3DS hinge cracked, need suggestions

[Locket]

My 1 year old (had it since Christmas eve 2014) 3DS XL's hinge is cracked pretty bad

It seems as it could come off, as it is cracked all around it. It also is my notification light side.

I need suggestions on what to do, my family is getting taxes sometime soon.

I might be able to get a new 3DS, but I am unsure that my dad will let me (my other 3DS broke, and this one I had almost had nothing to do with me, it just cracked)

I can:

~Get a new 3DS
~Send it in
~Keep it until it stops working

 

[EpicGamer12]

Do you have pictures?

 

[Matt0106]

Now I personally would tell you to get a new 3DS, but first judging by how that might not be possible, send it in, see if they can repair it, and if not, then maybe talk to your dad about a new 3DS. I wish you all the best and good luck!

 

[ZetaFunction]

Send it in; don't even try turning it on. There's a chance if you turn it on while broken, it might screw up parts of it, but if you just send it straight it, it'll be Nintendo's problem and not yours if it doesn't work. If it can't be repaired, then get a new 3DS.

 

[Locket]

Do you have pictures?

Spoiler

It's the worst when I'm opening it.

 

[Cress]

Mine was cracked the exact same way, putting a lot of tape on it worked for the almost 2 years I had it that way. I did have to retape the hinge every few months and using the R button was a bit stiff at times, but it worked perfectly fine.

 

[Puffy]

http://www.ign.com/wikis/nintendo-3ds/3DS_XL_Shell_Swapping

If you're really strapped for cash like I am, I got my shell for less than 20 dollars off of eBay. It takes a lot of time though.

 

[BluebellLight]

I just got in my Animal Crossing *new* 3ds. It's sleek and the super stable 3d is amazing. I highly recommend it!

 

[Locket]

The hinge came off, luckily it can still open/ close, but my notification light no longer works

 

[Mars Adept]

( Accidentally voted send it in for repairs. )

Get a new 3DS. You never know when the DS is gonna break and lose all your progress, the price for it to get repaired is half the price of a new one, and the newer model seems improved.