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[Hip Hop]

I don't know if the 2000 version is the same, but who in their right mind decided to put the serial number/bar code right at the bottom side of the Vita?

I've owned two and the same thing happened, without me realizing after the fact. On my first model, the serial number sticker came off. It's important when taking it in for repairs (I think they will deny the system) and Gamestop can't take it in without it.

On my current model, the serial number completely vanished. So it's made out of a cheap sticker/ink. If you are using the Vita to browse, it's most likely where your thumbs rest, causing them to fall of in time. Such an oversight.

Searched on other forums, and got some results of people losing their serial numbers too.

Did they fix this for the second model? Has this happened to you before?

 

[TimmiT]

Yeah, the sticker came off for me as well. They made it reeeaaally easy for you to make your warranty useless with the Vita.

 

[Refyref]

In the 2000 model, they combined both of them to one sticker at the left side, while the memory card slot was moved to where the right side sticker was.

 

[StoopKid]

Yea both of mine are gone.

 

[Tygamr]

Mine stayed on just fine. I find the placement to be better than the sticker placenent on GameBoys and DSs (right on the back).

 

[TwoDurans]

I've had my Vita since launch and both stickers are still on and don't show any sign of looseness.

Do you have that disease where your hands get unusually sweaty?

 

[Yaser Tech]

*looks at vita* Nope, still there hanging tight. Terrible place though.

 

[ThatsMytrunks]

That's why you should keep your box, too. It'll have your serial number on there.

 

[HypnoDarkrai]

I wrote down my Vita's model number before the sticker fell off.

 

[grapetile]

No joke, this happened to me today. I looked around on forums too to see if this would cause any issues if I needed to have it repaired or anything like that. I'm really gonna try to just hang onto it somehow. It's a really unfortunate placement of the sticker, in any case.

 

[F34R]

Launch model and no problem with the serial/barcode here.

 

[Azure Phoenix]

Curious, they are still in perfect shape on my launch model and I regularly have my thumb rested there when holding the Vita with one hand. Maybe it is an issue with later models?

 

[bebop242]

Yea a few months back I noticed mine was peeling. I bought it used and had a year coverage through Gamestop so I went it to ask what they can do for it. They printed a sale sticker with the serial number on it and covered half the backside with it. lol I pulled that off the minute I got home. Doesn't matter now, the warranty is over.

Thought it was incredibly stupid design. A sticker on the bottom of a handheld. Good job Sony.

 

[BlackBuzzard]

Yes my serial number fell off, but im keeping it somewhere i can easily find it and just put it back on when needed.

 

[Shinriji]

Both stickers came off. I put them inside the vita box, so I didn't lose it.

 

[Phreak47]

My near-launch unit is still good but I've been using a Nyko charger grip with it since day one (I can't imagine holding it for long periods without one of these) which has the added benefit of keeping my hands away from that area.

 

[Y-Z]

I just checked and to my surprise you are right and there are serial numbers there. They are extremely stuck at my Vita thought. Almost looks like it's printed directly on it.

 

[mangochutney]

I've had my Vita since launch and both stickers are still on and don't show any sign of looseness.

Do you have that disease where your hands get unusually sweaty?

I just held my Vita in as many ways I could think of and not once did anything come into contact with the stickers on either side. Curious to know how the hell someone is holding it to sweat away the stickers.

And where else is there to put them? On the sides where you palm sits? Nope. On the lower back by the FCC stuff where you fingers rest? Nope. On the higher back where you touch up the pad? Nope. On the top where you need to turn it on and put the card in? Nope. On the front where you mash buttons? Nope.

 

[AkelisRain]

Mine came off after repeatedly cleaning it.

 

[Weltall Zero]

Irony: mine are completely covered by the hard case I've used since day one, so they should be pristine. The ones on both my first and my second DS are faded beyond recognition.

 

[Palette Swap]

No issues with my SN sticker but the other one went off.

I'm pretty surprised these wouldn't be repeated in other, less wear prone places like under the battery.

 

[Hip Hop]

I've had my Vita since launch and both stickers are still on and don't show any sign of looseness.

Do you have that disease where your hands get unusually sweaty?

Nah, nothing to do with diseases.

I guess it's just a matter on how you use the Vita. I like to browse Twitter/Neogaf/Youtube on it sometimes, and that's where my fingers usually rest if I'm swiping the screen and holding the Vita with another hand. It's not something I'm trying to cause, it just happens and then you realize.

That's why you should keep your box, too. It'll have your serial number on there.

Yup, found my box last night for it, so I guess that helps.

 

[poopninjamvc3mk]

Stickers still there and don't seem to be coming off anytime soon.

 

[SegaShack]

My original GBA SP serial number came off for no reason, just cheap ink.

 

[Roto13]

Yup, mine kept coming off to the point where I went "ah, fuck it" and now it's gone forever.

Meanwhile, my original 3DS sticker migrated up here and has been stationary ever since. I can live with that.

I have all of my serial numbers for my handhelds noted elsewhere so hopefully that'll do if I ever need my Vita repaired.

 

[SolsticeZero]

I cut some scotch tape to fit over it slightly larger than the sticker so it sticks to the plastic. Works like a charm.

 

[Blastoise]

I got a launch Vita as well, and both my stickers and their respective numbers are there.

However I did just take a picture of both of them. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[dallow_bg]

A nicely sized piece of clear tape works for all handhelds/computers.

 

[adamantypants]

I cut some scotch tape to fit over it slightly larger than the sticker so it sticks to the plastic. Works like a charm.

I habitually do this to any electronics I have to hold in my hand. I got burned on an old laptop whose serial number rubbed off and this 1 cent fix is invaluable.

 

[anddo0]

My S# is hanging on by a thread. I put some clear tape over it as well.

 

[Ashodin]

I cut some scotch tape to fit over it slightly larger than the sticker so it sticks to the plastic. Works like a charm.

This. Do people not do this?

 

[truestatic]

I've never tried this but I've had some annoyances with migrating serial# stickers as well - could you use clear nail polish as a laminate?

 

[Spaaaaaaaaace]

This is good to know when I get one. I usually take pictures of all the serial numbers so its easier for me to find.

 

[KHlover]

Welp, checked my Vita and 3DS after seeing this thread. Vita still is perfectly fine, but the protective plastic layer over the 3DS serial no. already started to peel off. Uploaded a txt-file with both Serial Numbers to my SkyDrive now, better save than sorry.

 

[InfiniteNine]

Oh I didn't know this so I checked real quick. Still looks brand new after having it for over a year so I feel relived.

 

[Tsundere]

Both my Vitas still have their stickers.

 

[baconcow]

I have one of those Hori TPU (thermo polyurethane) covers (flexible yet hard Hori shells) available only in Japan. Best thing ever. Protects the Vital from minor bumps, covers those stickers, adds some grip, adds next to no weight or bulk, and keeps my fingers off the back touch pad. Worth the $16.

 

[iceatcs]

I took a photo of the serial number stickers and write UV pen on pretty much everything I got for my house insurance required.

 

[shink]

This. Do people not do this?

I've never had the need to do this. I'll just take a pic of it just in case though

 

[darkside31337]

Yeah both of my Vita stickers came off before I realized it. Lost them forever. Still have the box though which has the serial number.

 

[LX_Theo]

Mine are both there without a sign of any disturbance. Maybe it was design with how I handle it in mind?

 

[KalBalboa]

Funny- mine came off about a week ago. It was a launch Vita though, so I wasn't expecting much in the way of warranty at this point.

 

[Andodalf]

got paranoid and checked, still on! hussah! This does seem to a big oversight tho.

 

[mackattk]

I luckily still have mine. I have used a grip case ever since I bought the vita.

 

[Agent X]

I noticed about a year ago that the left sticker on my unit was coming loose at the right side. I applied a small piece of Scotch tape to secure it in place, and prevent further peeling.

 

[$h@d0w]

Best place to put it, unless they could fit it in the card door.

 

[Tambini]

I've had my vita since launch day and the bottom numbers look good as new. Never really noticed them until now anyway.

 

[aro52]

My launch Vita still has the Serial Number, but the Model Number stick is long gone. Just a blank white bar there now.

 

[sueil]

My heavily used Vita has pristine stickers that show no signs of wear. I'm not sure how everyone here hold's there Vita.

 

[-Horizon-]

Mine are still there thankfully. Though every time my inside palm touches it, I kind of react by readjusting my hand positions.