The New Nintendo 2DS XL Came to the technology world as a surprise. In the lead-up into the Switch’s launch, Nintendo said its handhelds and its newest hardware would coexist. But as the Switch became Nintendo’s fastest-selling console, many wondered if the 3DS along with the 2DS would slowly make their way toward the sunset. That is not the case.
Let us temporarily put aside questions of Nintendo Cannibalizing the handheld market. The New 2DS XL might be the greatest handheld hardware Nintendo has made because the original DS in 2004.
Despite the 2DS branding, the New 2DS XL bears a much stronger resemblance to the New 3DS XL than it will into the first budget 2DS. Actually, from an internal hardware perspective, the New 2DS XL is Essentially a Brand New 3DS XL: it features the faster and more effective processor; the exact same displays; NFC support for Amiibo; a pair of Nintendo’s L, R, ZL, and ZR shoulder switches; along with a C stick. Rather than the 2DS’s wedge form, the New 2DS XL features a clamshell design similar to each other member of 3DS line and the DS.
The largest gap between the New 2DS XL along with the New 3DS XL is in the title: the New 2DS ditches this 3DS entirely’s stereoscopic 3D gimmick, opting for two-dimensional displays that are standard. The trade-off is in the cost — at $149.99, the New 2DS prices $50 less than the $199.99 New 3DS XL.
Industry-wide, 3D gaming has failed to catch on. So the 2DS will be, for many at a lower price. This will mark the end of Nintendo’s interest with glasses-free 3D in its experiment.
There are benefits to ditching 3D. The screen half Of this device is smaller and thinner, presumably by cutting out the 3D hardware. (The front-facing camera stays but it moved into the center of the hinge. Ditto the dual cameras — those are moved to the base of their portable close to the shoulder buttons) The plastic is a sturdy matte similar to the Switch, the cap of the case has a fantastic striped feel, and the shiny, vivid blue accents make it easy to flip the screen open.
The New 2DS XL enhances on the New 3DS layout in a couple of ways. Besides the more compact layout, the card slot has been moved to alongside the cartridge, meaning that you no longer need to take out the back. And unlike the 3DS versions, Nintendo claims the New 2DS will come with a charger.
My one misgiving about the Unit is the hinge, which can Be adjusted between three places: one at a right angle, one flat, and one somewhere in between. But all those positions has a little give to it can cause the screen to wobble when moved around. I know, little problem.
With the Switch available, the New 2DS XL reminds me of the Game Boy Micro. Nintendo’s swan song for the Game Boy Advanced line had hardware and was ultimately eclipsed by the DS. But if Nintendo decides to stop giving attention to the 3DS line of products and slows its rate of new games, the 2DS XL will still be the perfect way to grab on the incredible catalogue for the handheld device. There may come a time when Nintendo focuses its efforts on the Switch, but right now, the 2DS XL is a nice choice for handheld fans at the cost of its own cousin and with hundreds more games.
The 3DS needed a launch, requiring years to find its own audience. But Nintendo learned in the process. The New 2DS Indicates the Company does not have to double down on gimmicks — that is the 3DS The business has made and it doesn’t have 3D.
