Hardware Original 3DS common scratches on top screen

[Nuxx20]

So in my pursuit of a used 3DS I stumbled upon quite a few systems in good condition, but they still had these two scratches on each side of the top screen, caused by the lack of gap between the two screens when the console is closed. Are these usually serious scratches that appear in game as well? it was hard to tell from the online photos.
If I decide to buy a brand new 3DS, is there any tip on how to avoid getting these scratches other than being extra cautious when closing the console?

 

[Zap Rowsdower]

Take some rubber bumpers off of a laptop or something, and stick them on top of the 3ds bumpers to increase the distance a bit.

 

[hippy dave]

I can't say I notice them when I'm playing, if I'm not looking for them.

 

[shinyquagsire23]

It ruins the 3D for me, doesn't kill the experience per se, but it's definitely unsettling and annoying. Love my N3DS for this reason, they finally moved to a much better material for the top display this time around rather than the unibody-ish plastic thing. I believe you can replace that part though fairly easily if it really bugs you.

 

[Nuxx20]

Ill just get a N3DS white then. Probably a Japanese one as they are cheaper

 

[gamesquest1]

Ofc having a screen protector on means if the cart he's do appear you can just replace the screen protector

 

[Maximilious]

So in my pursuit of a used 3DS I stumbled upon quite a few systems in good condition, but they still had these two scratches on each side of the top screen, caused by the lack of gap between the two screens when the console is closed. Are these usually serious scratches that appear in game as well? it was hard to tell from the online photos.
If I decide to buy a brand new 3DS, is there any tip on how to avoid getting these scratches other than being extra cautious when closing the console?

Its not terribly noticeable to me, but when I do notice them I can rub them off with my fingers without issue.

 

[GaaraPrime]

Ill just get a N3DS white then. Probably a Japanese one as they are cheaper

Just be careful if you're ordering a Jap console. I would say either wait for Gateway to release support for N3DS (which will enable you to play region-free games) or get a AU N3DS.

If Gateway releases an update, then you're good to go with a Jap console. If not, then you'll be stuck with Sky3DS and Jap roms. But if you get an AU N3DS, at least you'll be able to play PAL games

 

[Unkn0wn]

So in my pursuit of a used 3DS I stumbled upon quite a few systems in good condition, but they still had these two scratches on each side of the top screen, caused by the lack of gap between the two screens when the console is closed. Are these usually serious scratches that appear in game as well? it was hard to tell from the online photos.
If I decide to buy a brand new 3DS, is there any tip on how to avoid getting these scratches other than being extra cautious when closing the console?

A lot of people have this problem. I just put screen protectors and decals on my system, as well as a metal case. My console it pretty much in mint condition. The decals and screen protector protects the top screen from being scratched. I don't know why no one else has thought of this - decals make your system look better and protect it.