Black Screen Error Plaguing 3DS

I've seen a report on Nintendo3DSblog.com that it could have something to do with people not having setup their wireless correctly and having the wireless switch on which means that the 3DS is always trying to get an internet connection going which could make them bug out. The same person also said that he had 2 customers with just the same problem on their DSi XL just a day ago and it turned out to be their WiFi.

Has anybody seen that happening when they had wireless off?

There were also some people on the NintendoLife forums who said that they started to get those problems after they've updated their 3DS to the new firmware, but those who haven't because of no internet connection are still fine.

( Edited 28.03.2011 10:31 by SirLink )

I've yet to experience this problem, fortunately.

"there systems" --> "their* systems"

It has been fixed. In the future can you please PM me if you see a grammatical error in my news posts and explain more clearly. "there systems" --> "their* systems" means nothing to me.

Could we please take this back on topic.

Thanks.

Well, at least this can be fixed with a firmware update, if it becomes a problem.

PMD said:
Well, at least this can be fixed with a firmware update, if it becomes a problem.

To quote from ONM forums:

Just got off the phone with them. 3DS systems affected by this problem are faulty and have to be sent to Nintendo before they will send you a replacement which will take 1 1/2 - 2 weeks.

My replacement has been dispatched by Amazon. It just seems to get more persistant. And I've been playing with WiFi off

( Edited 28.03.2011 15:39 by Lrrr )

I've just ordered a replacement from Amazon. At least it's a problem that showed itself sooner rather than later. I just hope the replacement isn't defective too.

That's peculiar, makes me a bit happier I didn't get a 3DS at launch now, although I usually don't have problems with my consoles anyway. It reminds me of when on occasion, my GameCube would tell me it couldn't read the disc, and then it would be fine after.

Ifrit XXII said:
I've just ordered a replacement from Amazon. At least it's a problem that showed itself sooner rather than later. I just hope the replacement isn't defective too.

Did you have a really hard time telling them to send you a new one? They kept telling me it was Nintendos problem.

I still took a picture of the error, and noted down what I was doing at the time of each error (although this changed every time)

It's good that I'm waiting a while before buying the 3DS. Hope they get this fixed soon so people can enjoy their new purchase!

Looks like the disc reading error on some GameCubes, which occured with mine several times at some point, and then never again after, even though I did nothing to repair the console.

Weird... My guess is it's a software issue and not hardware, because if it's so redundant and this wasn't spotted during the testing within Nintendo, then it surely is an issue with what has changed inside the console since that time. And the only thing that comes to mind is the firmware.

Lrrr said:
To quote from ONM forums:
Just got off the phone with them. 3DS systems affected by this problem are faulty and have to be sent to Nintendo before they will send you a replacement which will take 1 1/2 - 2 weeks

EDIT :

Just read on French website Nintendo-master that Nintendo communicated that a software update is enough to fix the problem

( Edited 28.03.2011 18:41 by Kafei2006 )

Nintendo have told Eurogamer:

"If anyone is experiencing any problems with their Nintendo 3DS console, we recommend that in the first instance they download and install the latest system update, now available online," read a Nintendo statement handed to Eurogamer.

"If the problems still persist we recommend they contact their local Nintendo Customer Service centre to investigate the problem further."

Highlights from the response to Email I sent:

We apologise that you appear to be having a problem with your new Nintendo 3DS Console. From what I understand, during gameplay your console will stop functioning and display an error message.

From your description, it would appear that your console has a hardware defect.

The only option I am able to offer you is to send in your defective unit for us to examine and repair. If a repair is not possible, you would instead be offered a replacement console.

Since the unit is new, you may wish instead to take up this matter with the original retailer, who would be obliged by law to offer you replacement.

I wish Nintendo wouldn't send out conflicting information.

also, I'm pretty sure Nintendo would have to offer the fixed batch to all early adopters who are victims of this error

( Edited 28.03.2011 19:22 by Lrrr )

i just got back from tescos with my new one
the manager said that her son had the same problem
so she gave me one lets hope that it works

Thanks for your input Lrrr, that's precious information .

More reason why I want to buy my Nintendo DS in a store directly and NOT online.

Uroboros Locke said:
she gave me one lets hope that it works

EDIT : That being said, I got a Wii on release day, and didn't have any of the problems that some Wii owners got, namely with dual-layered DVDs. I did get a few read problems with those discs long after SSBB was released (when I got my second dual-layer DVD release, which was Metroid Prime Trilogy), but nothing that a Wii lens cleaning kit couldn't solve.

My point is, you might be lucky and don't get any problem at all with a console from the same batch.

( Edited 28.03.2011 19:53 by Kafei2006 )

Kafei2006 said:
If it's from the same manufaturing batch as the first one, you're likely to get the same problem if it indeed is a hardware problem.

Lrrr said:
Did you have a really hard time telling them to send you a new one? They kept telling me it was Nintendos problem.

Whether or not Nintendo can fix it over Wifi, I think I'd still feel better getting a new one. I hate having to force a shut down on devices. I always feel like it's damaging them.

Ifrit XXII said:
Nope. I just used the return option and they've sent a message apologising and saying that they'll send a replacement right away. Maybe the number of people getting replacements has increased so they're more aware now?

Ah, they phoned me and were asking what the issue was. Took 20 minutes to finally sort out

Mines not dispatched, so it's not likely it'll be here tomorrow.

Edit: Dispatched through CityLink. Should be here tomorrow! Can't fault them for the quick turnaround

( Edited 28.03.2011 21:10 by Lrrr )

I haven't had this problem and hopefully won't but I have encountered something weird. Sometimes when I start up my 3ds it's a black screen on both screens but you can still move through the icons and hear the sounds. After a few seconds the screens go back to normal and you can see the menu. It's probably nothing but I was wondering if anyone else came across this.

( Edited 28.03.2011 21:27 by LKR000 )

LKR000 said:
I haven't had this problem and hopefully won't but I have encountered something weird. Sometimes when I start up my 3ds it's a black screen on both screens but you can still move through the icons and hear the sounds. After a few seconds the screens go back to normal and you can see the menu. It's probably nothing but I was wondering if anyone else came across this.

. . . this could pose an Issue but luckily nothing has happened to my Handheld . . .