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Here's Why The New 3DS XL Doesn't Come With A Charger (And Why You Should Buy An Official One)
Following this morning’s news-filled Nintendo Direct, we reached out to Nintendo with a couple of questions about the New 3DS. As you may have noticed, the smaller model of the system isn’t arriving in North America yet.
While Nintendo hasn't yet ruled out the smaller New 3DS forever, there isn’t any promise it’ll be coming later in North America either. Also announced today is that the New 3DS XL will be missing something important from the box.
The new handhelds will not come with a power adapter (a decision that has already been put into practice in other territories). For those buying in for the first time, you’ll need to purchase one separately. While you may find a number of inexpensive versions online, you should be aware that you run the risk of voiding your warranty.
Included in the warranty document for Nintendo systems, you’ll find the following under “Warranty Limitations” (emphasis added).
THIS WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY IF THIS PRODUCT: (a) IS USED WITH PRODUCTS NOT SOLD OR LICENSED BY NINTENDO (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, NON-LICENSED GAME ENHANCEMENT AND COPIER DEVICES, ADAPTERS, AND POWER SUPPLIES)...
Nintendo does sell the adapters with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $14.99. Refurbished units are available from Nintendo’s online shop for $4.99 (or new from $9.99), but you’ll either need to order in advance or run the risk of your battery running out of juice before it arrives.
“New Nintendo 3DS XL uses the same AC adapter as any Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo DSi system,” a Nintendo representative told us when we we inquired about the decision. “Rather than raise cost of New Nintendo 3DS XL by charging consumers for a component they may already own, we are giving them the option to only buy if they need an AC adapter.”
Our Take
Nintendo is helping out returning fans, but this is likely to cause some problems for new buyers. The warranty provision is standard boilerplate, as Nintendo can't warrant the functionality of unlicensed goods, but it does mean that you will expose yourself to potential warranty denial if you use one.
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