March 27th, 2012 marks the 1 year anniversary of the Nintendo 3DS system. When the system was originally launched, it was uncertain if the handheld console would make it. Because sales were sluggish, many software publishers were slow to jump onboard, but a significant price drop boosted sales.
All Nintendo products come with a one-year warranty, and that means that if you’re an early adopter of the 3DS then you might want to think about getting some of those weird problems fixed before it is too late.
As mentioned in one of our articles, the one-year warranty period starts from the date you purchase the system, and the system was probably electronically registered from the retail store when you purchased it. Nintendo has been very forgiving on the warranty date, so if your warranty expired a month (or even two) ago then you can probably get your system repaired for free.
On the next page we show you some of the things that you should get repaired…
Nintendo knows about some of the issues with the 3DS and should repair your console for free.
One of these known issues is lines being etched on the top screen from the bottom screen. Oil and acids from your hands get on the plastic to the left and right of the bottom screen. When you close the lid, this oil is transferred to the top screen, and will eventually etch into the top plastic, and these marks cannot be removed, no matter how hard you scrub. This is an issue that Nintendo is aware of and is totally covered under warranty.
Some other issues that you should get fixed before it’s too late is wear and tear on the buttons and analog stick. If the stick is looking worn, ask that it be replaced. If any of your buttons are not responding or responding inconsistently, then have them repaired. If your buttons are just “sticky” with Cheeto residue, then just take a soft toothbrush and rub the buttons.
There may be other issues with your system that may not be anybody’s fault, but you should still get looked at while you can. These can be issues such as a cartridge game not being recognized consistently, to the camera application not working. If you’re getting any sort of error code, then you should get that repaired right away.
You might be able to fix some issues yourself. If a game you’re playing “hangs”, then try shutting your system off by holding down the power button for 10 seconds (it will turn off). Your system should be fine, but if this keeps happening then you should get the thing in for repair. Use some common sense, though… if it’s the same game that keeps hanging, then it’s probably the game… delete it and re-download it or try a new cartridge.
Most power problems happen when you’ve damaged your 3DS either by dropping it or spilling something on it. If that’s the case, then Nintendo will find out and they will make you pay a repair fee.
Are there things that Nintendo won’t fix? We tell you on the next page…
Don’t try and get your 3DS repaired if it’s something you have done (accidentally or on purpose). If you dropped it or spilled soda on it, then Nintendo will find out and will make you pay for the repair. Seriously, their techs have special equipment to test for liquid spillage and totally test each system. If their litmus papers change color when it touches the PCB then you’re paying a repair fee.
If you have a hacked system, then Nintendo will not repair it. This is very easy to tell on a Wii, but not so straightforward on a 3DS, as most people use AceKards or other cartridges that allow you to run homebrew software. Every time you play a game, it is logged on the 3DS (just go into your system log and you’ll see how many times you’ve played a particular game), and they may become suspicious if you’ve played “Prince Caspian” 3,000 times.
Nintendo will also not fix your system if it’s been opened in any way… even by a third party electronic repair shop. Only Nintendo-authorized shops are allowed to do warranty work and there are only two in the United States: United Radio in Syracuse, New York and Minilec in Chatsworth, California. And you can’t just walk up to these places or send them in without calling Nintendo first and getting a repair order number.
That’s great and all… can you recap?…
Nintendo will repair just about anything; but it will cost you if you are the one who screwed your system up. If you’re still within or just outside your warranty period then they might give you a discount on the repair (it’s normally $85, even if you just need to have a button fixed).
The one-year warranty for many Nintendo 3DS systems has just expired, so if there are any issues you need fixed, then don’t wait.