How to Troubleshoot the Touch Screen on a Nintendo DS

Before replacing a Nintendo DS or paying someone to service it, try to troubleshoot the touch screen on a Nintendo DS. There are some common problems that have quick, do-it-yourself fixes that you shouldn't overlook. A new Nintendo DS costs a lot, but fixing it yourself is free.

Things You'll Need

• Nintendo DS

Instructions

1. Recalibrate the touch screen. You'll have to do this from time to time when the touch screen does not respond to the stylus consistently. Read on.

2. Turn the system off and then back on.

3. Press A when prompted to touch the screen.

4. Using the control pad, select the "Settings" panel. Press A.

5. Select the yellow icon with a cross hair. Press A. Now, take out your stylus.

6. Follow the instructions. You'll be asked to tap the red squares as they appear. Once you have finished calibrating, hit confirm. Quit and say "yes."

7. Check the screen for foreign material. If calibration doesn't help, there may be crumbs or dirt stuck around the edges of the screen. Hold the Nintendo DS at eye level and look all around the edges for anything that might be wedged into the side.

8. Clean the screen. Get a brand new medium bristled toothbrush. Gently (very gently) push down on the touch screen with your thumb near the edge. Carefully swipe the brush into the gap you just made and remove any foreign material. Note: be careful not to touch the screen with the plastic part of the toothbrush.

9. Turn off the alarm. Setting the alarm messes with the backlight. If there is a running clock on the screen then the alarm has been set. From the DS Menu Screen, select "Settings" and then tap the "Calendar and Date" panel. Tap the alarm clock to find the settings for the alarm.

10. Turn the backlight on or off. You can turn the backlight on or off from the settings screen as well. If it appears to not be working, you may have turned it off on accident.

Tips & Warnings

• Be gentle with the screen. Don't use the stylus if it's broken, don't use excessive force.

• If the screen looks cracked or has lines or colored splotches then it's probably damaged.

• Avoid using unlicensed touch screen protectors. They may be cheaper but they can reduce the sensitivity or actually damage the screen.

• Do not clean unless you see foreign matter. Using the toothbrush is a bit risky.