Nintendo DS Lite Crack help

Substance6

I've had my DS since about April/May of last year, and only a couple of days ago my hinge cracked. It's the right hinge, and it's on the outside rather than the inside of the clam shell.

Now, I just got off of the phone with a Nintendo representative, and they told me that it wasn't covered under warranty because it was my fault and that the only option I had was to pay 95 dollars, plus tax, to get it repaired. That's almost the price of a new DS, so I just thanked Richard (the guy on the line) for his help. He said that the 95 dollars is a pretty cheap deal, but I said i'd rather just use my old DS than splurge on a new one. I'm not made of money.

I'm wondering, though, he said that I'd have to fork over for a DS Lite because the crack wasn't under warranty. I don't use my DS roughly, or anything, it spends most of it's time in my pocket all snug and what not. Should I pursue this further?

And I thought Nintendo was cool about this sort of thing.

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homeobocks

I've never had a Nintendo product break on me, but I've heard they are great at repairs and replacements, even out of warranty. Maybe try calling again (to hope to speak to someone else), or by e-mail.

Janson

I have to say this is a really, really common problem with the DS Lites. Mine has cracked in exactly the same place, only on the left hinge. So has my boyfriend's. I've also heard of a few other cases.

Bearing in mind that it's only a cosmetic problem, I think I'm going to wait to replace mine until they change the fabric of the DS Lite/upgrade it again. I know it sucks, but consider that even if you did get a replacement, it might only crack again.

Gihgehls

I've never had to deal with Nintendo customer service specifically, but I know that in general the way you word things can have a substantial effect on how your problem is perceived. I wouldn't say "the hinge cracked" but instead I might say "the hinge developed a crack." Remaining calm with your CS representative tends to get you further. Remember to maintain that this crack developed through normal use and not by customer abuse. Insist that it is a defect.

Bionic Monkey

Janson wrote:

I have to say this is a really, really common problem with the DS Lites. Mine has cracked in exactly the same place, only on the left hinge. So has my boyfriend's. I've also heard of a few other cases.

Bearing in mind that it's only a cosmetic problem, I think I'm going to wait to replace mine until they change the fabric of the DS Lite/upgrade it again. I know it sucks, but consider that even if you did get a replacement, it might only crack again.

My Lite had a cracked hinge and they sent me a replacement unit. Recently, the replacement unit got a crack in the exact same place.

Bionic Monkey

Gihgehls wrote:

I've never had to deal with Nintendo customer service specifically, but I know that in general the way you word things can have a substantial effect on how your problem is perceived. I wouldn't say "the hinge cracked" but instead I might say "the hinge developed a crack." Remaining calm with your CS representative tends to get you further. Remember to maintain that this crack developed through normal use and not by customer abuse. Insist that it is a defect.

And if they say it isn't a defect, check out the thread on this in G&T. One guy had this happen, and the hinge eventually completely seperated the two halves on the side with the crack. Definately a defect.

Substance6

Alright. I plan on calling back tomorrow afternoon. I don't usually deal with customer service people, so I was wondering what I should say. What are some red flags?

My main goal here is to get a new, or at the very least, a refurbished DS. Any advice?

Gihgehls

Say "Hi I have a problem with my Nintendo DS system." they will say oh i'm sorry to hear that, what is the problem? and you say "It seems to be developing a crack on the hinge, and I understand this is a common problem with the system that happens through normal use. I've never dropped the unit or exposed it to extreme temperatures. I know that Nintendo is very dedicated to customer service and I would like to have my unit replaced as soon as possible."

Things to avoid saying:
"Sometimes I let my little brother borrow it, but he would never break it and not tell me"
"I usually leave the DS in my car. I live in Arizona/Alaska"
"Ever since I took my DS to the beach it makes this awful grating sound every time I open or close it."

If they try to tell you that they don't cover damage caused by abuse, tell them again that the unit has been cared for, and that you have heard numerous reports of this hinge breaking through normal use, and equally numerous reports of Nintendo's excellent customer service making the problem go away.

EDIT: you don't have to say 'unit' as much as I do, but it is pretty common in support centers.