Worst Person in Videogames: DS Lite Edition
Nintendo finally dun it. They have gotten a Worst Person's award, and not just in saying something terrible, but in having a terrible policy.
Joystiq has reported that some Nintendo DS Lites have been getting cracks on the hinge. They seem to be only aesthetic and not hindering functionality, but some people are worried.
Now, if the story ended there, I wouldn't have much of a problem. However, the people at Nintendo has said that such a defect DOESN'T fall under the warranty, the one in which no DS Lite has expired (they have a 12 month warranty), and thus have to pay $50 to get the crack fixed (story: http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/17/nintendo-ds-lite-cracks-on-hinge/ ).
It may just be an aethetic problem, but I have no doubt that is important for alot of people. One of the main improvements over the DS (Phat as it has been nicknamed) was that it actually looked good.
But I'll go futher and say that this does fall under the warranty. Here is the hardware warranty, as given for my DS (Phat):
"Nintendo of America Inc. ("Nintendo") warrants to the original purchaser that the hardware product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase. If a defect covered by this warrantee occurs during this warrantee period, Nintendo will repair or replace the defective hardware product or component, free of charge. The original purchaser is entitled to this warranty only if the date of purchase is registered at point of sale or the consumer can demostrate, to Nintendo's satisfaction, that the product was purchased within the last 12 months."
As the warranty information says, defects and workmanship is covered; which includes any cracks. So Nintendo saying that it isn't covered is clearly wrong, even if it is just for aesthetic value.
As always, I am a forgiving person. So until they decide otherwise, Nintendo gets the Worst Persons in Videogames award.
UPDATE: Via Joystiq, MaxConsole has gotten a press release from Nintendo, which says that they aren't aware of the problems. All the while, MaxConsole compiled testamonies on the crack, including some that are saying that it actually removed the casing, affecting stability of the hinge (story: http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=8543). All the while, Joystiq said that Nintendo customer service is still attributing the crack to misuse (which means that you have to pay for repairs).
Not a good step forward for Nintendo.
Joystiq has reported that some Nintendo DS Lites have been getting cracks on the hinge. They seem to be only aesthetic and not hindering functionality, but some people are worried.
Now, if the story ended there, I wouldn't have much of a problem. However, the people at Nintendo has said that such a defect DOESN'T fall under the warranty, the one in which no DS Lite has expired (they have a 12 month warranty), and thus have to pay $50 to get the crack fixed (story: http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/17/ninte
It may just be an aethetic problem, but I have no doubt that is important for alot of people. One of the main improvements over the DS (Phat as it has been nicknamed) was that it actually looked good.
But I'll go futher and say that this does fall under the warranty. Here is the hardware warranty, as given for my DS (Phat):
"Nintendo of America Inc. ("Nintendo") warrants to the original purchaser that the hardware product shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase. If a defect covered by this warrantee occurs during this warrantee period, Nintendo will repair or replace the defective hardware product or component, free of charge. The original purchaser is entitled to this warranty only if the date of purchase is registered at point of sale or the consumer can demostrate, to Nintendo's satisfaction, that the product was purchased within the last 12 months."
As the warranty information says, defects and workmanship is covered; which includes any cracks. So Nintendo saying that it isn't covered is clearly wrong, even if it is just for aesthetic value.
As always, I am a forgiving person. So until they decide otherwise, Nintendo gets the Worst Persons in Videogames award.
UPDATE: Via Joystiq, MaxConsole has gotten a press release from Nintendo, which says that they aren't aware of the problems. All the while, MaxConsole compiled testamonies on the crack, including some that are saying that it actually removed the casing, affecting stability of the hinge (story: http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=8543). All the while, Joystiq said that Nintendo customer service is still attributing the crack to misuse (which means that you have to pay for repairs).
Not a good step forward for Nintendo.
posted by SeanM at 3:50 PM
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