My thumb stick on my 3ds is disintegrating, and my switch is starting to follow. Please help.

I would just replace them with normal sticks and then maybe get stick cap/covers akin to these or these.

Have you checked iFixit? they carry replacement 3DS parts and might have what you need.

So you play around a lot of acetone vapor or something? Actually impressive wear tbh.

Replacement stick is less than 5 bucks on Aliexpress.

Switch stick in question.

Have you considered taking care of your electronics? That thing is filthy.

could be unrelated but maybe this is caused by acidic sweat...?

I think I would start by scouring the web for suitable replacement stick 3D-printer files. Once I had those, I would investigate what 3D-printing filament material is especially strong, and look for a place to print the files with that material.

If there's a hackerspace / makerspace in your area, someone there might be able to help.

Edit: The idea here is to make something that is stronger than the original stick or any cheap plastic replacement, in order to address OP's recurring problem. (I thought that was obvious, but there's at least one rude person here who apparently didn't follow.)

Replacement 3DS circle pads:

https://handheldlegend.com/products/analog-circle-pad-replacement-for-nintendo-3ds

Replacement joycon sticks:

https://handheldlegend.com/products/tmr-joystick-assembly-for-switch-joy-cons-and-switch-lite

This site has a lot of good stuff

There's always a guide video to be found on how to replace joysticks online. Just follow along. Hell it's almost an internet rule about repairing anything, really.

I'm just shocked that you were able to avoid stick drift on the Switch for long enough to wear them down.

Have you considered Gamers Anonymous?

I'be replaced my Switch sticks with cheap kits I've bought off different stores. You should be able to get similar kits.

The stick on your switch just needs a new stick cover. They're plenty of styles and a dime-a-dozen, so just replace it when it wears down. Don't play rough with your switch until you get that otherwise you will break the stem like your 3ds and then need to replace the whole stick. Replacement sticks are available, I don't think they make them in with anything other than plastic.

If there’s a 3D model / printable replacement, might be able to modify it with a bit of texture and have someone with a CNC mill it from aluminum

It’s probably better for the easily replaceable stick to be the “wear and tear” part rather than the soldered stick module underneath

This seems to be a common issue for you. You may have to switch over to using retro devices like AYN, Retroid, Ayaneo as the sticks are easily user replaceable.

It's really interesting. I own a lot of devices and consoles and usually never experience something like this even on well played systems / controllers.

But in comparison a family member uses his notebook for 1 month and it looks like it had been in a war zone for 30 years.

How??

(I'm not blaming anyone, they're your devices, but really curious how does this degrade this much? )

I don't think you'll find a replacement game pad for the 3DS that is more resistant/stronger, but you should be able to find replacement parts. And replacing it is pretty straight forward, if I'm remembering correctly. (I had to replace mine on my 3DSXL, my little brother got ahold of it and pried the thumbpad off with a screwdriver :/). It wasn't overly expensive either I don't think.

If I knew you IRL I would treat you to a pack of cotton swabs, bud ❤️ That thing needs some love.

Happened to both sticks on my PS4 controller, only thing I could do was get a new controller. 😟

Not sure how to fix the 3DS, but for the Switch I'd just replace the Joy Con.