Behold: Joystiq's cracked DS Lite

by James Ransom-Wiley { Jul 17th 2006 at 12:00PM }

As reported earlier this morning, a number of DS Lite owners have complained of cracking on the left side of the hinge that connects the handheld's two screens -- and now we're one of them. As is, this distinct crack is merely cosmetic. To be clear, in our experience, the crack does not alter the performance of the hinge.

The cause of the cracking remains a mystery. We can confirm that our DS Lite has not been mishandled (i.e. dropped on to hard surfaces or sat on), but does undergo the expected daily regimen of a portable gaming device, which includes being opened and closed multiple times and transported (inside PSP sleeve) in back pockets and bags.

Currently, reports suggest that Nintendo will repair the crack for $50, which is the standard cost to repair/replace a DS Lite that has sustained damage not covered under warranty. In other words, your DS Lite's hinge could be defective by design or your puppy could maul your new toy, either way, it's gonna cost you $50. Not cool.

We've reached out to Nintendo for an official statement, but are still awaiting a response. Stay tuned.

Tags: DS Lite, DsLite

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

darryl @ Jul 17th 2006 12:05PM

High quality stuff.

JimmyHACK @ Jul 17th 2006 12:06PM

always issues with new products...

hopefully instead of charging, they will respect teh warranty and fix for everyone

baberg @ Jul 17th 2006 12:06PM

My laptop has had this same style of crack for about 6 months now, and I've noticed nothing unusual about its operation. It's the same kind of crack too, plastic-only, and right along the stress point on the hinge.

I'll have to check my DS Lite when I get home, but to be honest, even if my DS Lite had more cracks than the Grand Canyon, I wouldn't care as long as it kept playing New Super Mario Bros.

Petrie @ Jul 17th 2006 12:07PM

Take care of your handhelds and don't keep them randomly in pockets and such, and these things won't happen.

Tondog @ Jul 17th 2006 12:08PM

OMGZORZWTF!!! NINTENDO CANT MAKE ANYTHING RITE!!!!11!!1

There, I just got the generic hardcore MS/Sony fanboy comment out of the way.

Carry on...

HotShotX @ Jul 17th 2006 12:09PM

Perhaps this will turn into a lawsuit like Sony's, where they had to either do a callback on all defective PS2s, or offer free repairs in regards to the Disc Read Error issue.

~HotShotX

Probot @ Jul 17th 2006 12:09PM

As everyone said in the previous thread about this, this is a non-issue. It doesn't affect gameplay or usability in any way and most people didn't even notice until they looked for it. This certainly didn't deserve 2 posts.

Why should Nintendo cover this? It's a small crack in a little peice of plastic. Should Nintendo cover the scratches on my DS?

Walter @ Jul 17th 2006 12:12PM

Maybe Nintendo shouldn't cover this, but when something cracks under normal use after a few weeks it is hardly a non issue and makes me worry about the long term durabiltiy of hinge.

n8dogg @ Jul 17th 2006 12:13PM

My friend's DS Phat got a crack on the hinge, and eventually the hinge itself came off.

Nintendo doesn't make good hinges, perhaps?

Austin @ Jul 17th 2006 12:14PM

can you say class-action?

Aran @ Jul 17th 2006 12:17PM

@ 6 (HotShotX):

I don't know if I missed something but this doesn't affect the DS Lite gameplay at all like PS2's Disc Read Error did, right? :)

Amos @ Jul 17th 2006 12:17PM

No, it's not a "non-issue." Personally, if it were my Lite, I'd just keep on truckin' without a care, but seeing as how this a EXTREMELY COMMON DESIGN FAILURE, then that makes it NINTENDO's FAULT. No matter which way you swing it, it's still their product with it's own faulty design at work and they should man up and fix the darn crack under warranty. Were I to have one, I probably wouldn't even bother sending it in, but it's still Nintendo's responsiblity to have the option to do so FOR FREE.

Othon Nunez @ Jul 17th 2006 12:19PM

I think I know why it's happening, that is where the like from the molding is, my DS Lite has a little line there and it looks to be from when is was molded. Maybe it has thinner plastic there? or its a little too small?

JimmyHACK @ Jul 17th 2006 12:20PM

just remember this when people go to bash a ps3 flaw at launch....

every new hardware has its problems at first... nothing to get all excited about

Jedimonkey27 @ Jul 17th 2006 12:24PM

Well, even though I believe that $50 is a bit much to repair the DS Lite, I can sort of understand. While the flaw is only "cosmetic" it will require a replacing of the entire plastic shell. This probably takes some time to complete, carefully at least, so they just charge their standard repair fee. I am actually quite surprised at Nintendo’s response, as they have some of the best customer service of any company that I have ever dealt with. Hopefully the issue will be resolved soon.

Josh* @ Jul 17th 2006 12:25PM

"It's just a little cracked... it's still good, it's still good"

"It's just a little... FALLING APART, it's stil good, it's still good"

Ryan Williams @ Jul 17th 2006 12:27PM

It's a shame that something so prominent is plaguing the DS Lite when you consider how excellent Nintendo's build quality usually is. Heck, you all saw that video of the guy trying to shove his thumb through the screen last week, right? And I can't even count the number of times that my GameCube controller has clashed with the laminate flooring.

I checked my DS Lite when I saw everyone going crazy about it last night and fortunately it's not yet fallen victim — hopefully this'll remain the case! Sadly it looks like a downright design flaw, so chances are it'll eventually get me.

As costly as it may be, I hope Nintendo ultimately decides to come up with a solution that'll appease those who don't fancy having a dirty big crack on their shiny new toy and want it replacing. Most people will just assume it's their own doing and blame themselves anyway.

clo1_2000 @ Jul 17th 2006 12:31PM

Have owned DS Lite and Phat without a hinge issue.

FrenchPoodle @ Jul 17th 2006 12:31PM

phew.. me and my friend immedietly checked ours. We're good now cracks over here... yet. Hopefully Nintendo does something about it.. that would suck

Optimus @ Jul 17th 2006 12:40PM

Does this only occur when you play your DS Lite flat-style? I've never done that and there doesn't appear to be any cracks on my Lite. It feels as if the system would break if I forced the screen back any farther.

Intelligence3 @ Jul 17th 2006 12:41PM

This happened with my original DS, as well.

blahblahblah @ Jul 17th 2006 12:45PM

mine looks nothig like the one on joystiqs. no crack and theres not even a line in the middle of the hinge.

Ryan Williams @ Jul 17th 2006 12:46PM

Ah, that's a good question Optimus. I never play it like that either, but I know somebody who does. I'll have to ask him to whip it out next time we meet.

The DS Lite that is.

Probot @ Jul 17th 2006 12:48PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that just a peice of plastic that is used for cosmetic purposes only? Doesn't it simply cover the metal hinge, which is the important part?

Robert @ Jul 17th 2006 12:52PM

It's funny how much interest has been generated about this crack. It in no way affects the functionality of the device and yet garners a great degree of attention. I don't remember a whole lot of community uproar when NES consoles had serious problems reading cartridges. All I remember is blowing on the cart until it worked. Man, I really wish that the extent of the problem with that NES system was just a simple little crack.

Comtar @ Jul 17th 2006 12:56PM

What surprises me most about the crack, is that it's always on the left side, and yet, when I open it and close it... I can feel that the resistance that holds the screen at an angle is on the right side. I would think if any hinge had cracks, it would be the right side. In opening and closing the DS Lite, I can't figure out why the left side would have any problems.

WizarDru @ Jul 17th 2006 12:57PM

Amos said: "but seeing as how this a EXTREMELY COMMON DESIGN FAILURE, then that makes it NINTENDO's FAULT."

An extremely commmon design failure, how? In that design of hinge or amongst the sold DS Lites? Because as far as I can tell, this is another anecdotal case run wild. Joystiq is posting to say "Look, we've actually seen it on our own DS Lite!", but that's not the same thing as saying "Look, it WILL happen to yours...to EVERYONES! Run...RUN TO THE HILLS AND LET THE PEOPLE KNOW AND DESPAIR!"

I mean, do you have access to some actual numbers, or just the echo-chamber that is the gaming blog community? This sounds an awful lot like the PSP's disc ejection problem...it plagued a few, but everyone acted all indignant at a problem they hadn't seen.

This could be a defective design...or it could be a number of things. Without knowing all the proximate factors, we're just guessing at the exacts. My DS Lite has seen constant daily use since 6-11, traveled on a plane with me, been dropped a couple of times and hasn't got a scratch. That's merely anecdotal evidence, though, and no more compelling than Joystiq having one.

I'll be interested to hear what Ninty's repsonse is.

WizarDru @ Jul 17th 2006 1:01PM

Robert said: "I don't remember a whole lot of community uproar when NES consoles had serious problems reading cartridges. All I remember is blowing on the cart until it worked."

Well, let's be fair, here. There was no 'community' in 1986. People weren't hitting the Internet to complain about it, they were writing into magazines. People didn't have e-mail at that point, just a few who had access to BBSes. If that infrastructure had been in place, who knows what the community reaction might have been.

The fact that a stand-up comic can do a routine involving blowing on the carts should tell you how common it actually was (search old Joystiq posts or Youtube for the link).

Drew @ Jul 17th 2006 1:15PM

Until we can get numbers of how many people have this problem it kinda is a non-issue. Remember, the vocal minority thing. Although, I would hope that if this does become an issue that Nintendo would own up to it and fix these DS lites for free. Currently my DS lite is crack free.

I remember when I used to work in computer repair for a certain fruit flavored computer company, we used to get older titanium laptops with the one of the display hinges broken. It was always the hinge opposite the dominate hand. (right handed -> left hand hinge broken). We found out that because people always used their dominate hand to stabilize the laptop and open the laptop with their other hand, that side of the laptop was stressed more than the other side. This ended up breaking the hinge because it was meant to be opened from the middle. Just a weird story for you guys or maybe something similar is going on with the DS lite.

Nicko @ Jul 17th 2006 1:17PM

Unfortunatly I am also suffering from this defect. The crack, although small, is definately forming on my hinge. I think however that I may have found a way to pretty much fix and/or prevent this crack from getting worse.

First, go out and buy some super glue (liquid cement) from a modeling/home repair store.

Open the glue, and use a toothpick to apply a layer or two across the cracked region. Think of this at applying the glue on the X-axis.

Note: If your hinge has completely cracked, you may need to hold the crack shut with your finger as you apply the glue.

Next apply another layer of glue across the seam perpindicular to the crack. Think of this as the Y-axis. This will help support the hinge and prevent the crack from widening.

After a half hour or so, the glue should be fully dried. Since the glue is clear, it will be practicly unnoticeable.

Hope this helps anyone who is also suffering from this defect.

Nicko

bv @ Jul 17th 2006 1:22PM

I don't understand the people who come on here and say "What's the big deal, it's not affecting gameplay". I mean, if i paid 130 bucks for a console that is touted for its ipod-esque beauty and simplicity, I'm going to want that thing to look pristine from day 1. Just look at the uproar over the ipod nano scratching so easily. People want their pretty looking electronics to stay pretty. It might seem obsessive, but it's part of the reason you pay alot of money. Take it from the prospective of something like a wedding cake. Say you purchased this 800 dollar cake for your wedding and it has a giant crack down the side with crumbs falling off. Would you give it the shoulder and mumble that it doesn't affect its functionality or would you complain to the bakery? Just my opinion.

Adam @ Jul 17th 2006 1:26PM

I actually do have a crack on mine. But I'm doubting this problem is that widespread. Even I think I'm just on a vocal minority. Probably a few bad batches is all.

Boris Anthony @ Jul 17th 2006 1:28PM

It's a *thing*. Things *break*. Get over it.

Cracker @ Jul 17th 2006 1:29PM

I found the crack on my DSLite this weekend and almost pooped a brick. Glad to know I'm not alone.

x876543 @ Jul 17th 2006 1:31PM

This crack is all Nintendo's fault, just like the dead pixels in SONY's PSPs. They aren't the same. As everyone has pointed out, the former is cosmetic, and the other affects game play. I hope this crack is the only flaw, unlike the PSPs ejected discs, dead pixels and bricking when dropped. I'm surprised no one has done a DS drop test. How about a Joystiq Poll about crack and no crack on the DS lite they own? And another poll on PSPs dead pixel and bricking?

gamer9190 @ Jul 17th 2006 1:39PM

If you're buying a DS Lite for cosmetic appeal, then why are you even buying it? Go get a purse-- this is a game machine. Unless this gets worse and actually effects game functionality, maybe people shouldn't care. But now it's just being blown out of proportion by the ease of information dissemination on the internet.

Wow... Maybe the Patriots were right... >_>;

Ritz @ Jul 17th 2006 1:40PM

Yea, my DS has a crack too. Same spot. =(

Rod @ Jul 17th 2006 1:47PM

Ok people stop fucking your DS lights, we know their sexy looking and all but please...

darryl @ Jul 17th 2006 1:50PM

"I'll have to ask him to whip it out next time we meet."

I want to see the crack? Inspect it with your stylus? Touching is good.

Dave @ Jul 17th 2006 1:51PM

I bought a old style DS, and while I don't think it has a crack in the hinge (I haven't used it in over 2 months because I'm waiting for the ds games to appear in the used bin.), it has had other problems.

The first DS I bought had severe ghosting image problems. While playing Mariocart, the upper screen would show a ghost image of the bottom screen making it impossible to play. I did a quick search online, saw there were other people with the same problem, and was advised to return it back to the store I bought it from. How is this little crack getting more attention then the ghosting problem that a lot of people experienced?

(For the record, I returned and got a new one pretty quickly).

Ryan Williams @ Jul 17th 2006 1:53PM

Yeah gamer9190, totally. It's not like tens of thousands of people have bought a machine that is essentially identical to its cheaper predecessor in every way but aesthetics or anything like that. ;)

Fact is, looks matter. Looks are what settled the decision between buying and not buying a DS for many people. To deny that cosmetic appeal matters in the modern world is plain lunacy.

Clint @ Jul 17th 2006 1:55PM

Just wait till all of you have your cracked wiis! Or better yet wait till you have a wii crack!

DeadMertz @ Jul 17th 2006 1:55PM

I just checked my Navy DS Lite import. Looks like this DS Lite has seams where the cracks are showing up on the white DS Lites. I don't know if the Navy's seams are part of a different manufacturing process to accommodate "give" in the design, but it does make sense to consider that in the construction - particularly with this issue showing up. Any other Navy owners seeing the same?

DeadMertz @ Jul 17th 2006 2:01PM

edit to post 40: upon closer inspection of those white DS Lite photos, they too have a manufactured seam below where the cracks are appearing. So, no difference there. Still, be interested in hearing if any Navy DS Lites have the manufacturing defect. I've had mine since May (and not being too careful with it either) and the hinge is still intact.

Alejandro Quan-Madrid @ Jul 17th 2006 2:11PM

I experienced the same thing but with my laptop and it was atributed to a flaw in design.

What a gyp.

Superdotman @ Jul 17th 2006 2:23PM

Since we've had twelveteen people saying "it's not a widespread issue, it's just five people", and twelveteen others complaining it's happened to everyone and a half's DS Lite, Joystiq, why don't you run a poll? Come to think of it, you might as well do so for every apparent defect you come across (i.e. PSP as a UMD gun, 360 power supply overheating, etc). Numbers are useful in debunking or confirming these things.

My Lite is as of yet uncracked. I've only put it in flat mode two or three times. It might be my distorted imagination, but it looks like the plastic in the cracks' area is weaker, and put under more pressure when I switch to flat mode.

GTG @ Jul 17th 2006 2:27PM

"It's funny how much interest has been generated about this crack. It in no way affects the functionality of the device and yet garners a great degree of attention."

For all the, "non-issue" folks, let's try this scenario...

You just bought a new car. After two months of driving it normally and with no accidents, a chunk of paint comes off of one of the fenders. It's purely cosmetic though, so I guess you should just live with it and not expect the manufacturer to repair the obviously flawed product?

This is beyond an artifact of normal wear and tear. This is not the same a scratch and this is affecting units within a couple months of sale.

WamBam @ Jul 17th 2006 2:35PM

I checked both my Lite's and they both have cracks. On one hand, I never noticed it so it feels like no big deal. But then again, if this thing is widespread then there's obviously something wrong with the case and Nintendo needs to correct this, regardless of whether or not it effects gameplay.