I've noticed lately that my Nintendo DS Lite hinge seems to be stiffening; it's not as easy and smooth to open and close my DS. I've also noticed that on the right side of my DS, a white tab that makes up the hinge sticks up every time the DS is closed, and I can see some metal within the parted tab. Is the hinge broken, and if so, is there a way to fix my DS other than sending it to Nintendo and paying $57.50?

Kyle, July 2007

I have the same problem except i don't have the broken off piece i just have the damaged nintendo ds lite!! What do I do?!?!?!

Ally Soccerozy, October 2008

I just repaired one tonight for my son. Seems as though these things dont hold up well when dropped to the floor of a submarine...
The point at which the right hand hinge attaches to the faceplate is where it broke clean.
I disassembled the unit (hate the triwing screws) and glued the piece back to the main plate after taking the hinge retainer off then followed that up with JB Quik to firm up the now glued piece.
Reassembled and the screen now opens and closes like new. Got lucky that time.

TimD, July 2007