesn't work, make sure you aren't using your finger to calibrate. Instead, use something more fine like a stylus.
- However, if you're at a point where you're checking the wiki, it is very likely that hasn't worked for you. In this case you should look into replacing the touchscreen. To get a touchscreen replacement, you should do one of two things: Either buy a touchscreen seperately from an online store (this comes with the downside that it will likely be unofficial). Or you could buy a seperate console labelled spares or repairs that has a different problem but has a fully functioning touchscreen. To replace the screen, you should follow all steps in this guide made by ifixit: https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nintendo+DSi+Teardown/714
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The battery doesn't hold a charge
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WARNING: Removing the battery on this console does NOT wipe the storage unlike the other DS models, but you should still make a backup of your important images before following this process!!! Make sure the console is definitely charging first, indicated by an orange light.
- If it does connect to power but the battery is unable to hold a charge, it is time to replace it! This is a very simple process that only needs a Phillips head screwdriver to undo two contact points on the rear of the console. The battery is housed in a separate compartment, with a plastic cover almost like a TV remote. You should undo the two screws on the plastic cover and carefully remove the old battery. Check the console for any signs of battery leakage/corrosion and clean it up if that is an issue. Once you've done this, place the new battery in its place and replace and screw the battery cover back in. Once this has done, make sure the console is able to turn on.
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