Nintendo Customer Service

Recently my son's DS Lite only displayed a blank screen when powered on (even though the green power button was lit), and googling these symptoms revealed this was not something that can be resolved without recourse to Nintendo.

With a heavy heart, I went to the Nintendo site, expecting the worst in terms of cost, process, etc. My fears, though, were not realised. The site has clearly signposted links to servicing, and the process was remarkably straightforward. If the item is in warranty, then repairs are free, but if not, then you return the item (for which they provide a freepost address which allows the item to be tracked) and they contact you to confirm the price of repair.

We raised a support ticket here - http://www.nintendoservicecentre.co.uk/index.php, and received a confirmation email and then a further mail with the reply paid label. The DS was returned on Saturday, and the following Thursday we were told the charge for repair was just over £30. Paid for this online, received an email confirmation that package had been despatched, and the DS was back the Tuesday afterwards (would have been Monday if someone had been in to sign for the parcel!)

So 9 days in total for £30. Very impressed!