[ClovingWestbrook]

Had marks on mine but after putting a screen protector on the lower screen am no longer experiencing it.

[Somnid]

I get smudges but no scratches. Perhaps I'll install this screen protector I've had for a while just in case.

This is certainly not an obvious problem to solve either. Those plastic pieces are there to prevent the top screen from warping if pressure is placed on it, the problem versus other DSs is that the screens aren't symmetric and so the edge of one presses on the screen part of the other.

At this point I've come to terms that any portable device is getting a scratched screen no matter what. Whether from exposure or grit squeezing into the edges of the screen protector and tearing up the sides. Until we get diamond plated screen the minerals in my pocket will defeat any glass. This is why I think all companies should include a screen protector by default. I to this day don't understand why this is never the case.

[TheBaldEmperor]

doesnt affect me because i have screen protectors on both screens

Same. There are marks from this on my screen protector but they are easily wiped off.

[H_Prestige]

But clamshell designes are supposed to protect the screen.

[kaskade]

I didn't buy my 3ds (waiting for zelda) yet but this kind of sucks. It seems like Nintendo could have a relatively easy fix just by making the rubber pads thicker. Looks like I'll be buying a screen protector.

[Haziq]

I don't have any of those.

Usually what happens is sometimes a mark from something comes on the screen, but you can wipe it off. If you don't, it probably results in a permanent mark.

I always wipe my screen with a microfibre cloth before I play though.

[GJS]

Nothing on my PAL 3DS, just fingerprints around the edges of the top screen from when my sisters are using the system.

The system lives in my pocket when I take it out too.

[InterInside]

Speaking of yellow screens on old DSes, my 3DS's top screen has a slightly warmer color temp than the bottom screen. It's more noticeable in some OS menus than others, but it's less pronounced when I turn on 3D. Is anyone else experiencing this? is this how it's supposed to be or have I picked up one with a slightly faulty screen? It's been bugging me for a while now; warm color temp on top, cool color temp on the bottom, why would anyone OK this?

I have brightness set to max and energy saving set to off, and it's still noticeable. If I get a confirmation that it's not the case for everyone, I'm going to freak out.

I really hate quoting myself, but I would really like to hear some more reports. There has to be a few nice selfless people, who'd go through the trouble of confirming it, around here!

[Cindres]

Blue Euro one, i've noticed a couple of minor smudges like that a couple of times but never anything severe...

[The Evil Ganon]

After I read this thread, I went looking at the top screen of my 3DS... Scratches, ahoy.
Luckily they aren't that noticable, except when holding the system under some light. But the idea of having a scratched upper screen sucks though.

I'm putting the foam thingy between the screens from now on.

(EuroGAF btw)

[I NEED SCISSORS]

I saw marks when I opened it up just now, but they wiped away leaving no permanent scratches. I now cover the bottom screen with my cloth when I close the lid.

[SUBZERO-08]

I just use the little foam thing that came with the 3ds.

This. I've been using it since day 1. Even after I placed my screen protectors on. I get some very slight smudge marks, but no scratches.

[InterInside]

This. I've been using it since day 1. Even after I placed my screen protectors on. I get some very slight smudge marks, but no scratches.

Wait, you've been using the foam piece since day, have a screen protector installed, and still get smudges? How is that even possible?!

[GJS]

Out of interest would it be possible for someone with scratches to check the above areas and see if there are any differences? Look for bulging, screen not sitting flush, short rubber stopper maybe.

The only photos I have seen of the scratches don't seem to show them running the full length of the glass/plastic covering the upper screen area, which they should do if it's just a matter of the lower screen bezel touching the upper screen area of the 3DS.

[Storm Prelude]

This is totally awful...I wanted to buy a 3DS for OOT, but this really demotivates me.

[NomarTyme]

Remember the the DS Lite cracked hinge gate? yeah I'm not surprise by this.

[Somnid]

This is totally awful...I wanted to buy a 3DS for OOT, but this really demotivates me.

It's a cosmetic issue easily solved by a screen protector you probably want anyway for the bottom screen. In fact knowing about it early should prevent any possibility of damage. Don't let it deter you.

[Tathanen]

So... I have no lines. I've heard about this, and I checked, no smudges, no scratches, nothing of the sort. Had the unit since launch. Guess I lucked out?

Makes me think it's a manufacturing defect, not a design flaw.

[[Nintex]]

The only photos I have seen of the scratches don't seem to show them running the full length of the glass/plastic covering the upper screen area, which they should do if it's just a matter of the lower screen bezel touching the upper screen area of the 3DS.

Yep that's what is going on here, these thingies:

are too short, so the top screen doesn't rest on them but actually rests on the bezel of the lower screen. In other words, if they added even 1mm of plastic to the thingies the upper screen would rest on those and there wouldn't be any problem. Can't believe they missed this during testing... or they just didn't care or bother to fix it.

[TheExodu5]

Same here.

[StickSoldier]

I can't tell if mine are scratches or smudges, but it doesn't affect my 3D at all, so I'm not worried about it. To be honest, I can't even see it if the screen is on, so it's not bothering me.

[Somnid]

Yep that's what is going on here, these thingies: are too short, so the top screen doesn't rest on them but actually rests on the bezel of the lower screen. In other words, if they added even 1mm of plastic to the thingies the upper screen would rest on those and there wouldn't be any problem. Can't believe they missed this during testing... or they just didn't care or bother to fix it.

No, those are there for the flush look. The bezel is what actually supports the top screen. If they did what you were thinking there would be a gap in the middle and the top screen would warp from the pressure because it would have no support in the middle.

[Kenak]

I personally don't think this is worse than the hinge flaws of the DSLite, coming from someone who hasn't owned a 3DS but owns a DSL. The hinge problem makes it impossible to play the system without it either being completely open or just closed. Makes it a pain in the ass to play, and for that reason, I haven't touched my DS in over a year.

A scratch, on the other hand, is annoying but doesn't make anything unplayable.

[civilstrife]

Ah, so Iwata is lying? Gotcha. Iwata is lying. Iwata is such a filthy fibber.

Ummm...

I guess you didn't really read my post.

I never mentioned smudges once in my post. Smudges come right off with a cloth. And of course they affect the 3D effect.

We're talking about scratches here.

If you did actually fully read my post, I'm not sure why you're denying my actual experience with the 3D effect or why you'd think I'd have any reason to lie about it. What exactly would I gain from that?

Scratches suck, but they do not destroy the 3D effect as you contend.

Again, this is based on actual real experience with my big annoying-ass scratch, while actually using the 3D effect.

[gregor7777]

Yet another reason to wait for updated hardware. This sounds terrible. Fucking rushed hardware...every company is guilty.

[samoset]

That sucks that the bottom screen's rim is causing scratches on some people's units. I checked mine and they're still just grease marks and not scratches. I botched putting on the free screen protector that came with mine from Amazon so I guess I'll have to buy another eventually. Until then though I think putting my microfiber cloth in-between when I close the 3ds will be enough.

[Syringe]

I have the very same problem, unfortunetly. Nothing permament so far, and with a microfiber cloth made for glasses I can get them to disapear. But yeah, very annoying.

[corn_fest]

Yet another reason to wait for updated hardware. This sounds terrible. Fucking rushed hardware...every company is guilty.

Yeah, even though it's just a minor issue, this is pushing me towards the next revision. Hopefully they'll have some better battery tech by that point as well.

[Plinko]

So... I have no lines. I've heard about this, and I checked, no smudges, no scratches, nothing of the sort. Had the unit since launch. Guess I lucked out? Makes me think it's a manufacturing defect, not a design flaw.

Same here--no scratches/smudges/etc. Not sure why it's happening--just curious--are you guys who get them slamming the top half down when putting it into sleep mode/closing the system?

[fabricated backlash]

i called them and asked for it (nintendo germany). the dont fix or take responsibility for it. they said its my fault (i applied too much pressure on the system by putting it in my pocket).

Call them again and demand a repair. This is not your fault. It's a manufacturing error. The basic design is flawed to a point where even the normal pressure from the closed screen can cause the marks. A friend called them twice and got his repair free of charge.

[Boogiepop]

I had to turn off my 3DS to see anything, but I had some very light smudges.
For you guys who are actually reporting scratches, are they actually visible when the 3DS is on? I mean, sure it sucks, but is it impacting gameplay at all?

[hirokazu]

What strikes me in this thread is how many people never put on screen protectors. I thought that was a must for handheld games systems these days and the majority of people would have them.

[samoset]

Oh gosh. Trying to put something in-between the top screen and the touch screen ridge does not mitigate the issue for me. I tried using my microfiber cloth and it just pushes dust from the cloth up in a wider way leaving bigger marks, and same thing when I used the in-between slip that comes with the 3ds. Stupid ridge design I have no idea why they did that even if I do get a screen protector it's going to leave grease/dust marks that I'll have to clean off.

[Vinterbird]

What strikes me in this thread is how many people never put on screen protectors. I thought that was a must for handheld games systems these days and the majority of people would have them.

Never have, never will.

[NSQuote]

I honestly never would have noticed this without Neogaf.

It's probably a manufacturing flaw, with the bezels being made slightly too small. At least it isn't like my old DS Lite (broken shoulder button, a very badly cracked hinge, and a broken speaker).

[Iwatas Magic Sports Coat]

Reason #97 why I'm waiting for the eventual 3DS Lite

[fabricated backlash]

Oh gosh. Trying to put something in-between the top screen and the touch screen ridge does not mitigate the issue for me. I tried using my microfiber cloth and it just pushes dust from the cloth up in a wider way leaving bigger marks, and same thing when I used the in-between slip that comes with the 3ds. Stupid ridge design I have no idea why they did that even if I do get a screen protector it's going to leave grease/dust marks that I'll have to clean off.

Do what I did and put a small piece of card (businesscard, or a piece of strong paper 240g/m^2) in it. That should avoid all marks.





I'm currently making a custom inlay instead of this makeshift old calendar I used.

[branny]

Yeah, this appears to be a manufacturing defect. More specifically, maybe it's a sign that the process isn't quite 100% streamlined yet. I had a "blue" one with issues and returned it, opting for a black one instead. Color aside, they could not have been more different:

-"Blue"-
Smooth upper lid.
Bulging/squeaky battery cover near A/B/X/Y buttons.
L and R buttons the same.
There was no noise when opening the unit.
Circle pad would hit a tiny snag when rotating counter-clockwise.
(Screen: obnoxious stuck pixel.)

-Black-
Sharp overhang on right side of upper lid.
A seemingly okay battery cover.
L and R buttons were initially not similar--one was click-y and the other had more of a dull thud, though they're broken in now and are more alike.
The upper lid audibly snaps open.
Circle pad completely smooth when rotating.
(Screen: fine.)

Looking at the housing of the black unit, the plastic looks wavy or lumpy in some areas. It was the same with the entire lid of the blue unit. It's just an aesthetic thing but it may be worth noting about the molding process or whatever. I dunno.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure the "blue" unit did not have this screen scratching problem, and my black one does not, either. I've lucked out with my replacement but I'm really upset that people have to put up with this auxiliary nonsense from something that costs so much. Dead or stuck pixels are bad enough. Needing to bend over backwards to accommodate design flaws (constant wiping, picking dust out of touchscreen ridge, doing what the previous poster suggests, etc.) is too much babysitting.

[CrunchyFrog]

decision to wait for lite revision vindicated

[AlphaTwo00]

Coming to report a similar issue here. I'm going to try the business card method. My Hori Screen protector has been taking the blunt of the hit.

[samoset]

Do what I did and put a small piece of card (businesscard, or a piece of strong paper 240g/m^2) in it. That should avoid all marks. http://i.imgur.com/3yDy4.jpg http://i.imgur.com/Pc8Oq.jpg I'm currently making a custom inlay instead of this makeshift old calendar I used.

Thanks for the reply I'll give it a shot to see if what I can scrounge up will work just as well for me. Really irritating that we should have to think about any of this stuff at all. No doubt this is due to poor design scratches or not.

[Nintendo Ate My Children]

More specifically, maybe it's a sign that the process isn't quite 100% streamlined yet.

I think this is the most likely scenario. If the problem really is caused by the rubber bumpers being a few millimeters off, it can easily be fixed, and may already have been. It is a design flaw, but not one that is a fundamental part of the system and will take a major hardware revision to fix.

Sucks for early adopters, but early adopters always get shafted in one way or another.

[NSQuote]

http://i.imgur.com/Z1vhb.png http://i.imgur.com/p4THE.png I still have no clue how this happened, it seems like something was pressed upon it :S Never played it.

Oh hey look, I have that too on my old lite.

Thanks, Neogaf. ;___;

[fabricated backlash]

Thanks for the reply I'll give it a shot to see if what I can scrounge up will work just as well for me. Really irritating that we should have to think about any of this stuff at all. No doubt this is due to poor design scratches or not.

Oh I am annoyed as well. I even wrote an email to Nintendo, if they do plan to aknowledge that problem after two of my buddies had the 3DS repaired allready for this fault.
But so far, standard customer relation bullshit (we are not aware of widespread problems... bla bla bla) I guess we should get this to some bigger sites, to call Nintendo out on this.

[MikeE21286]

Wow that is seriously terrible. Any thoughts/plans I had regarding a 3DS purchase for myself have now gone out the window until the redesign.

This just further solidifies, for me, that the 3DS was a rush job (at least from a design perspective if nothing else).

[P90]

No scratches on mine. The lateral spacing stops give adequate clearance.

[TheExodu5]

What strikes me in this thread is how many people never put on screen protectors. I thought that was a must for handheld games systems these days and the majority of people would have them.

People that put screen protectors on their handheld devices are crazy.

I haven't used a screen protector on my DS Lite, DSi XL, PSP 2000, PSP Go, iPhone 3, iPhone 4, and they're all perfectly fine. Perhaps a few scratches on units like the iPhone 3, but still perfectly usable. The screen, with the scratches, still looks better and is more usable than a screen with an ugly screen protector on it, which kills the contrast and feel of the screen.

[Kolgar]

If ONLY someone offered a product that you could place over the screen to protect it!

Oh right, they do, it's called a screen protector, and I see no problems on my 3DS with one installed.

[Jocchan]

People that put screen protectors on their handheld devices are crazy. I haven't used a screen protector on my DS Lite, DSi XL, PSP 2000, PSP Go, iPhone 3, iPhone 4, and they're all perfectly fine. Perhaps a few scratches on units like the iPhone 3, but still perfectly usable. The screen, with the scratches, still looks better and is more usable than a screen with an ugly screen protector on it, which kills the contrast and feel of the screen.

You should probably stop using shitty protectors then. The ones I'm using don't affect either.

Wow that is seriously terrible. Any thoughts/plans I had regarding a 3DS purchase for myself have now gone out the window until the redesign. This just further solidifies, for me, that the 3DS was a rush job (at least from a design perspective if nothing else).

Not to justify this issue (far from it), but it's not exactly a problem they need a redesign to solve.

[TheExodu5]

You should probably stop using shitty protectors then. The ones I'm using don't affect either.

Sorry, I have working eyes.