Topic: Sending in my 3DS for Repair?

Okay, so I recently dropped my 3DS (frightening, I know) and shortly after I realized the top screen has a circular crack on the left side of the screen, and on the right side you can notice a handful of dead pixels that are very noticeable when playing games (Very distracting)!!!

So I finally decided, (since the top screen is getting worse) to send it in for a fix. I have alot of questions about this, though.

Please help me out:
Will all of my data I have (saved games, downloaded games, pictures, etc. etc.) be erased?
Will I keep my eShop money? (I have $25 in it right now and don't want to lose it)
Can I switch colors (Let's say I have Aqua Blue, can I change it to Special Edition Zelda or something?)
Do they replace the circle slider/buttons as well?

PLEASE ANSWER! THANKS

I'm not too sure about any of this really, but I'd say that if it's easy they'll fix yours and if it's not easily fixed they'll just replace it.
You'd probably have to ask them about the colour change thing, but I doubt they'll let you switch to the Zelda one considering that tends to be more expensive than the other colours.
And as far as all your data goes, if they just fix yours then there's no problem, and if they do replace it then I believe they can transfer everything over.

Good luck!

If you're worried about data, almost everything can be moved to the SD card. I'm pretty sure that you won't lose any money. And if they haven't changed their system of repairing, they fix ONLY what you describe as a problem, so probably no new color, or buttons/circle pad. Also, if any downloaded games get deleted, you'll be able to redownload them for free.
_{I know how you feel. My mom dropped my 3ds in a mud puddle the second day I had it.}

Actually, I believe that you are going to have to pay to get your 3DS fixed. The 3DS's warranty only covers internal/system damage, such as, a game won't play, or it won't let you connect to the Internet. All external/physical damage is not covered.

You're half right. The screen scratches are covered because it's a manufacturer's defect. When you close the system, the raised area around the touch screen may rub against the top screen, causing scratches. That defect, along with the loose hinge, is covered under Nintendo's warranty.

I talked to the customer service rep, and he confirmed all of this. I'm sending in my 3DS for the same issues, and when I checked the repair site to track my shipment, it said my repair is covered under warranty.

Okay, I must thank you all for these replies.
@BenAV: I'm just really hoping they can transfer it over.. that can be talked on the phone.
@percentful: that's awful! Did you send it in and get it repaired?
@squiggletail: I sure hope not! My 3DS was getting dead pixels all over when I first got it, and it wasn't from dropping it.

@tendoboy1984: I think that may have happened too me because when I first got my 3DS, I closed it for the night, and the next day opened it and there were a couple dead pixels (scratches). My friend has never dropped his 3DS and it has a couple small scratches on the bottom right of the top screen. Also, thanks for talking to the customer service guy. Now I will be able to send in my 3DS without any worry. The only thing that really sucks is that I won't be able to play Mario Kart 7!!!!! D=
How long do they take for repair?

-Not unless you messed up the hard drive of the 3DS real bad
-Yes
-No
-Depends on the damage.

@lz20XX: Okay, so, my D-Pad is becoming to be VERY loose.. like, if you shook the 3DS you can feel the D-pad moving around because It's so loose. My circle slider is starting to do the same thing, but it's not as bad. Just feels very loose. Whenever I use my sister or a friend's 3DS it always feels nice and smooth, nothing is loose. It's really just mine that is starting to have these problems. Will they replace the buttons if I tell them about how loose they are or will they just try to tighten it?

It varies but on average about a week

I honestly can't say for sure. They'll replace them if necessary but if it's a simple fix they'll do that. Either way it would be wise to send it in.

@ryanthehedgehog: these are all questions you need to be asking the Nintendo rep that will be handling your repair order. there's a good chance you knocked some other things around in there when it was dropped in the first place, so make sure you mention everything that's wrong with it now. if you're going to be charged for the repair, may as well make absolute sure that everything wrong is fixed.

@lz20XX: Well thanks for all the good info man. I'll try to get it sent in this week. What number do I call?

@theblackdragon: I understand, I am just trying to clear some things up before I call. I love my 3DS with a passion and never will I send it in unless I know that everything important on there will still be on there.

1-800-255-3700. You can also visit http://support.nintendo.com for more info

I don't see them replacing it. His device wasn't defective, he broke it.

@Apollo: not for free they won't replace it, i'm sure, but certainly they can get him a replacement and transfer everything over for some sort of fee. they'll sort him out during the phone call. :3