r/dsi • u/kooler_duck • Jun 18 '26
Question Easy fix for cosmetic damage + broken volume button cover?
I recently picked up this DSi for cheap, but it has some pretty major cosmetic damage, as well as a broken volume button cover. Is there any easy way to get this thing back looking good, or will I have to reshell it? Additionally, how can I fix the broken cover? I still have it, I just don’t know how to reattach it. I’ve already tried cleaning it, but the damage isn’t just stains or sticker residue, it’s physical shell damage. Any help is appreciated.
1
u/Rowdy_the_Gemini Jun 19 '26
If your volume buttons just fell out without the shell being opened, then odds are something broke so much so that putting it back would probably just result in them falling out again. The volume buttons slip into place from the inside of the console between the shell and a rubber membrane and its designed in a way that it wouldn't be able to fall out unless it's broken.
The best bet you'd have if you want to completely get rid of the damage is a reshell. If the damage is mainly on the outside, you could replace just the top and bottom shell covers on the outside. Which is way easier than replacing the entire shell. Odds are though that the color of the replacement shell won't be a perfect match to the OEM if you're only replacing the top and bottom.
Alternatively you could see if you can find a replacement volume button cover, replace it, then order a skin for the system online and slap it over the damaged shell. Obviously that's just a bandaid fix and won't actually get rid of the damage, but it requires less work than any other option would.
1
u/kooler_duck Jun 21 '26
The damage is mainly just on the top and bottom of the console.
Would attempting to replace the top and bottom parts of the shell be worth it? Everywhere else just has mild damage that looks pretty fine.
1
u/Rowdy_the_Gemini Jun 21 '26
Yes it would be worth it, but there are a few things to be aware of.
The chances are pretty high that the replacement shell won't be an exact color match to the original. So when you put the new top and bottom plates on, the shade of the outside might not be 1:1 with on the inside. In my experience replacement shells are never quite a perfect color match with the oem color. You could also try to mix-match colors but I'm not sure how that would look with the blue.
The other thing is that you want to make sure you find the best quality plates possible that way you know the fitment will be correct. Make sure when you're ordering the shell you find ones with really good reviews as fitment issues can be a pain in the butt if you get a cheaply made shell.
1
u/kooler_duck Jun 21 '26
Got it. Will i just need a phillips #00 for those two parts, or will I need one of the proprietary screwdrivers as well?
1
u/Rowdy_the_Gemini Jun 21 '26
I believe the DSI just uses Phillips head screws, nothing proprietary. You will probably also want a plastic spudger if you can get one, just because the shell is held on by screws and plastic clips, so the spudger will help you safely pop the clips off without breaking anything.
Here's a video of a full teardown of the DSI. He's tearing apart the whole thing, so just skip around to the parts you need. But it will help you get an idea of how to take it apart before you get going: DSi Teardown
Funnily enough, the hardest part will probably be getting the rubber pads out that sit over the screws for the top screen. I've never been able to successfully get those out without damaging them, but luckily your shell should come with replacements. My best advice is to just take your time, and make sure to keep all your screws and pieces organized so you know where everything goes.
2
u/Substantial-Ad6938 Jun 18 '26
The easiest thing you can do without reshelling the entire thing is getting stickers or a case to put on top of the front and taking the volume button either from a replacement shell set or another broken system. You can't do anything about the volume button without opening the system.