14 DAY TRIAL // In the past few days Nintendo saw a lot of unwanted attention when different gaming sites presented pictures of DS Lites developing identical cracks on the left side of the hinge. Console owners are not happy with the new dysfunctional look, not only on esthetic grounds as later developments can lead to serious integrity issues. Nintendo didn't take light to the rumors and will stick true to its usually user-friendly warranty system.
In a recent announcement, officials stated that: "In the U.S., the reported number of small cosmetic cracks in the plastic hinge of DS Lite systems represents less than 0.02 percent of the total units sold. This cosmetic issue in no way impacts the gameplay or integrity of the DS Lite. Nintendo stands behind the quality of our products and encourages DS Lite owners to contact our Customer Service Department if they are not happy with the functionality of their systems."
Apparently the original DS reported similar hinge issues, most likely due to shipping problems. Although Nintendo assured everyone their customer service will deal with broken hinges in a most satisfactory matter, it is still a delicate case of void warranties that cause confusion. As various sources report customer service still asking the 50$ fee to fix the problem, even after Nintendo's statement to fix it for free, one can only wonder this isn't just a marketing attempt to save face. Taking a closer look at fan feedback, the alleged 0.02% DS Lite owners are pretty vocal about the cracks, suggesting their numbers are actually greater than anticipated.