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This Nintendo DS Lite was released in 2006 as the successor to the Nintendo DS. Getting inside this device is simple, making for easy fixes.

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Top screen tinted red when DS game is inserted

I have a DS lite that seems to be mostly functional, but when it detects a game in the DS slot the upper screen becomes tinted red. It is also inconsistent whether the game will register with the system. When only a GBA game is inserted the screen works fine. Is this more likely to be a faulty motherboard or a weak top screen ribbon cable, or is there another cause I haven't considered?

Update: when I went to take a video to upload here, the system loaded the game normally for a short time with no screen issues, then crashed. I have not yet been able to replicate the issue from earlier.

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Hi Michael!

It's either the screen or the motherboard! Can you share a video with us? Thanks in advance!

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@dan0 I just tried, but didn't get a useful video. I posted the results as an update

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Alright. No problem! I think it is motherboard related at this moment. Could be the video chip.. replacing this one is really difficult and the part is really hard to find. I think you are better off with a new motherboard :(.. sorry!

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@dan0 Thanks for your help! I've got some parts boards lying around, and I might set this one aside for when I'm a bit more confident working on the motherboard itself. I'm still learning right now, but I'm making progress. Could you post that as an answer along with where to find the chip on the board? It sounds like it could make a fun challenge once I'm more skilled.

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Sure! Will post an answer :)!

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Hi Michael!

At this moment I recommend first to try another screen. Just to check if the screen is OK. If it's still having issues, it's motherboard related.

Now first try to replace the DS game card slot if this failed,, then it's for the best to replace the CPU on the motherboard (the 3D engine is in it).

Hopefully it's the screen, this repair is the easiest one and hopefully that will fix it!

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Please let us know how it goes!

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The screen worked when I put in a known good motherboard. It looks like the motherboard was the issue, as you suspected.

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Alright, yeah must be motherboard related. Hopefully replacing the game card slot will fix it... otherwise the CPU need to be replaced. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

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Michael Fruetel will be eternally grateful.
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