A recent 3DS error message has been rendering the console unusable to many users, and Nintendo have recently responded to the problem.
Regarding this “black screen of death” Nintendo have said that “our recommendations are that if anyone is experiencing any problems with their Nintendo 3DS console, we recommend that in the first instance they download and install the latest system update, now available online.”
“If the problems still persist we recommend they contact their local Nintendo Customer Service centre to investigate the problem.”
Not a good start for the system, but that’s what updates are for.
Thanks to the Inquirer for the info.