If you already have a DS, you do not need to spend $130 to get a new system. Nintendo currently has a replacement policy that allows you to order a refurbished DS lite. At the time I ordered, I was told that the price was $85. However, if you live in one of the states that they ship the units from, you'll have to pay sales tax. I live in California, which is one of these states, the total amount I paid was a little over $90.
What you'll need:
What you'll get:
I've only tried this from a USA address, but I suspect that Nintendo may have similar policies for other countries as well. You might want to research this if you live outside the USA.
To order a replacement system, you need to call Nintendo by phone (you can't do this online). Their support phone number is available from their support website. When you phone, get hold of a human representative and convey to them that you would like to order a replacement system for your broken DS. In my case, the issue with my DS was that the hinge had cracked.
In order to confirm that you are a DS owner, you will be asked to provide proof of purchase. I had previously registered my DS online, so I provided them with my address and name and they were able to confirm that I had a registered system. If your DS isn't registered, the barcode number on the back should suffice. (If your barcode sticker is missing, you're out of luck unless you can find someone willing to let you use theirs.)
What you get from Nintendo will vary dependent on whether you are ordering a replacement for a phat or a lite. If you have a lite, you will only receive the DS lite, with no charging cable, stylus, or GBA filler cartridge. (They assume that you already have these things if you own a lite.) If you have a DS phat, they will send you a DS lite with a charging cable, stylus, and GBA filler cartridge. This doesn't affect the cost, so DS phat owners are at an advantage here.
After you provide them with your credit card number and shipping address, shipping should take less than a week. I live in California and mine arrived in three days. I was told by phone that they might take as long as six days, I think they keep that estimate high to be on the safe side.
What you'll need:
- Proof of ownership of a DS phat or DS lite (phat is preferable)
- A telephone
- A credit card, be prepared to be billed for $85 (plus sales tax depending on location)
What you'll get:
- No retail packaging
- A refurbished DS lite, colors limited to black, white, and pink
- If you are replacing a DS phat, you will will also get a stylus, GBA filler cartridge, and charger
I've only tried this from a USA address, but I suspect that Nintendo may have similar policies for other countries as well. You might want to research this if you live outside the USA.
To order a replacement system, you need to call Nintendo by phone (you can't do this online). Their support phone number is available from their support website. When you phone, get hold of a human representative and convey to them that you would like to order a replacement system for your broken DS. In my case, the issue with my DS was that the hinge had cracked.
In order to confirm that you are a DS owner, you will be asked to provide proof of purchase. I had previously registered my DS online, so I provided them with my address and name and they were able to confirm that I had a registered system. If your DS isn't registered, the barcode number on the back should suffice. (If your barcode sticker is missing, you're out of luck unless you can find someone willing to let you use theirs.)
What you get from Nintendo will vary dependent on whether you are ordering a replacement for a phat or a lite. If you have a lite, you will only receive the DS lite, with no charging cable, stylus, or GBA filler cartridge. (They assume that you already have these things if you own a lite.) If you have a DS phat, they will send you a DS lite with a charging cable, stylus, and GBA filler cartridge. This doesn't affect the cost, so DS phat owners are at an advantage here.
After you provide them with your credit card number and shipping address, shipping should take less than a week. I live in California and mine arrived in three days. I was told by phone that they might take as long as six days, I think they keep that estimate high to be on the safe side.
