I just have to come here to vent, and maybe enlighten others doing research before purchasing a 3DS. In a word, don't.
The quality of these systems is well below average when compared to current electronic devices. An electronics device that becomes permanently damaged when attempting to perform a normal operating procdedure is unacceptable. I also find this dissappointing since I am a long time Nintendo customer, having purchased nearly every console and handheld produced by Nintendo since the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989. My original Gamboy, green scale screen and all, to this day, still functions perfectly.
I would also like to point out that Nintendo's customer service is horrendous. When you finally do reach someone, they are quick to put the blame on the user and warn that you will be paying $100 (more than half the price of a brand new system) for something that is clearly a fault in the software of the system. If I had been aware that I should not let my system go into sleep mode I would not have. But now I have one 3DS that does not power on at all but charges batteries and one that powers on to blank, black screens.
Silly me, I also didn't buy the Walmart replacement plans because these are Nintendo systems. Considering I can still put Mario Kart 64 in to my N64, flip the switch and start playing, I assumed that I would be receiving a quality product. Wrong. I've seen broken 3DS XL go for nearly as much as the cost of a repair on eBay so these will most likely end up there as well, along with the 20 games I own and my loyalty and future gaming purchases.
Buyer. Beware.