When the 2DS was revealed it was met, by some at least, with derisive snorts and incredulity. Despite its clear target audience, demonstrated perfectly by its co-ordinated launch with Pokémon X & Y, there was — and still is, probably — a line of argument that said it was a silly irrelevance that showed Nintendo had conceded defeat with its autostereoscopic 3D feature on the 3DS. We couldn't really disagree more but, hey, opinions are there to be shared.
In any case, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata was asked in a recent investor Q & A whether the 3D-free device represented the company "perhaps wavering a bit on its initial plans"; Iwata-san pointed out that it hadn't been a rushed decision, but actually part of a clear strategy to provide a low-cost, low-complication entry point along with the hugely popular X & Y, while stating that 3D visuals are still very much part of development plans.
I would now like to turn to your comment that Nintendo is perhaps wavering in its vision by launching Nintendo 2DS, which abandons 3D, the biggest differentiator of the product. However, launching Nintendo 2DS at this point in time requires its development work to have begun a long time ago. Generally speaking, it takes approximately one and a half years before we can bring a new hardware system onto the market, and we already realized beforehand that it would be difficult to maximize the sales potential of Nintendo 3DS without an entry-level product ready in time for the release of a new Pokémon title. Because we already knew that the range of price options for Nintendo 3DS was not sufficient in light of the highly appreciated yen at the time, we had been preparing for this launch. Incidentally the yen is now somewhat depreciated and we are able to offer Nintendo 2DS without facing profitability problems. This is very fortunate considering our business structure. We are offering such an option in order to further propel the popularity of the Nintendo 3DS platform in the overseas markets. Nintendo 2DS is, however, simply one of the options for consumers and we will continue to offer the existing Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL platforms in the overseas markets, and we are not saying that we will abandon 3D or cease to make new propositions in 3D. “The Legend of Zelda” title that we are going to release toward the end of the year is a superb showcase of the 3D effect, featuring a top-down style and offering a new form of gameplay by taking advantage of the 3D effect vertically.
Now that the dust has settled and the 2DS is sitting comfortably on store shelves, what do you think of its release?
[source nintendo.co.jp]
Comments 23
Kewt
I just picked up a 2DS for my son and I got to admit, that thing is super comfy to hold. The slate design just sits in your hand and your fingers can just splay across the back giving you good support. Compared to the 3DS or even XL its a superior design ergonomically.
I understand what the 2DS is and who is aimed towards, but when I see they altered the 3D effect on Link Between Worlds to accommodate 2DS owners, I'm concerned. I hope 3D is still relevant in upcoming titles and used in interesting ways.
This is music to my ears. I personally love 3D and I am glad that Nintendo is not abandoning it anytime soon.
They are wasting the unused portion of the screen. They should have just thrown the 3DS touch screen on it, and gave it a normal top LCD screen. It would have cost a lot less to use parts they already have in mass quantities.
2DS is the most comfortable handheld Nintendo has ever made.
Well done.
@Yamitora1 I'm pretty sure if it cost less Nintendo would be doing it.
@Yamitora1
Actually, using the one screen would save a bundle in assembly, parts storage and assorted logistics costs. One screen is cheaper than two, from an engineering production point of view.
@LexKitteh They altered the portions that required the 3D. This was a bad idea in the first place considering some (including I) cannot see the 3D very well. I'm not against 3D, I just don't want to be left out on parts of a game.
If you saw the trailer for the upcoming 3DS Kirby game, you would know that Nintendo is still playing up the 3D capabilities of the system in a big way.
"Now that the dust has settled and the 2DS is sitting comfortably on store shelves, what do you think of its release?"
I still think that the 3D can already be disabled on the 3DS.
@AlexSora89 You can but not everybody wants to pay extra for an effect there never going to use...
And some are too lazy to use parental controls. D:
I don't use much of the 3D effect until its required like in the cases of super Mario 3D land which worked. I'm also quite curious about the 3D effect. Maybe they should make so when the game is inserted in the 2DS, the system will update the game so that it does not feel like 3D is needed to play for the 2DS whereas on the 3DS, its the opposite.
I'm glad they're not doing away with 3D. I, for one, use it all the time because I don't have a problem with 3D. I loved the 3D visuals for Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, and Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon. I can't wait to see how they embrace the 3D effect in future games.
I love the 3D effect, but I hope Nintendo's next handheld has a much larger comfortable spot for my eyes. As is, I can't really play games with the 3D effect on unless I'm completely static, and as such I only turn it on during cutscenes.
@Artwark Using 3D Land as an example for 3D being required or well-used is ridiculous. There are al but THREE little puzzles in the game that take advantage of it. I was actually disappointed with that.
@JuanitoShet Yeah, I never felt the 3D was necessary in 3D Land, contrary to what nearly everyone else seems to think. Mario Kart 7 makes the 3D effect look great, though, and it's one of the few games I prefer to leave the 3D on. It was surprisingly well used in Dream Team, too.
@conman2012 what about the wasted material that could be used to make another screen? most of the bottom screen is hidden, plus the cost of manufacturing and shipping a fresh supply of these single screens compared to using screens from other assembly lines. plus what is the cost to making one large touch screen compared to one touch screen that they are already making lots of and a normal LCD screen for the top?
@LexKitteh the problem I found with the 2ds is that it does not look very appealing it looks cheap
A friend of mine bought the 2DS and loves the comfort feel of playing games. He says it feels just like a regular controller with a top screen which feels weightless. Personally I love my 3DS and believe it will be my last gaming console.
I have large hands and long fingers, so the other 3DS models were too cramped. While the 2DS doesn't completely melt into your hands flawlessly like a DSi XL does, the 2DS is easily the most comfortable 3DS model. I've played through all of Mario 3D Land on it, and I never once needed the 3D, or even thought about it. The great thing about the 2DS is that since the 3D isn't even an option, you pretty much never think about it while playing a game. If anything, I can get engrossed in a game on 2DS more easily because I don't have that constant thought of "should I turn the 3D on?" that disconnects me. I hope Nintendo makes an effort to make the 2DS successful, and ignores the people who say the 3D is important. The 2DS is exactly what the follow up to a DS should have been in the first place. A more powerful DS with better online functions.
Looking forward to Christmas day: 2DS, Zelda and hopefully Pokemon X! It seems like a great handheld perfectly positioned for people like me who don't have a lot of money and who don't really engage with 3D. In saying that though, I think Nintendo's plans for 3D are well thought out and again show the initiative that the company is famous for.
@Windy Your last gaming console? Why? :U
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