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How to Get a Nintendo 3DS in Pikachu Color

Nintendo released a Pikachu-colored handheld DS console in 2007 as part of a special promotion. So few of the devices were manufactured that the only way to earn one was through a lottery. The DS's successor, the 3DS, is available in only three colors at the time of this publication: black, aqua and red. However, you can custom paint your 3DS to match the yellow color of Pikachu, one of the Pokemon series' most famous mascots.

Things You'll Need

Nintendo 3DS
Newspaper
Painter's tape
Razor blade
Sand paper, 1000 grit
Ammonia cleaner or tack cloth
Rag
Small paint brushes
Paint primer
Yellow acrylic spray paint
Black acrylic model paint
Circular stencil
Red acrylic model paint
Clear coat

Instructions

- 1
  Lay out some newspaper to serve as a work area. The newspaper will catch any unsightly over spray.
- 2
  Cover the screens with painter's tape. It is imperative that the screens are protected from paint. Use a razor blade and a ruler to trim excess tape off the sides of the screens.
- 3
  Cover the buttons with painter's tape. They will be painted a different color. Use a razor blade to cut excess tape off from the edges of the buttons.
- 4
  Sand the surface of the device gently, particularly the outsides. The sandpaper will remove Nintendo's original clear coat as well as remove any dirt or grease.
- 5
  Wipe the device with a rage dampened with some ammonia cleaner, or use a tack cloth. This will remove any remaining traces of dirt or particles. Dry the device with a different rag.
- 6
  Spray the device with paint primer, if necessary. Some spray paints, like Krylon's fusion, do not require primer for spraying on plastics.
- 7
  Spray the 3DS's casing with a coat of yellow spray paint. Pikachu's primary color is electric yellow. Follow the specific manufacturer's instructions on the side of the can when spraying and allow adequate time to dry thoroughly.
- 8
  Remove the painter's tape from the buttons and sand them as you did the device's case. Paint the buttons black using small paint brushes and allow them adequate time to dry.
- 9
  Paint two small adjacent red circles on the top of the 3DS's case to represent Pikachu's cheeks. You may use a circular stencil for this step if you do not feel comfortable making them on your own.
- 10
  Coat the device with a layer of clear coat to give the paint a glossy sheen as well as protect it from dirt and grime. Allow at least 24 hours for the coating to dry before removing the painter's tape from the screens.

Nintendo DS