Less than 1 out of every 5,000 DS Lites cracks, claims Nintendo
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Jul 20th 2006 at 4:55PM }
Nintendo finally got back to us about reports of cracked DS Lite hinges. Here's the official statement we were sent:"In the U.S., the reported number of small cosmetic cracks in the plastic hinge of DS Lite systems represents less than 0.02 percent of the total units sold. This cosmetic issue in no way impacts the gameplay or integrity of the DS Lite. Nintendo stands behind the quality of our products and encourages DS Lite owners to contact our Customer Service Department if they are not happy with the functionality of their systems."
The 0.02% figure is based solely on reported cracked hinges, and as such, does not reflect the actual percentage of defective DS Lites. While merely cosmetic -- know that some reports claim the damage can worsen -- the crack, in our opinion, should be considered under the DS Lite's warranty. But don't go crying to Customer Service just yet ... if the instance is as rare -- and harmless -- as Nintendo claims, these imperfections will no doubt end up as collector's items sold on eBay. Who wants to place the first bid on ours?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Conn @ Jul 20th 2006 5:02PM
Why couldn't they just have gave us an actual number? Because I doubt people are buying a less-than-one DS Lite.
Crosswayboy @ Jul 20th 2006 5:02PM
I hadn't noticed the crack on my own DS Lite's hinge until you mentioned it, but it is there on mine too and I've never dropped it once.
If Nintendo considers this an open and shut case, then I think some action on our part as consumers may need to be taken (e.g. class action suit).
Loque @ Jul 20th 2006 5:09PM
Uhh...DS Phat ftw??
But really, that blows. Just wait till they get more reports. The more people that see this, it seems, the more people who actually bother to look at their hinges.
Revolution @ Jul 20th 2006 5:13PM
I also didn't notice my crack *snickers* until I read the last article about a possible issue. As long as it doesn't negatively impact my gameplay, I doan curr
nionlights @ Jul 20th 2006 5:13PM
Oh no, my toy has a crack in it that affects absolutely nothing. Here, I'll...complain about it on the internet?
Lunker @ Jul 20th 2006 5:17PM
Before everyone starts flipping out, a Kotaku reporter spoke to a Nintendo CS rep, who says that they're willing to fix the cracks for free.
http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/top/nintendo-capitulates-offers-free-repairs-for-cracked-ds-lites-188778.php
This has been echoed by one or two people recently in the Penny-Arcade forums, so it seems Nintendo's getting the message. Calm down, people.
Spaz @ Jul 20th 2006 5:18PM
0.02%, yet all the people who run Nintendo fanboy blogs (such as Joystiq) seem to have one of the super rare cracked devices.
Hopefully Nintendo gets their stuff together on this one and stops being dodgy about it.
brokebackcowboy @ Jul 20th 2006 5:21PM
"...these imperfections will no doubt end up as collector's items sold on eBay. Who wants to place the first bid on ours?"
If this was a Sony product Joystiq and all the intarweb Nintendo fanboys would be crying about how Sony hates the consumer.
Gingernathan @ Jul 20th 2006 5:22PM
Why should they acknowledge there's a major problem with the Lite?!
As long as they replace any units with the crack with a new unit, then what more can they do? If I'm unlucky enough for mine to develop a crack in the hinge cover, then I'll just go and get it exchanged from the retailer where I bought it from, failing that contact Nintendo and organise a replacement or repair.
Stenz @ Jul 20th 2006 5:30PM
1 out of 5000? Wow, I must be unlucky. Oh well, I don't think that this is a cause for alarm. In fact, I think the entire situation is fairly ridiculous. I didn't notice the crack until I went out of my way to look for it when I read about these reports. It doesn't affect the gameplay, and the crack is so minute that I'm not bothered by it. I can't even see it while the DS is open, and if that's the case for everyone, it doesn't make much sense to complain about something so insignificant. If there were cracks forming around the d-pad or something like that, I could understand why people would be upset.
Optimus @ Jul 20th 2006 5:32PM
1) Stop folding your DS lite back all the way ("flat"). That will put less strain on the hinge.
2) Don't open and close the thing violently.
Problem mitigated.
heh @ Jul 20th 2006 5:40PM
Keep the hinge closed. NEVER open it. Thatll fix it up too.
Night Elve @ Jul 20th 2006 5:44PM
Im pretty sure Nintendo is blessed for the Gods, because no one is complaining about this.
Some people say things like "as long it does not affect my gameplay is ok", well as consumer you should demand a satisfactory responde from Nintendo.
No shits like "Less than 1 out of every 5,000". Because a lot of people just here has notices the crack on their DS Lites.
Nintendo should fix this for free.
Comtar @ Jul 20th 2006 5:45PM
For those of you who think we treat our DS Lites violently and don't think there's an issue...
Why is the crack always on the left hinge?
There isn't a single report of the right hinge.
Coincidence?
I think not.
ihya @ Jul 20th 2006 5:53PM
Once again a case of the vocal minority...
Gingernathan @ Jul 20th 2006 5:54PM
"as long as it dosen't effect my gameplay" isn't good enough, as a consumer we have rights. Which is why they will replace the unit 'free' (as per the twelve month warranty that comes with it).
Are people taking stupid pills over this? What more do people want then their unit replaced??!
Frank @ Jul 20th 2006 5:54PM
You would think... because these are so "rare" then they wouldn't mind fixing them....
Fixing 5,000 or so to make everyone happy...? Pennies to Nintendo.... a customer service cost.
Now, I would see them trying to get out of a mass recall... but if they're so rare... just fix them
Blah @ Jul 20th 2006 6:01PM
This is stupid, Nintendo made a manufacturing mistake and isn't willing to fix it(for free) in America? I mean, on top of only having ONE color, the one color is DEFECTIVE. I plan on sometime upgrading from a DS Phat, but with the cracks becoming more common, I want Nintendo to fix a mistake they made. Just because "it doesn't effect gameplay" doesn't mean they shouldn't fix it without a fee. But yeah, if Microsoft makes a mistake *cough*360cooling*cough* everyone attacks them(even when they replace it right?), but NO way for Nintendo to receive negative feedback. I am a "DS Fanboy", but if you can't even enjoy a system without is being damaged, how good is it?
Gingernathan @ Jul 20th 2006 6:05PM
Somebody please link me to a quote from Nintendo which states they won't except the crack for a replacement/fix under its warranty (other then stupid arsed assumptions based on a brand damage limitation statement, which doesn't say anything about not replacing units but just clarifies there's not a problem with the overall product quality)Arggghh *starts banging head on wall*
Babylonian @ Jul 20th 2006 6:31PM
Yeah, this statistic is absolute BS, especially if they didn't account for all the unreported ones. As soon as I read about the crack, I checked mine and my girlfriend's, and both of our DS Lites had a cracked hinge. Thing is, neither one of us cared. However, for Nintendo to sink to Microsoft's "0.0000000003% of 360s break" level is more than a little disappointing.
Skippy @ Jul 20th 2006 6:56PM
------
1) Stop folding your DS lite back all the way ("flat"). That will put less strain on the hinge.
2) Don't open and close the thing violently.
----------
Optimus, neither of those things contribute to the problem. For one, opening all the way flat is perfectly acceptable - even the in-store demo models are opened like that.
And besides, I do neither of those things and still have a crack.
Subnet6 @ Jul 20th 2006 7:02PM
"This is stupid, Nintendo made a manufacturing mistake and isn't willing to fix it(for free) in America?"
What are you talking about? Am I the only one who has actually tried to get this fixed?
My wifes unit had a crack and when I called Nintendo customer care, they agreed to replace it for free. They are sending me a return label now.
will @ Jul 20th 2006 7:10PM
#1 ive bought 5,000 so actually that figure is quite helpful...
will @ Jul 20th 2006 7:24PM
how bad would it be if every single one of the 5,000 had a crack in... hmmm
Tiago @ Jul 20th 2006 7:33PM
I guess Nintendo does follow Apple in various things... like shiny products full of manufacturing defects.
TibrisXVII @ Jul 20th 2006 7:38PM
Uuh, to all you saying Nintendo are bastards and should fix them for free, they are, that's the point of their response. RTFA people. Frankly, that's more than I would do, it has no effect on gameplay or function, I'd say screw you. Nintendo is still better than Sony with their "minimum 7 dead pixels before we'll fix it".
One more thing. Quit you’re freaking’ whining, seriously I don’t know if my DSLite is cracked or not because I don’t care. Tiny insignificant harmless flaws are not at the top of my list of things to worry about.
Sheir @ Jul 20th 2006 7:42PM
I don't have a crack, but if I did I would get it exchanged.
Not because I care, just because I can.
Kazi @ Jul 20th 2006 7:47PM
To those complaining about Nintendo not getting as bad of a rap for a faulty product than Microsoft/Sony:
Big note here problems that arose with Sony and Microsoft systems have prevented people from playing the system (disc read error/overheating). Besides that, Nintendo has a good run of durable products. It's like if a good kid (Nintendo) does something bad vs if a little hellion(Sony) does something bad. The hellion's gonna get his ass grounded, the goody two is just gonna get a slap on the hands. Why? Because it's likely the good kid didn't know better, while the bad kid doesn't even give a crap no matter what the crime.
Isaac Klavsky @ Jul 20th 2006 7:48PM
Personally, I don't see what the hubub is. The crack was unnoticeable in most cases until some asshole decided to bitch and moan. If the warranty doesn't cover the crack (I don't know personally) then don't aggravate it. Just shut up about something stupid that doesn't affect anything but the look of the hinge, which is not damaged by this crack. Honestly, if its cracked, trade it in for a DSphat. The system still works. Get over it. It's not like the guts are broken, or melted, or defective. It is not a real problem, and if you feel it is, ask for Customer Service to fix it. If they don't, big whoop.
nambit @ Jul 20th 2006 7:50PM
It looks like there are folks confused at the Blogs and at Nintendo themselves. It seems some Nintendo support reps are "repairing" these units for free, while others are charging $50.
I think the blogs and the websites jumped the gun on this issue as it's quite clear that this problem is quite new and recent, thus no real policy has been set in stone yet to handle the problem. If it affects the gameplay or anything, likely it would be free. Being that this crack aparently doesn't, folks don't quite know how to handle it.
Anyhow, wait until something solidifies before jumping the gun. I'm sure the folks at Nintendo are still looking into this issue. It's quite apparent that blogs can cause more harm than good, especially when a so-called "policy" is seen as final when it may be an error of judgement of a few individuals at said company. It happens all the time, and being that we're getting conflicting reports from blogs and now even gamespot and such, it looks like some clairity is due soon.
Sean DL @ Jul 20th 2006 7:51PM
Ummm...Someoen needs to update this, Nintendo is fixing it for free...
At lease they aren't calling it a work of art that no one should criticize...
Geist @ Jul 20th 2006 7:56PM
I have a feeling these cracks resulted before people recieved the devices, as there are some people that have treated the Lites really well, and still have that. Personally, I don't think it's a problem, since it doesn't affect gameplay.
#17 (Blah), people got pissed at X360 because the damn things were scratching CDs, freezing games, and just plain screwing up. This is not the case with Lites.
Frankly, I feel this is all hysteria. This is not the sticky square button of the PSP, or the overheating 360's. I bet something like %95 of everybody with the cracks would have never even noticed the damn things if they hadn't seen an article about them. It's a cosmetic problem, and a barely-noticeable one at that.
Donutta @ Jul 20th 2006 8:17PM
In America only? I'm in New Zealand and mine's cracked. Worse, there's no Nintendo NZ at the moment (the license was dropped by Monaco due to poor profit margins) and so I couldn't get it fixed even if I wanted to.
JRM @ Jul 20th 2006 8:26PM
1 in 5000 people who bought the DS lite suffer from OCD.
...That's the only way to explain this blip on the radar...
dvnt @ Jul 20th 2006 8:43PM
Joystiq, you're only damaging your own reputation at this point. Have you stepped back and looked at what you're saying? Fanaticism plain and simple. So stop beating a dead horse. Next news story please, thx.
Zell @ Jul 20th 2006 9:28PM
I like Nintendo's customer service. I've never had a problem with them. And no, I haven't had the Kool-Aid. In fact, I once lost my free pink Kirby stylus while hanging out at the Nintendo Store. I sent Nintendo an email asking if there was some way to purchase a replacement. They responded quickly that I couldn't but they would be willing to make an exception and mail me another. Got it in four days.
My Lite is actually in Nintendo's care right now. I sent it to them (using the UPS label they mailed to me) last week because I had ONE dead pixel in the top screen. Only reason I really sent it in is because I prefer playing GBA games on the top screen, since the touch screen tends to have finger prints and the pixel was irritating. When I reported it then had no problem mailing me the label. They also sent me an email saying I could wait several weeks to see if it really affects my game play before sending it in.
I'm currently climbing the wall awaiting my baby's return and it seems so petty to have sent it in. This is to say, if I notice a crack in my hinge a while after getting it back I don't think I'll be sending it back in. Just doesn't seem worth it.
Johan Krüger-Haglert @ Jul 20th 2006 11:26PM
5. I even read about some moron who asked if he should break it by intention because he wanted to have his DS lite replaced with a black one of with a white one with screen protector (I guess he has scratched his screen.) (on http://www.dsnytt.se/)
Fucking morons I say, but there seem to be plenty of them here in Sweden which buys the DS :(
someguy @ Jul 20th 2006 11:44PM
Buy phat ds. Problem solved.
Rare Hare @ Jul 21st 2006 1:01AM
Is this a problem with the black version of the DS Lite as well? I'm planning on importing a black one and giving my cousin my old silver one.
Has anyone here with a black DS Lite had any problem with the left hinge cracking? If not, it's all the more reason for me to pay a couple extra bucks to get the sexier color.
Zell @ Jul 21st 2006 1:13AM
I don't remember hearing reports about the black DS Lite, Rare Hare, but if anything I'm sure the crack would be all that much less noticeable on one.
chakan @ Jul 21st 2006 1:26AM
It MAY be cosmetic damage only, but I don't want to risk the top hinge of my DS falling off. If a crack like this develops after one month of gentle gameplay, what will happen after my 1 year warranty is over?
That's why UPS is taking my baby back to Nintendo tomorrow.
nick @ Jul 21st 2006 1:33AM
Give it up, Ransom-Wiley. Pathetic.
Frankie @ Jul 21st 2006 2:29AM
seems to me the only people who have the crack, are the 1 in 5000, and 100% of the PSP fanboys with their fake cracked DS lites
RageOverdose @ Jul 21st 2006 4:14AM
Man, I honestly believe some people are complaining just because they can and it makes them feel good because they're part of a mass bitch at a company for a minor flaw. I'm not really saying everyone's that way, but damn, it sure seems like it. Look, if the crack begins to develop or causes an issue with your DS lite, by all means complain. But complaining about this cosmetic issue makes many of the DS fanboys look like hypocrits. Wasn't only so long ago when the PSP vs DS arguement had the issue of cosmetics? Yes, it was a big part of the arguement, and DS supporters kept on running on about how the system's appearance does not matter (myself included). Now, there's mass complaint over what is (in most cases) a mere cosmetic issues that's quite tiny. Dead pixels is one thing, a mere crack is another.
As for if Nintendo will fix it for free, I think they will most of the time (it may vary depending on the rep, but most seem nice enough to go ahead and do it). I believe this because I remember actually slamming my SP so hard it literally shattered the screen and damaged the battery pack (I was really pissed at the time, and since the SP was in my hands at the time, I irrationaly threw it). I called up Nintendo Customer Support, and even after telling them I threw it intentionally (even though under anger's influence, still something most companies wouldn't cover), they still said they would repair it for free and even cover shipping.
Waccoon @ Jul 21st 2006 6:28AM
I don't think this is a cosmetic issue. Plastic fractures spider over time, so the hinges will eventually deteriorate. Most designers know you can't use plastic tubes as frictions surfaces.
fatfree @ Jul 21st 2006 7:22AM
Uncool!
So Nintendo replaces it with another one, and who says it won't crack again in a month or two??
For those that have cracked DS Lite... please visit
http://dslcracked.awardspace.com/
martin @ Jul 21st 2006 8:02AM
Yeah 45.. real smart, just give away to some total stranger your serial number of you DS Lite. Why don't you give away your SS# and your Credit card numbers while you are at it!!!!
Honestly people. If you have a problem with it, contact Nintendo. They are reasonable company and apparently are starting to take care of it. I cannot blame them for not doing it for free right away. If you had a company and only had a few complaints of people wanting new ones because of a crack in the plastic, you would have the same reaction (that the people probably dropped them or something). This is really the case when you have calls of people requesting the black ones because of the cracks.
And the cases of the hinge coming off are BS! Yeah if you have a crack and then start pulling at the screen I am sure it will come off. The Lite has to be abused for the top screen to come off!!! And the only way the crack can get worse after the eventual break through is if you get some huge amount of dirt in there to make the hinge bigger. Otherwise it is a clean break, and no spidering should occur (of course unless you abuse it!!!!!!!)
I can understand if the crack bothers people, so just call Nintendo and quit wasting people's time bitching and moaning and praising Sony and M$ to make you feel better, because all you are doing is wasting everyones time. The people have been warned... what more is needed. Complaints to a blog site aren't going to help, because all it looks like is a case of vocal minority. The only way to really gauge how many are cracked is to call Nintendo, they use the serial numbers to verify the correct number of units. Don't go giving your serial number to some stranger. (those numbers are good for getting free stuff from Nintendo, and it could just be a scam to get a ton of numbers and become the top Nintendo customer and win all the free prizes!!!)
x876543 @ Jul 21st 2006 8:17AM
I had to get a new butt because my old one had a crack in it. Ha!
But seriously, I think this is a rare case, when these stories are posted, everyone who had a crack posted they had one, but not many readers (which I'm sure Joystiq has many many more that never post) have posted that theirs isn't cracked. Well between my two other friend's with DS Lites (one imported Blue) and my own, there were no cracks. So come on Joystiq, how about a poll?
Jake @ Jul 21st 2006 9:27AM
In common usage, the phrases "anally retentive," "anal-retentive" or "anal" were used to describe a certain style of behavior, and it is implied that this is due to a person clenching their anal sphincter, causing retention of feces. This is not necessarily literally the case, nor usually even intended literally.
Today, however, the term is often used in reference to anybody seen as overly worried about "nit-picking", small details of form, style and etiquette, uptight or distressed over ordinarily minor problems, unable to adopt a philosophical attitude toward mistakes, and worried about non-functional cracks in their DS Lite hinges. This metaphorical usage has become so commonplace that the somewhat graphic literal meaning of the phrase is often overlooked by those using it.
Another term used in a similar context is "hair-splitting." The intended implication is that an "anally retentive" person needs to "loosen up" a little instead of "holding on to it."
Jake @ Jul 21st 2006 9:32AM
The number of cracks reported on this website is explained by the following formula:
# of people with cracks + (Sony + MS fanboys who don't even have a DS Lite) = # of reports
Therefore,
# of people with cracks =/ # of reports
iff people is defined as anyone who reads this article at Joystiq.
Class dismissed