cheshirescat said:
MDMAlliance said:
Burek said:
Is it even legal to include a device without a charger? Aren't there any consumer protection laws in the US? They sell you a device that you will be unable to use unless you buy extra equipment.
I've never heard of a smartphone maker saying "We don't include a charger, people already have some USB cables lying around their house." This is the most consumer-unfriendly move, and it is beyond my comprehension that someone can even attempt to defend Nintendo. |
I think it does happen, actually. Also, haven't you ever heard of "batteries not included" on products that require batteries?
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Yeah, but this is more of a "the port you actually put the batteries in sold separately" sort of deal.
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That's not at all the same thing. The comparison I made is closest, since it's roughly the same thing. In fact, "batteries not included" is worse simply for the fact that cheap ones are not rechargeable. You can use the 3DS without the charger since the battery is actually charged a little in the box. You will just need to buy the charger to use it after its initial charge dies.
Anyway, think about the process for each. Let's say you buy an RC toy. It requires batteries, but the box says the batteries are not included. That means that you cannot use the device unless you buy batteries separately.
Now go with the New 3DS XL. The box will, no doubt, have on the box somewhere "AC adapter not included." That means that you cannot go past the initial charge without buying the charger separately.
Price of a pack of batteries: Varies, but tends to be $4+
Price of an AC adapter that works on the 3DS: $10 new on Nintendo's store page, $5 refirbished, $5 3rd party, $2 ebay
Very similar processes. If you imply that the "port" is sold separately, the equivalent for the 3DS would more likely be "buttons sold separately - self install."
