Famicom World

Misc. => Other Gaming => Topic started by: Mindfreak on January 07, 2009, 02:10:28 pm

Title: DS Touchscreen Lifespan ?
Post by: Mindfreak on January 07, 2009, 02:10:28 pm
Hello all,

I was just wondering...how long should an average touchscreen last ?

I clean my screens before and after I play...and I use a screen protector...

Thanks for your time.
Title: Re: DS Touchscreen Lifespan ?
Post by: satoshi_matrix on January 07, 2009, 02:24:48 pm
long enough that you shouldn't ever have to worry about it. I f I had to guess, I'd say somewhere around 15 years or so.
Title: Re: DS Touchscreen Lifespan ?
Post by: Mindfreak on January 07, 2009, 02:50:02 pm
  :o Wow...I was thinking a year or two... :o
Title: Re: DS Touchscreen Lifespan ?
Post by: Lorfarius on January 07, 2009, 02:51:01 pm
I still have my DS from launch and Ive never bothered with screen protectors. Its been poked, prodded and even had pens dragged across it. Not had a single issue so far so I would say they are pretty durable.
Title: Re: DS Touchscreen Lifespan ?
Post by: PatMan33 on January 07, 2009, 03:06:21 pm
As long as you aren't jabbing it or using a sewing needle as a stylus it should last a good long time. If it breaks get a replacement, they aren't very difficult to swap out.
Title: Re: DS Touchscreen Lifespan ?
Post by: 133MHz on January 07, 2009, 03:23:42 pm
Question: Is the touchscreen surface the screen itself? If it does, the touchscreen should last forever, because screen wear shouldn't affect touchscreen operation. If the touchscreen panel is a complete piece that goes over the LCD screen, then wear is an important issue.
Title: Re: DS Touchscreen Lifespan ?
Post by: PatMan33 on January 07, 2009, 04:48:16 pm
No, the DS uses a touch-sensitive film that lies on top of the LCD screen. You can see the screen on the bottom right.

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i177/PatMan33/Video%20Game%20Collection/Guts/NTR1.png)

One of my hobbies... :-[
Title: Re: DS Touchscreen Lifespan ?
Post by: manuel on January 08, 2009, 04:02:02 am
I'm using my first DS for about 4 years now and there are no issues yet.
As long as you don't try to destroy it it should last you a lifetime.
Title: Re: DS Touchscreen Lifespan ?
Post by: satoshi_matrix on January 09, 2009, 11:09:52 am
In my opinion the whole issue of how long a screen should last isn't something you should ever have to worry about, and if for some reason it did become an issue, you can easily buy replacement screens or for that matter, simply replace your DS. Case and point, my DS Lite has a noticeable scratch around the top of the touchscreen from repeated heavy heavy Ouendan and EBA sessions. Its enough that you can feel the groove of the scratch as you move the stylus over the spot. And it still works perfectly.
Title: Re: DS Touchscreen Lifespan ?
Post by: NintendoNerds on January 13, 2009, 06:31:07 pm
I have quite a few games that use the touch screen. One of the most "touch screen-demanding" games I have is Sonic & Mario at the Olympics. I am happy to say that I haven't had any issues with the screen yet. As someone mentioned earlier, it has a protective film so it should never be a problem unless the screen is intentionally abused.
Title: Re: DS Touchscreen Lifespan ?
Post by: nintendodork on January 14, 2009, 07:29:24 pm
I bought both versions of the U.S DS on their launch days, and I haven't had any screen problems with either of them...

Although my DS Lite power switch gets stuck sometimes..