Topic: Should I Swap ‘New’ 2DSXL for a 2DS?

Hey all, hoping to get opinions from folks that have used the 2DS (tablet form). I picked up a New 2DSXL in Feb, and really enjoy it. (Last portable before this was og 3DS at launch)
However, sessions over 20 minutes bother my wrist. I’ve heard the standard 2DS had a better form factor for longer play time, is that generally true?
The only SNES game I have is EarthBound, so I wouldn’t be missing much of the New aspect. And to be fair, my ds gets maybe 2 hours a week of play right now.
Thanks for any thoughts.

Well you won't be able to do a system transfer at all.

I do prefer the regular 2DS's form factor though, so if you don't mind starting a secondary account for it, it's totally worth it.

@Yosheel Oh crud!! I thought I’d be able to do a transfer. Ugh. I’ve got about 4 or 5 digital on there so that mayb be a big barrier Thanks for that nugget.

@ReaderRagfish Thanks man. I think you and Yosh answered the biggest concern; no new > old transfer. Now I’ll need to take a hard look at what I’ve paid into the XL next.

It's possible Nintendo might be able to activate your account in a different system remotely if you ask them. (For example, they will do it of you lose your old system).

Of course this comes with the loss of save files and stuff.

Not sure if anyone has tried a new to old transfer that way.

@HobbitGamer
Keep your New 2DS XL.
Your New 2DS XL has bigger monitor size than Old 2DS (as big as Old 3DS).
If you have problem with your wrist, consult to doctor first to getting know how should you cure the pain on your wrist.
Btw, what color of your New 2DS XL ?
Because from Aestethic aspect, New 2DS XL looks more beautiful than Old 2DS.

The regular 2DS is beautiful. I have a transparent blue one.

The shoulder buttons are also considerably better than on the 2DS XL.

@Yosheel
But Old 2DS monitor size is as big as Old 3DS. Too small for my eyes.

It's part of the form factor. If it were bigger it would be heavier.

Most games look sharper on the smaller screens too. Like on the gba micro.

@Yosheel Yeah, I’m gonna reach out to Nintendo with details and see what could be done.
@Anti-Matter I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my right hand, developed after a wrist break 17 years ago. Holding anything flat or smaller than fat sharper for more than 10 minutes aggravates it, so with the old 2DS having a more spread out back could help. My XL is the pokeball edition. But when it’s open it’s red, and when it’s closed it’s in a gaming stuff drawer haha.

@ReaderRagfish I’m on my way to GameStop to hold a used one. It’s hard to explain, but if my hand is in a pinch position (imaging holding a pencil) with palms in, the CTS aggravation starts. Part of the issue is the way you have to hold the clam models. We’ll see, I’ll edit this with outcome.

Well I did the swap, it’s a world of difference for me. It came with NSBM2, so I only lost Metroid and Link BW, which cost me maybe $25 because of MyNintendo and such. My thinking was that if I can’t play them much whenever I want on the XL, it’s not a big deal. Plus, I got to keep the 4Gb microSD lol

Wait, "I Love My Cats" ?
A 3DS game for PAL Exclusive ?

This is why we like you! But no, I saw it on the NA eShop, so you should be able to find it.

@Yosheel @ReaderRagfish Yup, it won’t let me link my NNID so I’m gonna contact Nintendo tomorrow or Monday. The line was packed today. But, the hold music was Hyrule Field from OoT, so that was nice. Or I may do what you suggested, yosh, and have a secondary acct.

I hope they can help you.

Let's come up with a story.... You traded it in not knowing it would make you lose your games, and didn't know about system transfers!

@ReaderRagfish Nah, I don’t have it. But I was able to fiddle for 2hrs last night without my hand hurting. Go me! Now to play Pokémon TCG

If all else fails, I hope that you at least didn't have a ton of progress put into those digital games. The thought of losing some of my own saves....shudders

That stinks about the Carpal Tunnel. I've been having twinges over the last year or so in both my wrists, so I also believe I have it. Some of it may be genetic (I'm built a lot like my dad, who also deals with it), but I think what truly aggravated it was when I tried the whole "standing desk" thing with a dresser of mine on and off for a period of about two months. That really aggravated it. Needless to say I've stopped doing that, and the pain hasn't been nearly as bad since. The pain is not constant, thankfully, and I occasionally do some exercises that seem to alleviate it. Long gaming sessions occasionally aggravate the pain, but I've found it happens more when I'm using my Wii U Gamepad than anything else.

It also depends on my daily computer use (a LOT during weekdays). Funnily enough, it's worse in my right wrist; I'm left-handed, but I adapted to using a mouse with my right hand.

Nah, I beat Link BW and was getting tired of Samus Returns (stupid digger boss). Only thing lost progress wise was 3 deck medals in Pokémon TCG.
Oddly enough, the Wii U gamepad doesn’t bother me too much since it’s so light and I can spread my hand out. But I typically use the respective Pro Controllers for it and Switch.
I work exclusively on computers at least 45 hours a week, but I requisitioned a great Logitech trackball last year and it’s made a world of difference, along with building macros and such for the programs I work in.

I can't speak for Samus Returns (haven't played it yet), but at least the other two games that you mentioned are relatively short. Personally, I'd almost welcome the chance to replay A Link Between World's.

I think my problem with the Gamepad was usually the angle I was holding it; I've tried straightening my arm/hand posture, which seems to have helped somewhat. I've had few problems with my pro controller. As for my handheld systems, they rarely bother me unless I've been involved in a really long session.

I've thought about trying something new mouse-wise; I got a mouse pad that at least cushions my wrist, but the current mouse I use is a standard wired laser mouse. As for automation, I'm a programmer who helps maintain/upgrade a huge desktop program. While we don't reinvent the wheel if we can help it, there's only so much room for automation when coding a new piece. XD (Also, the language/environment we use isn't the best for it)

@HobbitGamer Does the issue with your wrist really only happen with the XL? I don't mean to sound rude, but I can't think of a reason why you would have issues with the XL but not the regular. The XL is only very slightly heavier and held roughly at the same angle.

@Heavyarms55 it happens with a cell phone, gameboy micro, screwdriver. It has a lot to do with where my fingers are. The closer a position is to holding a pencil, the likelier it is to be uncomfortable. In the original accident, it was the outer (pinky side) of wrist that fractured.