Hardware Ask Nintendo to do something about the n3DS XL IPS vs TN Screen issue

[DashBlacK]

Hi, GBATemp.

So, I bought a n3DS XL Hyrule Edition about 2 months ago and only recently I discovered the issue about the screen discrepancy being present (some having the superior IPS displays and some having the inferior TN displays). To my dismay, it turns out I have the TN display. As someone who likes to collect the Legend of Zelda memorabilia, this is unacceptable. It is not fair for me to pay the same amount as anyone else and to have the same product with a lesser build quality.

I sent in my system for repair, and all they did was they swapped it out for another system with a different serial number. The issue was not even addressed, furthermore, I had a console with a different serial number than on the box, which does not work for my collection purposes. So I called back in to the customer service department. I have spent 5+ hours on the phone with them and the only solution we were able to arrive to was to send back the original system I had sent in for repair with the same TN (lower quality) display. I am upset. I spoke with the highest authority at the customer service department as well, and this was the only solution. I even went as far as to send them the links of all 3DS system screen variant pictures and various discussion threads, and they did acknowledge the difference, but were unaware on how to actually fix the issue for me as they had already swapped the system for me, and that did not fix it. It is quite evident that this is not their fault as they obviously have a set of rules and guidelines they have to follow.

So I decided to call into corporate Nintendo, and this is their number 1-425-882-2040. I spoke with a lady, she was very nice, and I outlined the entire issue to her, and I told her that this is not an issue that only I face, but the entire Nintendo consumer base and this is why it needs to be addressed at a higher corporate level. She told me that she will forward the issue onto corporate but she also suggested that I recommend people with this similar issue to call in so that this issue can get attention and be addressed. So GBATemp, I ask for your help. Please call in at the above corporate Nintendo phone number so this issue can be brought to the attention and something can be done for us consumers as we all deserve IPS screens.

Thank you,

DashBlacK.

TL;DR - Please call corporate Nintendo 1-425-882-2040 so that this issue can be brought to their attention and something can be done about it.

Original thread on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/3DS/comments/44u8gf/ask_nintendo_to_do_something_about_the_n3ds_xl/

 

[D34DL1N3R]

Eh. So it didn't bother you whatsoever until you "recently found out about it"? It's a non issue unless for some odd reason after you found out, you started playing games at extreme viewing angles.

 

[Classicgamer]

Your pain brings me pleasure oddly enough

 

[DashBlacK]

Eh. So it didn't bother you whatsoever until you "recently found out about it"? It's a non issue unless for some odd reason after you found out, you started playing games at extreme viewing angles.

Actually, I didn't bother opening the console like the MM edition or Link Between the Worlds edition I also own, up until recently. Those are still sealed and waiting to be opened as I only collect them. This is just plain wrong that people who paid the same amount as me end up with a better product which functions better as well, not in terms of just the colours and viewing angles, but it also complements the Super Stable 3D feature which was the advertised point of the n3DS XL.

 

[DaftMink]

Nintendo doesn't care, if they did they'd still ship with foam inserts protecting the screen.
I had to return a N3DS as it already had top screen scratches caused by rubbing.

 

[Classicgamer]

meanwhile my n3ds ips is blazingly epic, especially on retro arch. Too bad but it seems like in order for your mind to be put at ease you need to screen swap or attack eBay. Or you can keep whining to ninty who just lol at your first world problems.

 

[weatMod]

Your pain brings me pleasure oddly enough

it's called schadenfreude

 

[Classicgamer]

it's called schadenfreude

Idk...it's very pointless to collect stuff. Anything- it's rediculous. You can't take it with you when you're dead. Ppl
Think they will live forever or
Something. Collect food or water instead and just buy one system lol

 

[Aurora Wright]

I think he/she is right, as even though Nintendo isn't advertising a specific screen tech for the N3DS, it's not fair to randomly get inferior screens for the same price.

 

[Classicgamer]

Agreed. I still want an agb 101 but I'll settle for agb frm/retroarch

 

[DashBlacK]

I'd really appreciate your support guys. Please take some time out to call Nintendo so that they can be made aware that this is an issue that upsets many of their consumers.

 

[tivu100]

Is there an app to check screen type instead of doing the whole downgrade and install CFW before be able to access browser and use that web to check the dark color tone to find out? (F*** Nintendo for the shitty browser snag on 9.9+)

 

[Deleted member 331788]

Nintendo simple don't care, there not enough users compiling about the issue to there beloved company! ...the fan base just accept it, and think it's normal ...stupid Nintendo fan base!!

Just luck with trying to get other users to complain about the issue, hopefully enough will for Nintendo to actually take note.

I made a similar complaint years ago about the build quality of the DSi when it was first released.
Sent in photos etc outlining the issue, it was sent up to the German Office HQ so I though they must be taking it seriously.
But I was told ...it's not a issue. If it was, we would have had received several other complaints ...no just yours??

 

[Ruby Gloom]

I'd support this if it was physically possible for me to make a phone call. It's kinda stupid to pay for less when others get more for the same.

 

[nero99]

I'd really appreciate your support guys. Please take some time out to call Nintendo so that they can be made aware that this is an issue that upsets many of their consumers.

I think you're the only one this bothers. You're the only that's ever made a thread about this issue on this website. If it bothers you so much, simply get the screen you want and replace it, or just don't play it and get a new system. People calling Nintendo won't do anything at all.

 

[Zaide]

You bitched out the people at customer support because the WORKING screen wasn't an IPS panel on a console you DON'T EVEN USE?

People like you are the reason that kind of job sucks. People like you are the ones those customer support workers will make fun of when their friends and family asks how their day was at work.

Get your priorities straight.

 

[sarkwalvein]

I will try to fix your ignorance regarding the subject.
Nintendo has already done "something about the n3ds xl ips vs tn screen issue".
It accepted that including the higher quality IPS screen was a production error related to stock shortage of lower quality screen.
But since then Nintendo has fixed its production problems and is producing N3DS witn lower quality TN screens, as it was originally intended and planned.
Furthermore, always so devoted to fix their mistakes, Nintendo is replacing systems with the unintended high quality IPS screens for free.
Just send your on warranty faulty (faulty because it was not intended on design) IPS system to Nintendo and you will receive a shiny TN N3DS.
Fortunately for you, you received an unfaulty system from the get go. So you should be happy and not whine about it.

 

[Potato hoarder]

What's the difference between TN and IPS and what do they stand for?

 

[izy]

I will try to fix your ignorance regarding the subject.
Nintendo has already done "something about the n3ds xl ips vs tn screen issue".
It accepted that including the higher quality IPS screen was a production error related to stock shortage of lower quality screen.
But since then Nintendo has fixed its production problems and is producing N3DS witn lower quality TN screens, as it was originally intended and planned.
Furthermore, always so devoted to fix their mistakes, Nintendo is replacing systems with the unintended high quality IPS screens for free.
Just send your on warranty faulty (faulty because it was not intended on design) IPS system to Nintendo and you will receive a shiny TN N3DS.
Fortunately for you, you received an unfaulty system from the get go. So you should be happy and not whine about it.

He is the saltiest canadian on the planet fits the american stereotype more.

Hurr durr im a collector my screen isnt Perfect IPS so i will unbox my Device and send it in to repair even though it isnt broken, they couldnt now find an issue with the perfectly working device so they changed the insides (which is the logical answer) so it needed a new Serial for the new Device ID

What's the difference between TN and IPS and what do they stand for?

its basically just panel quiality IPS has better viewing angles and colour

 

[sarkwalvein]

What's the difference between TN and IPS and what do they stand for?

Twisted Nematics and In-Phase Something (sorry for the lack of effort).
Twisted Nematics is an old technology for LCD displays, when you look at the screen from not straight angles color are kind of twisted.
IPS is a newer technology, is what apple uses in iPhones, but it is also used in most modern smartphones that are not Samsung. (they use OLED)