3DS upper screen dim (dark) but image (screen content) is there.. Why?

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Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo's first 3DS handheld device released February 2011, identified by model number CTR-001.

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Mike Hama @mickelz

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Posted: Feb 13, 2017

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3DS upper screen dim (dark) but image (screen content) is there.. Why?

Dear all,

bought this 2nd hand 3DS in very good condition, however...

the screen is dim = dark when looked at straight. When I view from an angle I can see the (expected) screen content, so it seems the screen is somewhat working...

Does this mean the back light is broken?

Can it be fixed without exchanging the whole screen, e.g. re-seating cable or other "trick"?

If not can the back light be exchanged separately or only with the screen itself as a whole assembly?

Thanks and have a nice day, Mike

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Andrew Fillhart @zerrian Rep: 1.1k 7 5 1 · Answer 1 · 2017-02-17T10:16:12-07:00

Andrew Fillhart @zerrian

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Posted: Feb 17, 2017

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So a couple things come to mind with this problem.

Have you checked the brightness levels of the device. It may be a simple issue that someone turned it down before hand. Check in the settings to see where it's at.
Someone may have gone into the device before you and did not seat the ribbon correctly. You can go in and try to seat the ribbon again. When opened, the ribbons will bein the upper right section of the device. Just be careful with those connectors as they're extremely tiny and delicate.
There may be a small knick in the ribbon that's about to go. If that's the case, you'll need to replace the entire upper LCD. If that's the case, follow this guide: Nintendo 3DS Upper LCD Replacement

Exchanging the backlight is not impossible but you'd just have an easier time replacing the entire LCD than trying to remove the metal housing, carefully removing the LCD and then the backlight. It's more trouble than it's worth.

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