Any tips besides calling Nintendo? I've set up an RMA but if there's something I can try before that; I'm all ears.

The system works when docked but shows nothing when handheld. I can hear stuff happening when I press buttons but that's it.

Why don't you return it?

Uh... sounds like you oughta just take that straight back to the store.

The place I bought it from doesn't return opened electronics... It was a store where I could use a bunch of reward points so I took the risk. Also, I think they only had the one so I couldn't exchange it if I wanted to.

They would have to accept an open electronic device if it's defective.

@retrometal: This is from their website

Electronics

• Returns will only be given if original product is returned in the original sealed box in saleable condition with a receipt and within the 30 day return period from original date of purchase
• In some instances you may be required to deal directly with the manufacturer.

@chrjz: I could be wrong, but that's probably referring to returns related to anything other than a defective item. They're not going to take back an opened item because you changed your mind, but you should be fine to return any electronic item if it is in fact defective. I'd say contact them about it and see if they'll just swap you for another one (if they have another, I guess). If they don't, what kind of business are they trying to run?

@jjweatherman: Yes absolutely. At the very least, bringing it in won't do any kind of harm. Most companies are pretty compliant with customers who are fairly cordial and have a legitimate issue.

Yeah you should probably just switch it out.

*IF* whatever retailer you bought this from wont allow you to exchange a defective item, I would never do business with them again and I would word-of-mouth try to ruin them.

Echoing these other fine folks, definitely try to return it. The worst they can do is say "nah." In which case that would be super sketchy.

But if it comes to that, then giving Nintendo a call is a fine option as well. Even if the store doesn't, Nintendo has (historically, at least) honored a sort of built-in warranty with their products. Being new enough, they may just replace it without charge.

@chrjz: I had the same return situation with Toys r us. It made me terrified to open it. What I noticed is that the box and bagging is all unsealed on the switch. There is no seals/shrink wrap or other ripped plastic. How could they tell you opened it? I say wipe it down and bag it up, tell them you changed you mind and send it back.

Edit: At least this is what I saw with the Mario Bundle.

A store who won't refund defective merchandise is a front for something else.

EDIT: and as others have said, the switch packaging doesn't have any seals, so... it's always been opened, or indistinguishable from unopened.

I agree that their return policy sucks. I did, in fact, go in and ask to swap it for a different one and they straight up said no and to deal with Nintendo.

It's actually true that the box would be easy enough to package back up without any indication that it was opened... I would then probably be able to return it.

If anyone is wondering it's a large Canadian chain called Shoppers Drug Mart. They have a reward program called Optimum and I cashed in $170 worth of points. I would never have bought it from them without that kind of discount and because of it I'm probably just going to send it to Nintendo for repair.

If that were me, I'd be absolutley livid. I've never heard of a company refusing to replace a just-purchased faulty electrical device.

@chrjz: It seems like your best bet is just to send it off to Nintendo then, they certainly will fix or replace it at least.

That being said, here in the UK we have the Consumer Rights Act which means that any store has to take back faulty goods that they sold (provided you notify them within 30 days). Sometimes they don't play ball but you can threaten to go to your local trading standards department (or even the consumer ombudsman) as they are literally breaking the law. I don't know if anything similar exists in Canada but it might be worth researching.

@kingbonesaw: I buy lots of groceries there and earn most of my Optimum points that way so it's a great deal when I can get $170 off of a Switch. It is weird that they sell them in the first place, though. With Optimum it's one of the best ways to get deals on that stuff.

Next I'm going to try and get back up to enough points for a Pro Controller so clearly I haven't learned my lesson.