What you are looking at, ladies and gentlemen, is the newly announced Nintendo 2DS. It’s everything a 3DS is, without the 3D. Oh, and hinges. It doesn’t have those. The 2DS is compatible with all 3DS and DS games, and offers the same 3DS features like WiFi, local multiplayer, etc.
If you’re still confused, Reggie Fils-Aime has shared some clarifying words with IGN.
“Imagine a standard 3DS laid all the way flat, and with the depth slider all the way down. Everything else is there in the system.”
“We’re always thinking about what we can do that’s new, unique, different, and brings more people into this category that we love. And so with the Nintendo 3DS, we were clear to parents that, ‘hey, we recommend that your children be seven and older to utilize this device.’ So clearly that creates an opportunity for five-year-olds, six-year-olds, that first-time handheld gaming consumer.”
“We’ve always been thinking about, ‘how do we approach that as one target?’ and that certainly helped spur the idea of the Nintendo 2DS. Let’s have the consumer have access to all of these great games – Mario Kart 7, Animal Crossing – but do it in a 2D capability with a device that has a dramatically lower price point. That’s just an example of how we’re always thinking about, ‘how do we get more people playing games? How do we get more people playing Nintendo games?’”
I know you’re wondering about DAT PRICE TAG. If you’re in the market for a 2DS, you can purchase one on October 12th for $129.99. For comparison’s sake, the standard 3DS runs for $169.99 and the 3DS XL runs for $199.99.
Thoughts?
I’ve been curious about Pokémon X/Y and for a while — which is also launching on October 12th — and have had semi-cemented plans to purchase a handheld for the occasion. I’ve had my eye on the 3DS XL since I’m all about bigger screens, and it’s starting to get to that point where I’m all, “HOLY SHATMUFFINS I need a 3DS!” because, Zelda. I don’t care for the 3D, but I do care about the ability to fold my handheld in half. So, while the 2DS is *almost* a perfect fit, I’m going to have to stick with the 3DS XL for the bigger screen and folding ability.
Still doesn’t have dual analog sticks.
Not a fan of the button n dpad/analog positions… ill stick with my XL.
I have a 3DS and I just keep the 3D slider all the way down. It actually makes me sick >_< I knew I wouldn't use that option at all when I bought it. But my opinion? Just buy a 3DS, damnit! These 2D's are funky looking and they don't even fold in half. Plus the XL's screens are pretty badass.