Nintendo surprised everyone this morning with the announcement that it is about to release a new model of the popular 2DS system. Dubbed the New Nintendo 2DS XL, the console features a classic clamshell design, amiibo support and a MicroSD card slot, and is sure to keep the 3DS line alive throughout the remainder of 2017.
Nintendo has also kindly released a splurge of product shots and lifestyle photography showing off the system from practically every angle possible. You can check out the shots below.
Comments 80
are those speakers on the two bottom corners, where the system rests in your hands. I hope not!
Am I the only one who doesn't like the design of the new 2DS? In my opinion it looks like it wants to have a smartphone design, but in reality ends up being an almost chinese-like imitation of the new 3DS xD.
What's the point of a 3D camera if you can't even see the 3D??!??!?
I like the repositioning of the cameras... And that the card slot for the 3ds cartridges is hidden as well as that the serial number is hidden... things they should have done with the new 3ds systems as well...
@Pluto14 My thoughts exactly. It's not the ugliest thing in the world, but it's not nearly as sleek as the O3DS and N3DS designs. I think it's the hinges.
@gloom I believe it is for the AR cards. And to send 3d pics to other 3ds users.
It certainly looks cool with that unibody MacBook esque design. Seems thinner as well. Odd move from a production stand point. Guess this is what those Nes Mini factories are gonna be moving on to
In my opinion, I think it looks really nice. Most likely won't get one since I have the Monster Hunter Gen new 3ds xl, but maybe for my sister since her 3ds is done for.
Looks pretty rad. Except the placement of the speakers, wtf is that all about?
Is that IPS screen or generic LCD?
Well at least SD card is more accessible without using a screwdriver.
@chiptoon i think you're looking at attachment points for wrist straps maybe? The original 2DS had mono speakers didn't it, does anyone know if this is the same?
I said this was ugly earlier. I take that back, it's not too bad. It's $150 in the States. Who wants to bet Europe gets screwed on the price?
My initial reaction was "this is ridiculous. How many different versions of the 3DS to they need to bring out? Just let it die already." But then, I am a sucker for white and orange... Godammit...
@SLIGEACH_EIRE no doubt it will be £150 at least again. For the market they are aiming for it looks good.
It looks nice. I still dont really know who its aimed at, but at least its not ugly.
I won't be getting one as I have a Switch and a freshly repaired New 3DS XL but this might convince people who haven't upgraded from the og 3DS/xl to take the plunge to a newer model.
It looks nice, but why are Nintendo releasing a new 2DS/3DS console when they should be putting all their effort into the Switch? This is a year too late.
Hmmm.... The design looks like it might be more durable than existing 3DS designs, which makes more sense to me now.
I like the way there is a cover for both the SD card and the Game card, why didnt they think of that on the current new 3DS XL?
It does look pretty nice - but not worth replacing my limited edition N3DS for.
@Hams96 one of their infographics (comparing this against 2DS and New 3DS) says this one is Stereo again
I like the looks of the interior and form factor of the new 2ds compared to my new 3ds. One thing I see in the comparison chart is the new 3ds is capable of displaying approximately 16.77 million colors at 800x240 pixels(400 pixels per eye when using 3D feature). The new 2ds is capable of displaying approximately 16.77 million colors at 400x240 pixel resolution.
Looks comfy.
Where is the headphone jack?
easier access to the sd card seems good!
New meme: engaged Nintendo mom, Sarah. 'Dammit mom, Zelda has more moves than spamming B.'
Looks fantastic! How big are the screens?
It figures that this thing has a better micro SD card placement than my N3DS XL. Replacing that thing was proof that it was in the dumbest place imaginable.
@Nintenerdguy
I definitely thought that too. That's why I checked my calendar to make sure it wasn't April 1st. Lol.
@abbyhitter
If you look on the image that shows the back of it, it's on the bottom of the device. It's in the same spot as the N3DS XL.
@chiptoon Certainly looks like the speakers are under you grip LOLZ
Nice
Maybe we should all buy this in case it sells out and we can make a profit in 6 months when they stop production!
Interesting. So does this model have the same processor and specs as a New 3DS? If so, my only other question would be about the build quality. If it feels good, I would snap one up in a heartbeat to replace my disintergrating N3DS.
What is up with the huge sticky-outy hinge on this thing? Did the designer even bother this time around? Boy does this thing look cheap--which at $150 it actually isn't cheap at all for what it is.
This is how you make a slick looking clamshell handheld console:
I really like the looks of it. Looks over at Switch and N3DSXL both bought in the last year, moves on
Price does seem to be an issue here, the £79.99 of the 2DS was a great price point. A New Nintendo 3DS XL is £179.99 In my opinion this has to come in at £99. If it comes across the pond at £149 its dead in the water.
The position of the speakers is bad. The cameras placement is bad
The hinge sticks out of the console too much. It smells like a rush job
It's a pretty good design!
Peek-a-BOO !!
The cartridge and Micro SD card are hidden by Switch like cover.
Now, where is the speaker ?
@impurekind I actually went back and bought a brand new DS Lite last summer. Such a great handheld!
@chiptoon @Anti-Matter Has to be the two ports on the bottom corners of the device.
I'll end up buying one, simply for collection's sake, but I have no idea who the target audience for this is. Especially going for the clamshell design, why not just continue to run promotions on the current New 3DS (Like the Super Mario Edition) and the New 3DS XL?
Looks like 3ds there is, I will get since I only have a 2ds.
@MarcelRguez @Pluto14 I think that's the point. It's the cheaper down-market model with a toy-like kid friendly aesthetic, so it looks like exactly the market it's trying to be. The N3DSXL is going for a more adult image.
Though 2DSXL might become the "main" market for the 3DS at this point while they push the N3DSXL market toward Switch. This is for people that didn't own a 3DS in its heyday (or owned a 2DS and missed out on XL screens.)
@NEStalgia There's having child-friendly aesthetics (which I totally see and like when it's closed)...
...and there's being reminiscent of this.
@sevnlabs When I got the Switch my first thought was that I actually would have preffered that the cartridge slot wasn't hidden and that it had some kind of mini auto opening flap like the Mega drive II/Genesis/SNES instead of the clumsy pull out cover.. I realise that the 3DS can get dirt in there but I always leave a cartridge in anyway, and like I said, an auto opening flap would be just as convenient.
So basically my point was I was glad they didn't do this clumsy flap thing on the New 3DS - But it is better than the Switch slot cover however.
@Antray1984 Dang, I knew it looked familiar, but just could't place it. You're right, definitely getting the plastic MacBook vibe here! Pretty nice.
Now, if only I wasn't saving up for a Switch...
@MoonKnight7 That sucks. I wish Nintendo would put the headphone jack on the top of the system like the GamePad and Switch. I mostly play my 3DS while laying down in the bed with the 3DS resting on my chest or stomach. I don't want a headphone cord jabbing into me.
Pros:
-possibly the next "must own" nintendo product.
-looks great
-SD card and game cards are easy to access
Cons:
-i dislike the positions of the speakers
-i dislike the position of the Cameras
-SD card is a bit too easy to get to and open. i haven't seen that since my first smartphone. of course then the SD card was used to add a web cam to the unit (that costs $200.00) if you wanted
a variant of the 2DS/3DS that should have been a smart phone version of the 2DS/3DS series instead of just another entry in the series that makes us want more...
I absolutely love the look of these, especially the colors. (Back and cyan is probably my favorite color scheme) I use the 3D all the time though, so if I ever decide to upgrade to a New 3DS, I'll have to pass on this one.
Where's the pen slot? Beside the headphone jack?
Nice looking handheld, might get one, if only because I am a sucker for Nintendo handhelds...
Why the big outer box? Even with adapter, It didn't need to be that big, or does Ninty expect these to be displayed where educational toys are, so bigger is better (more visibilty)...
@Metal_Slugger
I think the 800 is for the duplication of the pixels to create the 3d, that's why the 2ds is at 400.
So I see that microSD card in the picture, does it have a built in port for them? And if so, does it also have a port for regular SD cards?
I like it EXCEPT for the game slot on the bottom of the system. The game card gets moved (even though it doesn't) and I have to press the HOME button to reset on my N3DS XL.
I like and dislike the game card/Sd card cover, as with the Switch, Good that it's more dust resistant but I am afraid repeated opening and closing will cause the cover to break in due time...
At first I wasn't too fond of the design, but the more I look at it, the more appealing it is to me. The only thing that I find weird is the speaker placement.
If Nintendo doesn't have any deals or discounts on a N3DS (normal or XL) this year, I may opt for this instead.
Looks much easier to put a Micro SD cards in then unscrewing the New 3DS every time so at least it has 1 advantage over the 3D models.........1.
The Dragon Quest special edition that releases in Japan end of July is a thing of beauty. It's gorgeous.
It looks really good. It is sad that I don't need one. It is sadder that the colors are cool and I won't get one. It is saddest the the micro SD card is more accessible.
@MarcelRguez
Ugh... Smartphone + Controller = Blah.
Sorry, not a Mobile gamer. Never want to follow the Mainstream to become a Casual Mobile gamers.
@Anti-Matter Couldn't agree more!
@NEStalgia How is the N3DSXL targeted towards a more adult audience? I don't see any difference between N2DSXL and N3DSXL in that regard.
@k8sMum "Dragon Quest special edition"
I was pretty sure the New 2DS XL was a 3D printed model or just a joke or maybe I was still sleeping and dreaming it, until I saw the DQ model and then it all made sense. Well it makes sense if DQXI is only in 2D, which I think I read somewhere it is.
@NEStalgia "It's the cheaper down-market model"
Only it's not, it's the same price as the New 3DS, the one that also has changeable faceplates and 3D. Sure, it's cheaper than a New XL w/ the same size screens, but that also has 3D. What this thing actually is is a "New 3DS XL Slim: 2D Only". And the 3DS XL has been $199 since it launched 5 years ago. Even the New 3D SXL is now 2 years old, launched at $199, still $199. Why not just drop that to $149 and be done with it? I'm sure the 3D effect can be turned off on that if you want. The Switch is out, time to move on.
The 2DS is $79, has been for about 1 year now. Calling this a "New 2DS" and doubling the price doesn't fit the "cheaper down-market model" idea at all. And the 2DS was a tablet, this is a 3DS, plain and simple, there is nothing 2DS about this except no 3D effect. I don't get it.
Make the yellow trim and buttons a sea green like the OG 2DS sea-green-and-white model and you have a sale.
does this have the same beefed up processor of the new 3ds?
No stylus? Or am I just blind.
@Pluto14 I'm really liking it. I may finally get a 3ds. I will need to play with one first however, it has to be big enough for my eyes or no deal.
@gloom that's my question. I wish the rear cameras were removed to make the unit cheaper.
@gatorboi352 Yes, same hardware and input spec as N3DSXL internally.
@shani Aesthetically it's a more "serious" looking piece of hardware. Compared to Switch, not so much, but compared to this, it has the one piece hinge that doesn't stick up, monotone colors, and while some people think gloss is ugly because it's a fingerprint magnet, it gives a sleek presentation versus the kind of utilitarian "textured ABS" look (with colorful glossy accents.) and more squared off, round edged designs rather than angles and flare.
N3DSXL looks relatively serious and sophisticated while this looks genuinely toy-like. Switch of course (in black) is significantly more serious looking than either.
@jrejr Well I'm running under the assumption they're likely going to discontinue the N3DS(small) quietly. It doesn't sell. They never wanted to bring it westward at all, it's not in NA, and in Japan it's always fairly low in sales numbers. I think with the advent of Switch and the growing size of phones the REAL message here is "3.5" screens are done." They might still sell the regular sized N3DS in Japan until it sells out, but I think it's "not being discontinued" the same way the NES Mini was "not being discontinued" a few months ago and the WiiU was "not being discontinued" 10 months ago.
As of now there are only 3 3DS's on sale in NA. 2DS, N2DSXL, and N3DSXL. As of August there will be only two. N2DSXL, N3DSXL. Japan...well...good luck to them on that So when this releases you get your choice, this, or the N3DSXL for $60 more (charger sold separately), to get 3D.
Yeah the old 2DS was super cheap, but it also lacked the Circle Pad Pro inputs which is pretty handy these days for a lot of games (and you can't use the CPP accessory with it like you can for the OG 3DS/XL models) so it physically can't play all games that any other 3DS model can. And they had no "downmarket" model that could play Warriors at all (which is a pretty big release. Though that's Koei weirdness putting that on 3DS at all.)
You're right, it's a N3DSXL Slim w/o 3D. And it's cheaper than N3DSXL but lacks a feature that might be deirable. And like I said I think this will be the last 3DS still in production after they stop N3DSXL as a cut-down legacy model. But the price point for now makes sense. Ironically it's in support of what you want. It prices it as so near 3DS you might as well just get 3DS....and then 3DS isn't THAAT far off from Switch, so might as well get Switch. If they drop the 3DS price, it prices that whole family half the price of Switch making it more attractive. At first I thought the same as you that they'd drop the 3DS price....but then I realized the problem that creates.
Make no mistake though, N2DSXL will be the #1 3DS family seller from now on.
@Anti-Matter but the switch is aimed at the mainstream. Casuals etc.
@NEStalgia Hm guess I just don't have an eye for these things. I often unconsciously overlook optics and appearance (not just with tech, but also humans) and mostly only see what's inside - or the functionality, if it's tech.
But since I wanted to consciously see it for myself after reading your detailed description, I went ahead and compared a few google images... and I have to say, for me it's the exact opposite. The N2DSXL looks more serious, more modern, more sophisticated to me.
I mean, I'm not trying to convince or even prove you wrong, because I think these things are a bit subjective and are in the eye of the beholder. But after comparing them, I do find the N2DSXL more 'serious', because it has a matte finish (or what you called a 'textured ABS' look). I never cared about fingerprint magnets, but I do feel athat a glossy finish looks cheap and more like a child's toy.
When I compare this with this, the N2DSXL's upper screen section looks more modern to me, more up-to-date than the same section of the N3DSXL. It could even make me believe that it has a better screen than the N3DSXL (but that's probably where looks can be deceiving).
It looks like a modern smartphone's screen looks like, whereas the N3DSXL's design reminds me of old Symbian and Windows Mobile smartphones.
Again, not trying to convince anyone since this is subjective and there's nothing to discuss (rather an exchange of different perspectives ). But what I really don't get is what you wrote about round edged designs. If you compare the pictures in those two links, both devices have exactly the same kind of round edges. I don't see any difference in that regard.
@gloom to play games that utilize the 3D cameras like the AR Cards or Face Raiders
@pigwarts5ever
I don't see it either.
Also just to the side of headphone jack there's something that looks like IR receiver. Or maybe that's where the stylus is.
@rjejr
I gave up trying to figure out ninty 's motives a l-o-n-g time ago. It eases the pain.
I am not a sucker for special edition anythings, and I love my N3DS, but that baby is done right. If I had more money than brains, I'd be tempted to buy if it comes stateside..
@k8sMum "I'd be tempted to buy if it comes stateside.."
I don't think there's any risk of that, the Japanese would hijack the shipping containers if they tried to sell them out of the country.
Special New 2DS LL model, PS4 edition, PS4 and 3DS versions of the game in 1 box, yet no mention of the Switch edition. Either it's going to be a HUGE E3 surprise, or it won't really matter by the time it releases.
Compared to the sleek designs of the 3D line, this looks like it is marketed for children (consistent with the principles of the normal 2DS), which is obviously the intention. Smart business move that may be a stop-gap for while they're developing their "budget-model Switch".
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Who wants to bet the price is higher in Europe because of your tax system, which provides much better social services than the USA. I'll sell you all the game products you want at US retail and ship them to you for free if you pay my family's medical expenses.
It looks like a 3DS. There, I said it
I still have no idea if this comes with a charger. I was hoping for usb c
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Europe always gets screwed on the price unfortunately. They don't know how to currency convert I guess, lol
These are really nice-looking, but I'm afraid any extra cash I manage to scrape together will be for a Switch. Besides, I really like the 3D effect and use it pretty much always. My N3DS XL is losing its red paint job on the sides though, which is too bad. It's showing more wear than any previous Nintendo handheld I've owned.
How many years now has Nintendo been producing both a handheld system AND a home console? What...no seriously, what changed in the universe that caused Switch owners to believe that Nintendo cannot simultaneously develop, produce and support more than a single platform?
I like handheld gaming. I don't think a Switch will fit in any of my pockets. Long live the handheld!
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