Did the shell for a year on my XL, which is part of like a second skin made of metal. There are no hinges or from other parts, since the upper and lower shell are separated. The fit is extremely accurate and the insides are soft inlay. The shell is hooked on the hinge of the 3DS. You have to at some points helped along but when it sits first fits it perfectly. Disadvantage would be the increased weight, because the shell of metal is.