Will Nintendo Replace a Broken DS with a New One?

Almost certainly not. Nintendo's policy is repair, not replace.

What to Expect

• Paid Repair: You ship it; they quote a fee (often $75–$100+); if approved, they fix/refurbish and return it.
• No New Units: DS models (Phat, Lite, DSi, DSi XL) have been discontinued since 2011. New stock does not exist.
• Refurbished Returns: You'll likely receive a refurbished unit of the same model, not a newer one.

Better Options

1. Official Repair Page: Check Nintendo's legacy support for current repair status/fees.
2. Third-Party Shops: Local retro game stores or mail-in services (e.g., Console Repair Shop) often cheaper/faster.
3. DIY: iFixit guides + parts (screens, buttons, shells) for common fixes (hinge, top screen, battery).
4. Sell for Parts: Broken DS units sell on eBay for $15–$40 depending on model/condition.
5. Upgrade: A used 3DS/2DS plays all DS games, has a larger library, and is still supported by Nintendo's eShop (until March 2023 closure for purchases).

Sending a broken DS to Nintendo is a slow, expensive path to a refurbished old console. Explore alternatives first.