Early in December last year (2012), I bought a shiny and blue Nintendo 3DS XL with a digital copy of Mario Kart 7. It has been a long time since I've owned a Nintendo handheld - my last one being a(n original) Game Boy Advance - so I was excited to have a new Nintendo portable system. However, I noticed a blemish on the top screen of my 3DS XL. There was a patch of off-bright pixels near the center of the top screen that becomes apparent during still moments or bright scenes. I thought it was nothing at first, but as the weeks passed by it became clear that there was a distracting defect on the top screen of my 3DS.

So I called Nintendo customer service around late January 2013 and set up a repair order. I sent my new 3DS XL off to repaired. It should come back with a fixed screen, right? Sadly, that was not the case. The repair only replaced the screen cover, but the defect is deep within the display itself. After much contemplation, I called Nintendo customer service again to see if I can get the defective top screen replaced. Thankfully, the warranty still applied to this case and this second repair won't cost me anything. The second repair replaced the top screen and my blemish-free 3DS XL came back to me in early March 2013.

It was disappointing to have the beginning of my 3DS XL ownership be marked with defects and repair orders. Hardware defects are a part of complex electronics and it was unlucky of me to pick the unit with an issue. Still, my experience with getting the 3DS XL repaired was an easy one, even with the ineffectual first repair. Also, my system was eventually repaired to my satisfaction which is what matters most in the end. I look forward to enjoying my 3DS games in the future!