Regular N3ds (Non XL)

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Aya_56
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2025 7:18 pm

Regular N3ds (Non XL)

Post by Aya_56 » Sat Dec 27, 2025 7:23 pm

I'm mostly just curious if the N3ds XL boards will work on the Non XL version of the N3ds.

Elysium
Posts: 105
Joined: Sat May 28, 2022 2:21 pm

Re: Regular N3ds (Non XL)

Post by Elysium » Sun Dec 28, 2025 2:42 am

Yes, but it won't fit without modifying both the N3DS and the capture board.

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This is my attempt. The last attempt I saw someone else do, they gutted the back housing and used a clear case instead of the back plate.

u1f992
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed May 13, 2026 3:10 pm

Re: Regular N3ds (Non XL)

Post by u1f992 » Wed May 13, 2026 3:34 pm

Looks great! Any chance you could share a quick shot of the internals? Curious how it all fits together. Optimize's installation service isn't available anymore, so this post might be the most up-to-date info out there on fitting a capture board into a non-XL New 3DS.

Elysium
Posts: 105
Joined: Sat May 28, 2022 2:21 pm

Re: Regular N3ds (Non XL)

Post by Elysium » Sun May 17, 2026 5:29 am

I've since sold it so no pictures inside.

Sits sort of like this inside. Trimming the board required. This is why I relocated the micro SD slot. I also cut off the USB-C port and used a different one in place of the charge port. The interceptor FPCs are compatible as well but may sit awkward. In my first attempt, I soldered directly to the gold fingers of the FPCs to the solder blobs. There are two more on the back for the top screen. I have some breakout board to make it easier to do now.

The capture board also works with the New 2DS XL, but you have to use the same solder points as Optimize's kit since the interceptor FPC for the top screen is not compatible.
u1f992 wrote: ↑
Wed May 13, 2026 3:34 pm
Optimize's installation service isn't available anymore, so this post might be the most up-to-date info out there on fitting a capture board into a non-XL New 3DS.
I hope this is not permanent. I saw on their order page that they have no date set to resume orders for the capture boards. This leaves the 3DS, 3DS XL, and even the 2DS with zero options except pre-owned.


Also, I recognized your username! I've seen your Qingpi project. Very cool.
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u1f992
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed May 13, 2026 3:10 pm

Re: Regular N3ds (Non XL)

Post by u1f992 » Sun May 17, 2026 9:43 am

Thanks for sharing the details, and I'm honored to be recognized! Regarding the 6 pads that are soldered directly to the motherboard, are they the same on the New 3DS and the New 3DS XL?

Elysium
Posts: 105
Joined: Sat May 28, 2022 2:21 pm

Re: Regular N3ds (Non XL)

Post by Elysium » Sun May 17, 2026 9:57 am

They are slightly shifted but in the same location relative to the IC.

u1f992
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed May 13, 2026 3:10 pm

Re: Regular N3ds (Non XL)

Post by u1f992 » Sun May 17, 2026 10:32 am

Thanks, now I know what I need to do.

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