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This is for real. Nintendo has announced a new member of the 3DS family, called the Nintendo 2DS. As you can see from the picture above, it’s got an interesting design.
The Nintendo 2DS is compatible with all 3DS games (only playable in 2D) and original Nintendo DS games. It’s form is smaller than 3DS XL, with a slate design that does not fold up. Nintendo is aiming to make the Nintendo 2DS a more affordable entry point into their portable market, as the 2DS is retailing at only $129.99. The Nintendo 2DS will have all the other features of 3DS intact, such as internet connectivity. The only feature it seems will be missing is the ability to play games in stereoscopic 3D. I guess that’s how the price is so low? Check out a video for the new Nintendo 2DS below.
The system is set to launch on the same day as Pokémon X & Y, October 12. Now would be the perfect time to get into Nintendo 3DS if you haven’t already. And honestly, if you’re not interested in 3DS… What’s wrong with you?
Source: Nintendo
The name 2DS just sounds inferior to 3DS just in the sound of it. I mean, we all know it is, but it sucks that it sounds like it too. I’m not really thinking this is going to be a huge seller.
I guess it hits the target audiences needs, but I agree a different name might have been beneficial. People are going to think it is a different console altogether, as game boxes are still going to say “3DS”. I can see a lot of parents going “Where are your 2DS games?”.
As for the loss of the clamshell design, I think the lack of extra screen protection will be missed. HOWEVER, that hinge has also been the bane of many a handheld owner, so I guess you win some, you lose some.
Too bad Nintendo didn’t wait to announce the system on April 1st, it would have made a great April fools gag (especially if they released the system a couple of weeks later). Silliness aside, I know a lot of parents who’s kids own a DS lite and haven’t made the upgrade due to the cost and 3d. This thing might just be the tickle me elmo of kids toys this year.
I’m really curious to see how the 2DS does. One should never underestimate stuff aimed at kids, particularly if it’s connected with something else wildly popular, say Sesame Street or, oh, I don’t know, Pokemon.
It looks a bit crazy at first, but so did the Game Boy. If I didn’t already have far too many DSes, its price point alone would make it seriously tempting.
Naysayers clearly haven’t ever worked retail; parents/kids are clueless. I don’t know how many of each would walk in asking for the DSi games (because they’re not the same as DS games, lol). 3DS itself was a stupid naming move because not many folks knew there was a difference between it and the previous system. Now, people will just do what they did being confused between DS Lite and DSi; buy it anyway. What I’m getting at is kids and parents will be buying it because it’s dirt cheap by comparison to other handhelds and families generally have very real money worries. Great move, Nintendo!
2DS looks perfect for the market it’s obviously going after– small children and families with low income (and maybe a lot of kids). Even though it looks like it would be fun to own one, I really can’t justify it. Wonder how the battery life is on this thing?
But for a really great value, that $12.99 case should just come included with each 2DS. I mean, why not?
According to IGN, battery life is somewhere between the 3DS and the XL:
http://www.ign.com/wikis/nintendo-3ds/3DS_vs._2DS_Model_Comparison_Chart
No “power save” mode, which probably makes sense given the new kind of single screen being used.