Nintendo's AC Adapter Policy Isn't Fair

The New Nintendo 3DS XL does not come with an AC adapter. If you don't have one, you must buy one. Nintendo says there's a good reason for that. Whatever that reason is, it's not fair.

The New Nintendo 3DS is an updated version of the 3DS, and it's truly a fantastic handheld. I cannot recommend it enough. I also recommend that Nintendo put AC adapters in the box when it releases the NN3DS XL, but their failure to do so is not a deal breaker (though it is annoying).

The Kyoto-based game maker explained its rationale to IGN: "New Nintendo 3DS XL uses the same AC adapter as any Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo DSi system. Rather than raise the cost of New Nintendo 3DS XL by charging consumers for a component they may already own, we are giving them the option to only buy if they need an AC adapter." 

[Photo: NK_AraHaBaki] 

For years now, Nintendo has been doing this in Japan—and in the past, Japanese players would complain about how Nintendo included plugs with Western portables, but stiffed the domestic market. That being said, the fact that many Nintendo handhelds don't come with something as basic as an AC adapter still surprises people in Japan. Even if the packaging does point out that the handheld needs a power plug, it seems like someone people just assume that, you know, it would.2

"This 3DS doesn't come with a power plug?" wrote one Twitter user last December. "Santa brought a 3DS and Yokai Watch 2: Shinuchi to my son," wrote another on Christmas Day. "But, it doesn't come with an AC adapter?!" Getting a present and then realizing you need to buy a plug so it'll keep working—what a drag!3456

Back when the Nintendo 3DS XL was released in 2012 in Japan, it did not come with an AC adapter (ditto for Europe, it seems). Nintendo explained that the reason was, "We won't make you pay for something you don't need." 

But... it's the plug that powers the hardware. You need it. More unsettling was the fact that the 3DS XL was sold in North America with an AC adapter. That's the sticking point that makes Nintendo's current claims ring false: In the past, it's included an AC adapter, so why stop?

[Photo: mucom88]

Nintendo is making an assumption that people who purchase the New Nintendo 3DS already have an AC adapter. In Japan, the plug came with the DSi and the smaller 3DS, but it did not come with the 3DS XL as well as both New Nintendo 3DS sizes.

The odd thing is that Nintendo is actually punishing people who are not early adopters. So, if you bought an original-size Nintendo 3DS, then you got a plug. But if you waited for the XL, too bad.7

Or maybe you really waited and didn't own a DSi or a regular-sized 3DS, but had a DS Lite? Well, you can't use a DS Lite plug with the 3DS handhelds. You must buy a plug. Nintendo sells them for 925 yen (around US$8)—which makes me wonder how much the AC adapter is really worth or how much it costs Nintendo to manufacture them. Other companies seem perfectly capable of including cables to power their machines, why isn't Nintendo?

It's really the principle of the matter that's so disconcerting. This is like ordering a meal in a restaurant and then being told there's a surcharge if you need eating utensils. Nintendo shouldn't be making the decision of what I don't need and be considerate enough to think, hey, maybe this customer will need a plug to power this new hardware.

[Photo: SollairoDays]

Sure, some gamers will already have an adapter, but maybe they want another one. I know in my house we have multiple Nintendo handhelds owned but different family members, but a short supply of plugs. That kinda sucks.

Nintendo may say it's not passing along charges to the consumer or that it's saving the consumer money. Actually, Nintendo is saving Nintendo money. Nintendo is thinking about what's best for Nintendo.

And this isn't new. The company has been pulling this kind of stuff for years. This ad for 1977's Color TV-Game Block Breaker states that dedicated AC adapters are sold separately at 1,500 yen (around $13) a pop. (More here on BeforeMario.com.)

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[Photo via million7000]

Well, at least now, Nintendo is charging less money for them.

Source: http://kotaku.com/nintendos-ac-adapter-policy-isnt-fair-1679656730

In other words, "We know Nintendo fans have 3 3DS already so why bother with a charger you already have. Just buy the new 3DS, we ALREADY know you will."

Is the charger a standard mini or micro USB? Or is it a proprietary charger?

Why is picking up a charger from the store you are buying the New 3DS from such a big deal?!

This is being blown way out of proportion

This profit mentality is killing nintendo, its okay if they dont want to price drop but dont cheap out on your products and nickel and dime people, its just as stupid as making the ps3 super slim hardrive not upgradeble unless you buy this 10€ expansion bay.

I guess Nintendo is Playing with Power.

It's nintendo

All the injustice in the world, and we're ranting about AC adaptors...

Proprietary, which is probably why people are making such a big fuss. If Nintendo just had standard USB ports on their handheld, no one would care that it didn't come with an AC USB charger since many people probably have one already for their other electronic devices. Maybe something to consider for their next handheld.

It's proprietary. :/