How Can I Repair a Scratched Nintendo 3DS Screen? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Gaming > Consoles & PCs

How Can I Repair a Scratched Nintendo 3DS Screen?

A microfiber cloth and scotch tape can fix minor imperfections

By Nadia Oxford Nadia Oxford Writer William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute Nadia Oxford is a former Lifewire writer with 10+ years' experience. Her articles have appeared in Pocket Games Magazine, Play Magazine, Game Pro, IGN and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 6, 2020 Tweet Share Email Chris Weeks / Stringer / Getty Images Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide Your Nintendo 3DS is bound to sustain wear and tear over the course of its life. As with most electronics, its screens are especially vulnerable. It's possible some scratches may appear over time, especially on the bottom touch screen.

Removing Scratches on the Nintendo 3DS

Here's what to do if one or both your Nintendo 3DS screens shows scratches: Abrasive cleaners or screen repair pastes like Displex are not recommended, especially on the lower screen of the 3DS. These pastes can permanently damage touch screens and turn a simple scratch into a disaster. Use a soft microfiber cloth designed for electronics or glasses. Lifewire / Nadia Oxford Dampen the cloth with water only. Don't get the 3DS wet and don't pour water directly on the screens. Wipe off the touch screen and the upper screen. Rub the scratches for several seconds. Lifewire / Nadia Oxford Use a dry part of the microfiber cloth to dry the screens thoroughly. Dab any dust or smudges with a piece of transparent tape. Lifewire / Nadia Oxford Repeat the wiping and drying with the microfiber cloth if needed.

Repair Options Are Limited

If the screens are still scratched after this process, contact Nintendo to arrange for a repair if your system is a 3DS XL or a 2DS. Nintendo no longer offers repairs for the 3DS (if your system's serial number begins with CW, it's a 3DS). Nintendo suggests an upgrade or replacement for 3DS units that are badly scratched.

Scratch Prevention Tips

Here are a few tips to keep your screens blemish-free: Invest in screen protectors and a carrying case, especially if you own a special edition Nintendo 3DS or 3DS XL.Don't carry your 3DS in a pocket or bag containing keys or coins.Close the 3DS when it's not in use.Place a small cloth between the screens when you're not playing with the system.Supervise children when they're playing your 3DS (or better yet, buy them one of their own). Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Can I Play Nintendo 3DS Games on the Wii U? How to Fix a Chromebook Touchscreen That's Not Working How to Transfer Data From a Nintendo 3DS SD Card How to Get More StreetPasses on Your Nintendo 3DS How to Remove or Replace a Phone's Glass Screen Protector How to Fix the Canon B200 Printer Error Can I Play Nintendo DS Games on the 3DS? How to Add a Friend Code on Your Nintendo 3DS How to Clean a MacBook Screen How to Perform a Hard Reset on Your Nintendo 3DS Are the Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL Backward Compatible? How to Set up Wi-Fi on Your Nintendo 3DS XL Setting Up Nintendo 3DS Parental Controls Nintendo 3DS vs. 2DS How Much Does the Nintendo 3DS Cost? How to Make a Nintendo Network ID on Your Nintendo 3DS Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies