Any tips how to fix the shoulder buttons?

[Demyx]

Today I was playing Kid Icarus and suddenly the "L" button stopped working. I tried to turn off the console but it seems that the "L" button is dead. I need to get some information about this:
1) Is this a common technical problem?
2) I have GBA and NES titles from the Ambassador Program in this 3DS.... if I purchase a new 3DS can I transfer those games? how?
3) What about my DSiWare and 3DS titles from the eShop? Can I transfer those?
Thanks for your help!

[Broken_Cartridge]

1) Yes. Early 3DS systems shoulder buttons are known to break.
2) Yes, you can transfer everything over. In fact, your Ambassador's Status will still be in tact (though I doubt they will do anything else for Ambassadors). When you transfer over to the new portable it will literally make the insides of the console exactly like the old one. All your friends will remain, you'll have the same friend code, you'll keep all your games, etc.
3) And my number 2 answered your number 3 as well. All of your content will be taken over to the new one if you transfer.

Also, if I remember correctly at the end of the process the system will have you put your SD card from the old system and put it in the new.

[gtt]

Today I was playing Kid Icarus and suddenly the "L" button stopped working. I tried to turn off the console but it seems that the "L" button is dead. I need to get some information about this:
1) Is this a common technical problem?
2) I have GBA and NES titles from the Ambassador Program in this 3DS.... if I purchase a new 3DS can I transfer those games? how?
3) What about my DSiWare and 3DS titles from the eShop? Can I transfer those?
Thanks for your help!

if it is still in warranty, nintendo will fix it. if they can't fix it, they will give you a new 3ds with all your stuff on it. (I'm pretty sure they just flash the new one with data from your old one). And! they will add a year to your warranty, if it was a warranty repair or not.

[Demyx]

Thanks gtt and Broken_Cartridge for the information. I just called the technical service and they told me that my 3DS still under warranty so looks I will be able to to get mine fixed soon.
I love this community! 2 useful answers 0 unfriendly comments! ^_^
Thanks!

[Carbondog]

I had to send my 3DS in twice this year for the A button not responding. Its sucks not having a 3DS for over 2 weeks but my first time was completely under the original warranty and the second was under the second warranty from the repair. Also if your screen has scratches tell them and they will replace the top screen.

[rockmankun]

Hmm my R button is starting to get hard to press lately like if its stuck or something. Should I be worried?

[gtt]

Thanks gtt and Broken_Cartridge for the information. I just called the technical service and they told me that my 3DS still under warranty so looks I will be able to to get mine fixed soon.
I love this community! 2 useful answers 0 unfriendly comments! ^_^
Thanks!

no problem. also, write a note detailing ANYTHING else wrong with it when you send it in. and leave your 3ds wireless on, you'll come back with 10 new streetpasses for sure!

to anyone, if anything is wrong with your 3ds call them up,explain it. get it sent in, they'll fix it, and extend your warranty!

[Demyx]

Hmm my R button is starting to get hard to press lately like if its stuck or something. Should I be worried?

In Nintendo's website they recommend using a small brush to clean around the button (specially if the button is acting "sticky"). Also a gamer with the nickname "Tasuki" told me this:
"Try taking a can of compressed air and spraying it into the cracks around the L button sometimes dirt and dust may get into the cracks and using the compressed air will clean it out and make it good as new."

[Mirr0rR3flection]

leave your 3ds wireless on, you'll come back with 10 new streetpasses for sure!

I couldn't agree more with this. XP

When I received mine back from Nintendo in Febuary with the "R" button fixed, to my surprise I found streetpasses. BEST SURPRISE EVER!!!

"Try taking a can of compressed air and spraying it into the cracks around the L button sometimes dirt and dust may get into the cracks and using the compressed air will clean it out and make it good as new.

I'll keep this in mind for any future problems. Thanks! ^_^

[MisterOpinionHead]

ive had the same problem with my ds units and my 3ds, and canned air has always fixed it. if you carry ur handheld in ur pocket or bag (like they supposedly want you to do) its easy for dust to build up on contacts. To be honest, ive usually fixed byjust blowing. But this is not reccomended since there can be moisture in ur breath which can be bad. Try the air first. If it works, just carry your 3ds in a soft sleeve to avoid dust in the future.

[Suke]

My L-button is a bit loose and doesn't response fast enough, for example Kid Icarus, its hard to play because the L-button doesn't response fast enough, so I always end up losing. I may have to end up, sending my 3DS to my Nintendo.

[Mirr0rR3flection]

This thread should help you out:

http://gonintendo.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=86463&f=3

[Mako]

Every 3DS owner should try this!

1.Pick your Nintendo 3DS system...
2.and a clean and dry toothbrush
3.Turn off the system
4.Brush the surroundings of the R/L buttons, specially in the gaps.

From Nintendo Happy & Official Costumer Support

[Zanreo]

I could try that... my R button has been not responding lately, and I'd like to get it fixed without buying a new one (I know I can send if for repair, but I don't want to risk losing anything)

[TheDreamingHawk]

I've heard that if you carefully use a can of compressed air and hold it a bit away from the buttons it forces the dust out. But I haven't tried it. The toothbrush method is the best I've tried

[MegaMan64]

Just recently I discovered a problem with my 3DS. The R button has stopped working and will only respond if I press it really hard or blow on it and it will work momentarily. This really sucks since I was playing LM:DM at the time and it just stopped mid game. Now I can't play the game for 5 minutes without having to blow on the button.I will probably send it in to Nintendo, but has anyone had any problems like this? Is there a permanent solution to this? And if I send my 3DS in, how much will it cost?

[Autosaver]

It's free if it's still under warranty.

This is a common problem with the DS/3DS buttons. Nothing new.

[FighterKirby]

Yeah I'm having that same problem- only with both shoulder buttons. The best method is indeed sending it in to Nintendo but unfortunately for me my warranty expired only days after looking up a solution.

From random online sources, I actually found the toothbrush method was effective. Just for a short while though. You just get a toothbrush to scrub the little cracks around the buttons, so you get all the dust inside. It only made it more likely to work rather than defeating the problem altogether. I still have to blow in it but it works.

Are there any better solutions other than sending it in?

[Mirr0rR3flection]

I'm just gonna leave this here for you guys:

http://gonintendo.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=86463&f=3

Why not try taking a can of compressed air and spraying it into the cracks?

[shadowbuster]

When I send my DSi to Nintendo, they said that the shoulder buttons have massive dust piled, preventing them to work properly until blown off or cleaned. OP, did you put the 3DS in your pocket or somewhere dusty without covering it?

[MegaMan64]

When I send my DSi to Nintendo, they said that the shoulder buttons have massive dust piled, preventing them to work properly until blown off or cleaned. OP, did you put the 3DS in your pocket or somewhere dusty without covering it?

Usually, i just put it in my room on top of a shelf. Or, theres a little space between my bed that I put it on. I tried using compressed air, but it did not work so much. However, I think I will try it again later on. I tried the brush method as well, still no use. I got this 3DS july of 2011, so it is pretty old. I doubt I am still under warranty.

[shadowbuster]

When I send my DSi to Nintendo, they said that the shoulder buttons have massive dust piled, preventing them to work properly until blown off or cleaned. OP, did you put the 3DS in your pocket or somewhere dusty without covering it?

Usually, i just put it in my room on top of a shelf. Or, theres a little space between my bed that I put it on. I tried using compressed air, but it did not work so much. However, I think I will try it again later on. I tried the brush method as well, still no use. I got this 3DS july of 2011, so it is pretty old. I doubt I am still under warranty.

hmmm I say, if the 3DS' warranty expired, then maybe you can risk opening the system and cleaning it from its insides

[MegaMan64]

So I saw this video: http://youtu.be/UATIGg_a6_E. Now my R button works almost as it first did. I will check with it tommorow to see if it stays fixed. But Its been working for a couple of hours.

[Zanreo]

Good to hear it seems to work again! I had that problem with my old 3DS, suddenly the R button just broke and 99% of the time didn't work... and recently it's happened with my DS Lite too, with the L button.

I did always bring the 3DS in my coat pocket every day, uncovered, maybe that made dust collect up there... and I still do with my current 3DS. Maybe I should start covering it, it gets kind of dusty sometimes and I don't want buttons to break again, (The DS Lite, however, I have no explanation as I've only kept that in the house for the last year... maybe it's just worn out over time)