Topic: Stiff/Unresponsive C-Stick Theory

I recently got my second New 3DS XL, and the C-Stick was responsive and top-notch. However, since that first one was stolen, I had to get another one, except this time, it's nearly impossible to make the C-Stick register downward movement unless I use my nail to force it down. I remember my previous New 3DS's C-Stick being hard to press in any direction before it broke in, so I'm going to give it two more weeks before I send my current one in for repairs.

But, in the event that there is, in fact, something physically wrong with the C-Stick, I have a theory of why it would be hard to push it one way or the other. The C-Stick has very little room to move for how little give it has. What I've noticed is that my New 3DS's C-Stick seems a little cramped to the bottom edge of the hole (if you will) it rests in. So maybe the issue is with the C-Stick placement in the console's mold. It would make sense as to why the C-Stick still moves downward with more pressure, unless the pressure-sensitive joystick below the C-Stick's pad is propped in whatever way in comparison to the system mold's shape.

Have you guys noticed anything similar with your systems, for those of you who have this problem as well?

The C-Stick isn't suppose to move like the circle pad. I have the smaller new 3DS as I'm in Europe & mine works perfectly fine as ive used it on smash bros & Majora's Mask 3D.

The C-stick barely moves, that's how it works. It's VERY sensitive.

Interesting. I have the exact same problem. I have an Ambassador edition New 3DS and my C-Stick doesn't move down properly. I have to use force that I'm not comfortable using to look, or scroll down. The issue really became apparent when my girlfriend got a New 3DS XL a couple weeks back. Put me off playing it for a bit.
To make matters worse, it's been about 3/4 weeks since I emailed Nintendo's repairs department and they haven't got back to me... and I can't system transfer back to my old 3DS either.
For me, it's made playing Monster Hunter a bit of a problem. Does it affect your gameplay much? I've also had some bizarre glitches where my game will randomly decide that it doesn't register the c-stick, and also on the home screen, it has decided to endlessly scroll in one direction (down) without me touching anything - forcing me to turn the system off and on again.
Good luck with your 3DS, hope you get to the bottom of it.