KLRR, a new venture formed by KendyLabs and Raretro Consoles, has announced what it calls the first functional, publicly available clear shell kits for the Nintendo 3DS family.
The project targets two models in Nintendo’s handheld lineup: the 3DS XL and the New Nintendo 3DS.
Development of the kits has taken close to two years, and the team reports the effort has been entirely self-funded without crowdfunding or large corporate backing.
Production and technical approach
KLRR says all production work is being carried out in the United States through a hands-on process focused on clarity, fitment, material strength, hinge durability, and an overall finish appropriate for collectors and modders.
The team demonstrated fully assembled kits for the 3DS XL and New 3DS, showing that the transparent shells can withstand assembly and everyday handling.
Paraphrased project rationale
According to the project’s press materials, the venture exists to meet a long-standing request from the handheld modding community: to provide clear, functional, fully assembled shell kits for the Nintendo 3DS line.
The team notes that transparent shells have been available for systems such as the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo Switch, but that the 3DS family posed greater engineering challenges because of its hinge design, layered assembly, tight tolerances, and complex internal layout.
Development challenges and testing
KLRR outlines that the development process involved extensive material testing, fitment revisions, hinge durability checks, and repeated real-world assembly testing to ensure the shells are practical for long-term use on working consoles.
The venture emphasizes a finished product that is not merely novel but capable of living on a functioning device for years.
Pricing and installation notes
While final pricing has not been locked in, KLRR expects the 3DS XL shell kit to retail for under $100, with the New Nintendo 3DS kit potentially costing up to $170 due to that model’s added complexity.
The team warns that installing these kits requires careful disassembly, ribbon cable handling, hinge work, and screen removal, and is not considered beginner-friendly.
Developer statement
KendyLabs’ stated motivation was to build something personally desired that did not yet exist, while also addressing a repeated request within the community for transparent 3DS shells — a demand the developer felt justified a commercial product.
Where to learn more
Interested collectors and modders can find additional information on the KLRR site and follow updates from the team and outlets such as Time Extension for further announcements.
The project targets two models in Nintendo’s handheld lineup: the 3DS XL and the New Nintendo 3DS.
Development of the kits has taken close to two years, and the team reports the effort has been entirely self-funded without crowdfunding or large corporate backing.
Production and technical approach
KLRR says all production work is being carried out in the United States through a hands-on process focused on clarity, fitment, material strength, hinge durability, and an overall finish appropriate for collectors and modders.
The team demonstrated fully assembled kits for the 3DS XL and New 3DS, showing that the transparent shells can withstand assembly and everyday handling.
Paraphrased project rationale
According to the project’s press materials, the venture exists to meet a long-standing request from the handheld modding community: to provide clear, functional, fully assembled shell kits for the Nintendo 3DS line.
The team notes that transparent shells have been available for systems such as the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo Switch, but that the 3DS family posed greater engineering challenges because of its hinge design, layered assembly, tight tolerances, and complex internal layout.
Development challenges and testing
KLRR outlines that the development process involved extensive material testing, fitment revisions, hinge durability checks, and repeated real-world assembly testing to ensure the shells are practical for long-term use on working consoles.
The venture emphasizes a finished product that is not merely novel but capable of living on a functioning device for years.
Pricing and installation notes
While final pricing has not been locked in, KLRR expects the 3DS XL shell kit to retail for under $100, with the New Nintendo 3DS kit potentially costing up to $170 due to that model’s added complexity.
The team warns that installing these kits requires careful disassembly, ribbon cable handling, hinge work, and screen removal, and is not considered beginner-friendly.
Developer statement
KendyLabs’ stated motivation was to build something personally desired that did not yet exist, while also addressing a repeated request within the community for transparent 3DS shells — a demand the developer felt justified a commercial product.
Where to learn more
Interested collectors and modders can find additional information on the KLRR site and follow updates from the team and outlets such as Time Extension for further announcements.
