I recently bought a New Nintendo 3DS XL from a reseller for about 369€. The listing described the console as being in “very good condition” and even said it was suitable “for collectors”.
Most of the console actually looks great: the hinges feel solid, the shell (top and bottom) has very few scratches, and it even has a top IPS screen, which I was really happy about.
However, when it arrived I noticed that on one of the side edges the paint is quite heavily chipped/peeling. This part was not shown in the photos and wasn’t mentioned in the description.
I had actually been really excited about it all week while waiting for it to arrive, so when I noticed the paint damage today I felt pretty disappointed. It’s also quite a lot of money for me and I had thought about it for a long time before deciding to spend that much. During my search I actually skipped several cheaper listings that had visible paint damage like this, because I specifically wanted one in better cosmetic condition.
I should also mention that I don’t only want it as a collector’s item. I’m actually very excited to play and mod it. But I guess the condition still matters to me since I spent a lot of money.
Technically the console works perfectly, but now I’m unsure what to do. I bought from a reseller so I do have the option to return it. On the other hand, I’m a bit tired of searching through listings again and the rest of the console is actually really nice.
Would you consider this acceptable for a very good condition / collector condition listing?
And would you keep it, ask for a partial refund, or return it?
I’d really appreciate some outside opinions.
Posted by JohAvoo
7 Comments
Get a refund cause you got scammed and probs not pay as much for one cause you got ripped off at that price.
Personally I think it looks great. Dunno there, but here in Brazil it’s really hard to find one in good conditions.
Since you want it also to play instead of only for a collectors item, I would keep it. You already spent some time to find this, so enjoy it. You can even buy another one in better conditions in the future and re-sell this one, I guess the price isn’t going down any time soon.
At the least ask for a partial refund because that doesn’t look like collector condition to me.
Peeling paint is common issue. The question is if it was shown/mentioned anywhere? Did you pay extra for its claimed condition? You know, theres quite difference between very good & collector condition. Id give it very good one
For context I’m picky, protective, and a bit OCD over the condition of my stuff.
If I bought a 3DS that arrived in that condition, especially for that price, it would be an immediate return for me.
I could see the case to keep it for a partial refund, if your priority is just to have a functional console, but I personally wouldn’t bother trying to work that out with a deceptive seller; there’s no way they were unaware….
Unfortunately this is what passes for “very good” these days. I recently got my taxes and wanted to snag a 3ds, so i hit ebay, and most of them are like this. Its really hard to keep handhelds (especially the 3ds) in decent condition. I was crazy and bought a factory sealed one lol.
Return.
He didn’t disclose the paint chipping and said that it was “Very good/collector condition” which it absolutely isn’t.
Also, I think you overpaid, even if it was in very good condition.
For comparison, I picked up the New 3DS XL Sun and Moon edition with box and manual in near mint condition for $600AUD