Topic: My Nintendo 3Ds XL keeps freezing, should I send it in to Nintendo?

Hello, I need a bit of help. I bought a Nintendo 3Ds XL (Mario & Luigi Dream Team Edition). I bought it in the Summer of 2014 (can't remember the exact date), and registered it with Club Nintendo so it has a year warranty +. I didn't get an extended warranty at Walmart where I purchased it, and it was during an anniversary sale so there were no returns within 30 days, all sales were final. (if I was understanding that right)

The first week, I noticed that the bottom shell almost has a weakness in it, which doesn't really bother me. However, the last week or so, the 3Ds XL has frozen 3 times, and I've had to force shut it off, pressing and holding the the power button for about 10 seconds each time. One time, I loaded up Pokémon Alpha Sapphire (digital copy), and I got to where I previously saved. I could hear the video game music, but I couldn't move or do anything, not even returning to the home screen worked. It hasn't just frozen with digital copies of games either. It's frozen on my physical copy of Animal Crossing: New Leaf as well, in a similar scenario.

I had a purple Nintendo 3Ds for a couple years before I got my XL, which never froze before. I've never had to deal with sending anything in to Nintendo, so I guess basically what I'm asking is, is there anything I could do to try and fix this before I contact them, and since it's still under warranty, if I send it into them would I have to pay shipping or anything for repairs? Has anyone had any similar experiences and gotten theirs fixed, and if so how did it go? Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated! Luckily it hasn't frozen when I've actually done any progress in game, it always seems to be in the first loading stages. I've recently updated Pokémon as well, and the freezing happened after.

I've had games lock up before but it wasn't the same as the issue you are having. It seems like it might be a software issue. Nintendo will fix it or the next update might fix it.

I've sent my 3DS to Nintendo before. They should cover your issue as long as you didn't void their warranty. You won't have to pay for any of the shipping and you shouldn't have to pay for the repair. It will take at least two weeks before the system gets back to you. FYI, if the console is beyond repair then they will send you a new console which will be a regular 3DS XL.

Thank you very much for all your information. : ) I've never had to deal with Nintendo before. I think I may just wait for the next update. It hasn't frozen since, so I'm hoping it may have been just a small glitch then.