Nintendo wants my 3DS for some reason...

[Yoshiman222]

About 2 weeks ago, I received a strange email message from Nintendo asking me (specifically) to call them about a unique study about the 3DS system.

At first, I thought it might have been a scam, so I started doing some research on it, and even sent a message to Nintendo's Customer support telling about the situation.

...well, it turned out - all that research just confirms this is from Nintendo - they actually wanted something from me.
I called them today to see what it was, and apparently, they were interested in taking my 3DS from me to see how it was after the few years I've had it for. What I'd do is send my 3DS to them, and in about 1.5-2 weeks, they'd give me a brand new 3DSXL (saved with all the data my current 3DS has), or a brand new 3DS with $40 added to my eShop (again - with all the data my 3DS has).

Of course, I'm still not 100% sure about this... but what about you guys?
If Nintendo asked something of this for you, would you take the risk and send your console?
...and for which reward? (Also - I'm allowed to choose the colour (except for the special editions) of my new 3DS/XL when I send it - which would you pick?)

 

[H-J Kaabii]

Back up your SD data firstly.

I really don't know why they'd need 1.5 to 2 weeks to get gameplay/web browsing/anything data to be honest :\ Clear any private data webpage wise if you have anything sensitive.

Get assurance that they won't misuse any remnant personal data

Ask for contingencies IN CASE they lose your game data and so on

Gift wise, do you think $40 in eShop credit would be readily used by you? If not go for the XL. Color is your choice.

 

[SuperZambezi]

I assume they have your email because you registered your 3DS though Club Nintendo?

I would look around the net and see if anyone has had this happen to them before and to see the results.

 

[Luma Party]

Considering the fact that you wouldn't see what they would be doing and it would take a couple weeks, I wouldn't think you should do it.
To me a gaming console is a personal item, something I wouldn't want to change.
It's up to you though.

 

[SpiderStaryu]

Back up stuff, and if you do go through with it, remove any personal images you may have on your 3DS. I don't mean like Animal Crossing pics, I mean like pics of personal stuff (if you took any).

I don't know, I mean, if it is by Nintendo... then it should be trusted. I'd be fine with it, but it's up to you to make your own decisions.

 

[Yoshiman222]

A few days ago - I decided to send my 3DS off to Nintendo.
Today - I got it back. Much faster than what they said.

Everything's back in it as well - all data I had from before.
The only difference...? IT'S BRAND NEW!!!

No smudges, no scratches - feels new, although the same colour as when I first got it.
The only thing is that... the time's off.
It says it's 6:33 in the morning right now.

Currently checking to see if the eShop has the $40 I wanted from them...
EDIT Yes - I can confirm I am $40 richer.
Thanks, Nintendo.

...I wonder what they're currently doing with my old 3DS, though...