Hardware 3DS XL quality issues (stuck pixel, circle pad, loose hinge)

[Corrie]

Hi everyone,

I got a new 3DS XL a few days ago, but have some issues with it.

1. Stuck pixel on the right side of the top screen. It's red and only visible when the screen is black so it's mostly notable when playing DS games due to the black border. Pretty annoying.

2. There is leftover rubber on the circle pad. Tried to take a picture of it

3. The hinge is a bit loose. I can wobble it quite a bit without any resistance.


Are these problems common or just bad luck?
I'm pretty picky about new electronics so I'm thinking about a replacement.

 

[Eerpow]

Bad luck, it's not common but unfortunately within the production error margin, you can't ask for a replacement for a single stuck pixel. The hinge sounds fine, it's supposed to be loose in order to not strain the plastic. If you're lucky the pixel will correct itself after a week or so of playing, you can also search for a color shifting gif to display through the browser and leave it on for a few minutes, pressing it a bit with a cloth can also help.

For the CP you can get some really fine thin sandpaper and (extremely) gently rub the excess rubber off.

 

[DiabloStorm]

Damn Nintendo is being cheap. I'd definitely get a replacement just due to the stuck pixel alone.

 

[Chary]

Hinge is quite wobbly on my XL as well. I don't have stuck pixels or extra rubber on the Circle pad though.

 

[Corrie]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I ordered from amazon Italy, because it was only 150€ (195$) there and I shared shipping with a friend who ordered something too.

Returning should be no problem as they take it back within 30days as long as the device is in new condition (no scratches etc). But it will set me back 10$ for shipping and another 10 shipping if I order a new one.

So if I return the 3DS I probably will order the new one from my local amazon. It's 180€ (or 233$) here but shipping is free and you don't have to pay shipping if you are returning it (in case there problems again).

 

[BORTZ]

I thought the 3DS's were purposfully made with looser hinges to prevent the DSlite hinge disaster all over again.

 

[Eerpow]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I ordered from amazon Italy, because it was only 150€ (195$) there and I shared shipping with a friend who ordered something too.

Returning should be no problem as they take it back within 30days as long as the device is in new condition (no scratches etc). But it will set me back 10$ for shipping and another 10 shipping if I order a new one.

So if I return the 3DS I probably will order the new one from my local amazon. It's 180€ (or 233$) here but shipping is free and you don't have to pay shipping if you are returning it (in case there problems again).

That's not nice of you, some poor person is going to end up with that unit. The system can be fixed, I can almost guarantee you that the pixel will work again after a week of playing. The hinge is supposed to be that way, and the excess rubber can easily be removed. Try to run a color shifting gif for 30 minuts and press on it with a microfiber cloth a bit before least.

 

[DiabloStorm]

That's not nice of you, some poor person is going to end up with that unit. The system can be fixed, I can almost guarantee you that the pixel will work again after a week of playing. The hinge is supposed to be that way, and the excess rubber can easily be removed. Try to run a color shifting gif for 30 minuts and press on it with a microfiber cloth a bit before least.

Buying a new console, why would anybody want to deal with any of that? Why should they?

 

[Corrie]

Currently running the gif for two hours and nothing changed but I will keep it running for the rest of the day. Still unsure about returning.

I would put these issues on the return form and they will either send it to Nintendo for refurbishment or put it online as an warehouse deal so people will get it a bit cheaper and know it has been returned. Plus they are free to return it too.

That's not nice of you, some poor person is going to end up with that unit.

I don't see the difference between me or some other person ending up with my device.

 

[RchUncleSkeleton]

The whole point is that it's a brand new system and it should have no flaws out of the box. If he returns it the company should either take a hit and have it repaired by Nintendo or if it is a manufacturing error Nintendo should fix it for free. In reality you can probably contact Nintendo and they'll send you a box with prepaid shipping label and have it repaired free of charge or replaced with a new one faster than returning it to the seller, plus you won't incur the shipping charges.

Edit: Just make sure when you send it to Nintendo for replacement, you take out the SD Card and any games. Also discuss your options for any eshop content you purchased on the system.

 

[Eerpow]

The whole point is that it's a brand new system and it should have no flaws out of the box. If he returns it the company should either take a hit and have it repaired by Nintendo or if it is a manufacturing error Nintendo should fix it for free. In reality you can probably contact Nintendo and they'll send you a box with prepaid shipping label and have it repaired free of charge or replaced with a new one faster than returning it to the seller, plus you won't incur the shipping charges.

Edit: Just make sure when you send it to Nintendo for replacement, you take out the SD Card and any games. Also discuss your options for any eshop content you purchased on the system.

They're flaws which can't be covered by the guarantee, a bit of rubber that can be scratched off and a stuck pixel that most likely will work again isn't enough for them to replace the unit. The hinge as I already said before, is supposed to be that way. You can always try to contact Nintendo and get them to do it if you're lucky. I for one see it as unfair sending it back to Amazon so they can resell it.
I wouldn't mind receiving a 3DS like this if I was able to fix it, but I wouldn't want to receive a preowned 3DS in an already opened package.

 

[Corrie]

Gave my device a closer look and found a large dust particle under the screen and a smaller one above it.

Thats it, will call Nintendo on Monday and ask for a new one.

You can always try to contact Nintendo and get them to do it if you're lucky. I for one see it as unfair sending it back to Amazon so they can resell it.
I wouldn't mind receiving a 3DS like this if I was able to fix it, but I wouldn't want to receive a preowned 3DS in an already opened package.

Again, they won't resell it as new, but as a warehouse deal. And they will most likely file an issue with Nintendo about that instead of me.
I'm almost 100% sure Nintendo will understand my complains and replace the device.

 

[RchUncleSkeleton]

They're flaws which can't be covered by the guarantee, a bit of rubber that can be scratched off and a stuck pixel that most likely will work again isn't enough for them to replace the unit. The hinge as I already said before, is supposed to be that way. You can always try to contact Nintendo and get them to do it if you're lucky. I for one see it as unfair sending it back to Amazon so they can resell it.
I wouldn't mind receiving a 3DS like this if I was able to fix it, but I wouldn't want to receive a preowned 3DS in an already opened package.

How is it unfair for someone else to get it but you seem to think it's okay that Corrie received it like that?

 

[Count Duckula]

I went through 3 XLs before settling on the one I have now.
The first had very loose hinges, it makes playing it while reclining quite annoying as you can feel the screen wobble with any movement.
The second had 2 stuck (green) pixels. The completely unhelpful person at Nintendo support just said that was within normal ranges and nothing could be done. Took it back to the store and got another replacement.
The one I have now has no stuck pixels and the hinge is a tiny bit better than the first, but still horribly loose.

Some people seem happy to dismiss the poor hinges as being due to the issues with the DS lite (most who complain are aware of Nintendo's logic behind the design).
That's fine and a valid opinion but stating it as if it renders the complaint void is missing the point that its not the only solution. It's just the easiest and likely the cheapest for Nintendo while giving the worst result for consumers.

1080p televisions come with 0 dead/stuck pixel guarantees. That Nintendo doesn't provide one with such small and low res panels is pretty poor IMO.
I love Mariokart and a few other games on the system, but the build quality really leaves something to be desired.

 

[Armadillo]

I had two XLs.

First had a dead pixel and scratched screen. Replacement was fine, no dead pixels, no screen damage.

1080p televisions come with 0 dead/stuck pixel guarantees. That Nintendo doesn't provide one with such small and low res panels is pretty poor IMO.
I love Mariokart and a few other games on the system, but the build quality really leaves something to be desired.

This is why I always order my handhelds online. Don't know about elsewhere, but we have distance selling regulations here. 7 day cool off, where you can cancel and return order for any reason.

Dead pixel and retailer/Nintendo does not want to do anything, DSR em. Just say, I changed my mind, don't want it, send it back.

 

[Eerpow]

How is it unfair for someone else to get it but you seem to think it's okay that Corrie received it like that?

Because the package would be preopened, the unit could have prints etc.

 

[tbgtbg]

I had issues with my original DS. First had a defective headphone jack. 2nd had a stuck pixel. I just took them back to Walmart and got another until I got one that was properly free of defects.

 

[nukeboy95]

if its still under warranty get it fixed
http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/repair/index.jsp

 

[DiabloStorm]

Back in the DS phat days Nintendo eventually agreed to fix any DS with even one dead pixel. I'm sure there wouldn't be a problem getting a fix/replacement for a 3ds XL.

 

[Count Duckula]

I had two XLs.

First had a dead pixel and scratched screen. Replacement was fine, no dead pixels, no screen damage.



This is why I always order my handhelds online. Don't know about elsewhere, but we have distance selling regulations here. 7 day cool off, where you can cancel and return order for any reason.

Dead pixel and retailer/Nintendo does not want to do anything, DSR em. Just say, I changed my mind, don't want it, send it back.

Nice
I just returned it to the EB games I got it from and had no problems in getting an exchange. I like local retailers for hardware as if there is an issue I have a replacement within the hour.

When I got my PSP 1000 in the week it launched here in Aus I went through 2 or 3 before I found one with no stuck pixels also (was a known issue with launch models before I went to buy one), the girl behind the counter in Kmart didn't seem to care how many I went through.

Back in the DS phat days Nintendo eventually agreed to fix any DS with even one dead pixel. I'm sure there wouldn't be a problem getting a fix/replacement for a 3ds XL.

The guy I spoke to at Nintendo (Australia) support was very insistent that 2 stuck pixels was under the 'acceptable' (to them) limit and referenced something in their terms that stated it had to be 3 or more if I recall correctly. When it was clear he was going to be of no help I just told him I'd get an exchange at the store instead and that his company's definition of acceptable varied greatly from consumer expectation.
Just my personal experience, YMMV.