3DS circle pad wearing out...

I have a 3DS XL. I was playing Dark Moon today, and of course this game heavily uses the circle pad for sucking up ghosts and stuff. As I was playing, I lifted my thumb off of the analog stick and noticed that it became kinda yellow (used to be gray). It has no friction like it used to. I'm used to the fact that the circle pad loses its friction because I experienced this with my old 3DS, but I never really noticed the discoloration until now. Has anyone else experienced this, or do I just have bad luck?

Try cleaning it off

Try cleaning it off

BIGD3D

If it's really bad you might want to get it replaced

That sounds annoying. I only have the 3DS normal, so I'm not too familiar with the XL. But I'd definitely get it sent off for repair. 

Your skin secretes oils and the pad is textured so the oil can get trapped in the texture of the pad. Get a paper towel and dampen it with rubbing alcohol to rub on the top of the pad. Rub it in pretty good, but don't push so hard on the stick that you might break it. Then use a dry part of the paper towel to dry it and see how that feels.

Alternatively, there are some covers, but it seems you have to import them and I have no comment about their quality.

http://home.cybergadget.co.jp/products/4544859011931.html

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?scode=TVG-3DS-01233

Your skin secretes oils and the pad is textured so the oil can get trapped in the texture of the pad. Get a paper towel and dampen it with rubbing alcohol to rub on the top of the pad. Rub it in pretty good, but don't push so hard on the stick that you might break it. Then use a dry part of the paper towel to dry it and see how that feels.

 

Alternatively, there are some covers, but it seems you have to import them and I have no comment about their quality.

http://home.cybergadget.co.jp/products/4544859011931.html

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?scode=TVG-3DS-01233

guynamedbilly

Buying a replacement cover would probably be the best way to go though because they look like they offer better grip than the default pad anyways.guynamedbilly

That's ok, when my thumb gets sweaty, the rubber piece likes to come off the circle stick. I have to place it back every time.BigBen11111

I have not had that problem with my 3DS.AbstractRadical

Same here, not with my XL. Original started to get a bit yellow but then I sold it :P