A possible design flaw

Jul 17, 2006 08:30 GMT  ·  By

Nintendo's DS Lite handheld game console, meant to "revolutionize the way games are played" with its ultra-bright dual screens and touch-screen technology seems to have an Achilles' heel: the hinges. Multiple forum members at the MaxConsole game site have complained that their DS Lites have been breaking after a period of use, with the Nintendo brand cases providing little protection:

"I treated my DS lite like a baby, heck I even used a Nintendo brand case. I called Nintendo about 3 days ago and the rep said he won't take it back because the warranty does not cover cracks and the guy said it must have been my fault and he could have it repaired for $50 (because its still under warranty). I grumbled to him and finally said I'd live with it," says one of the users from the afore mentioned site.

By now Nintendo's latest handheld console has been launched in Japan, Australia, North America, Canada, Europe and China, and hinge cracks have been reported from around the world. What does Nintendo have to say about this situation remains to be seen.