Poll: What Do You Think of the New Nintendo 2DS XL?

I have no idea if I'll buy one. But the hinges on my original 3ds XL are starting to crack. If I have to replace it, I may get tempted. I don't remember the last time I've played any game in 3D, so...

I think this is pretty neat! Probably won't get it just because I have the new 3Ds but I totally would debate it if it ever was to go on sale. Ps, Hey Nando

Looks nice but how is this for kids hands, maybe when I pick it up it'll feel better but right now it looks super unergonomic.

And yeah its for kids because they can't see 3d so 2d only.

Of course I won't get one. I imagine this is for the parents and people who want a new handheld (for their kids or otherwise) but simply cant afford to buy the Switch. It does look nice, don't get me wrong. But this can only stop Switch from excelling as both have portability as their main selling points.

Bad move, Nintendo.

As said in the announcement article:

Surprisingly enough, I'm in.
My girlfriend, sadly, is pretty much blind from her right eye (that is, the one on the left side of her face, hence her right one), so depth perception is off the table for her.
She's also just as unemployed and broke as yours truly so her 3DS model is unsurprisingly a 2DS; her only gripe with the handheld is that it lacks the clamshell design.
So yeah, the New Nintendo 2DS - in this very 2%-like scenario of ours - is an actual godsend.

Also, come on. Super Mario Maker for 3DS and the New 2DS XL go together like macaroni and cheese. Mwhah!

I was miserable to discover this was coming out. I had such low hopes for today, and somehow Nintendo found a way to fall shy of them.

WTF did I just wake up to? Somebody made an ugly piece of garbage on their cheap home 3D printer and NL is treating it as real.

Wait, it IS real? WTF?!?!

I've been saying for at least 2 years Nintendo should put out a New 2DS so kids could play with amiibo and have the c-stick, so I am glad they finally listened to me. Why waste manufacturing resources on the old CPU and GPU for a handful of 2DS? But this isn't a New 2DS, it's a 3DS Slim XL.

I'm going back to bed.

Should be named New Super 2.5DSi XL U 64

It is a nice design and alot to like about it but personally I am a huge fan of the stereoscopic 3D effect I hope Nintendo continues using the tech. In future handhelds it would be so disappointing if they don't. I think the stereoscopic 3D effect adds more to a game than any type of HD does .

I'm all in for the Dragon Quest XI edition.
Maybe better colors will come along.
Hopefully the loss of the 3d will give us 20 more mins of battery life

I'm struggling to see who the target audience is. People that want a 2d 3ds for their kids will get the cheaper 2ds, people that are old enough will want the better 3d XL version and will probably just fork out the bit of extra money, or else get the cheaper smaller version with 3d.

Part of what makes the original 2ds work was that it was good for kids. Durability, lack of a hinge and how easy it was for younger kids to hold made it work, this new one is just a slightly less expensive version of the original. Additionally anyone that would really want a 3ds has probably already bought one of the 5 versions by now, the people left over are probably looking for the best and/or cheapest option of which this is neither.

What do you think of the New 2DS XL design?
I quite like it, nice job Nintendo! (50%)

Do you think you'll buy a New 2DS XL?
Nope (46%)

Hah

@Piersen , you have comment of the day, I couldn't quit laughing when I read your comment .

Game are currently advertising it for £132.99. A little too pricy for me when three games are also out that same week. If the DQXI metal slime comes out though, absolutely

To me, it looks rather cheap and tacky.

looks good, like what should have come out after the DS in the first place years ago.

I am one of the few who has not upgraded to a "new" 3ds and still has the original size 3ds. It's worked wonderfully all these years, but recently started feeling cramped. Now I'm torn. Should I upgrade? Or save for switch? Why do you torment me Nintendo?

@Piersen and knuckles

I personally think it's too much for this. I've seen the New 3DS XL's go for not much more then that on sale already. The selling point for me, and the reason I bought a 2DS for my youngest was because it was so cheap. If I wanted to spend more, I would just spend a little more and get one of of the New 3DS systems.

I just don't think this is necessary at this point unless Nintendo is actually going to continue forward with the 3DS family. I know they've said that they would but I didn't believe them.

I'm not sure this will appeal to the same market as the 2DS. I always saw the low price as the main appeal of the 2DS, and I don't think this device has hit a low enough price point to fit into that same "budget" category.

I assume they made it XL because the the 3DS XL's sell notably better than the smaller models, but I do wonder if a "New 2DS" with the same non-hinged form factor, but New 3DS processor, c-stick, and ZL/ZR, wouldn't have made more sense (especially if it could've been $100 or less).

It's clearly targeted at kids.

Nintendo just wants to get the kids upgraded to the New 800mhz processor so they can finally launch more exclusive games for the New 3DS/2DS. I still can't believe Xenoblade Chronicle is the only exclusive retail games for the 'New' system after 3 years.

Too expensive... Too late...

@HammerheadTJ hey! =D

Part of the appeal of the 2DS originally was the price point​ - a console under $100. I might've been interested in this, if it was cheaper. It makes me glad I managed to pick up the $99 N3DS last Thanksgiving. I'm sure there's a market for this though; the bubble slime one looks pretty sweet personally.

@rjejr My first thought when I saw this was: "Oh boy, rjejr is going to have a field day with this"...

I absolutely love the 3DS. Even now that I have the Switch, it remains my favorite system. That said, I don't like the whole 3D thing and always turn it off. So given the right LE version, and provided there are still plenty of great new games to be added to the library, I'd buy a N2DSXL.

There is a reason they advertise the Switch to 30somethings and the 2DS to Kids.

It's almost twice the price of a normal 2DS, and it doesn't have Mario Kart 7 pre-installed. The people who want budget handhelds will still pick the original 2DS. And those who don't want budget handhelds will pick the New 3DS XL. I can't see the target audience.

I don't know why everyone freaks out about 3DS versus Switch and Nintendo losing sales. Switch may be portable, but it is not a handheld device, and does not do most of the things that Nintendo's handheld line does.
You are not going to see a group of people at the anime convention this year pulling Switches out of their pockets to do some virtual trading.

@Captain_Gonru Well, then I guess I'm a goof too. Why would you have a 3DS and NOT play in 3D? I can imagine turning the effect off every now and then for whatever reason, but in general I still use it in most games, because I like it and I feel it adds to the atmosphere.

I kind of like the shape but them colours are awful, Why not go with the coloured buttons on the standard New' 3ds? Also not sure what the price will be in the UK but I would say it needs to be £99 max! I would buy one if I didn't have a New' 3DS XL because I don't feel the 3DS feature is needed.

I like the new design and I think it could be a success but I do wish Nintendo would focus more on the Switch.

@rjejr it's the wii mini all over again

It is what it is. The new 2dsxl will fly off the shelves just like everything else Nintendo puts out nowadays. It has a good price. I don't have much of a desire for it because I don't like analog nubs. It's good for everyone that wants it..

And I agree with above comments, it is the new Wii mini..

The real conflict between this and the Switch is that the fact that they're still releasing new 3DS family hardware means they're probably planning more 3DS games in the long term.
That bothers me. I never had a problem with them releasing the 3DS games that were almost finished, but if they keep releasing them then they'll keep having a diluted release schedule across 2 platforms. I've been hoping that Nintendo would Switch to 1 platform now so we get more games on it. I'm done with 3DS, but I'm loving my Switch (I own 4 retail and 3 eShop games in just 2 months of having the Switch) I'm all in on the Switch... Obviously Nintendo's not

I was more suprised that Nintendo left it until now to make a clamshell 2DS. When reports of people getting headaches from the 3D of the 3DS, this could have been the perfect response to bring a clamshell 2DS out when Nintentendo released the original XL.

@ieatdragonz Kids can't see 3D? In what universe? In this one, kids can see 3D well enough to watch movies or play games in 3D from around the age of 3.

Answer number three on this page will tell you that, and a lot more interesting facts about kids and 3D media...

I picked up my 3ds at launch and for the last year or so I've been tempted to upgrade to one of the new xl models but could never justify paying over 200euros for one considering my original 3ds still works perfectly. If the 2ds xl does release for 150euro over here I'll most likely pick one up.

I seem to recall that Nintendo has a habit of selling budget versions of their last gen consoles. Nobody wants a budget Wii U though so there's this. I'm sure there's plenty of 2DS players out there who are more grown up now that can be trusted with a hinged device, not to mention are bummed they're missing out on the "New" DS line which plays the newer games better like Hyrule Warriors. Probably a decent amount of adults that don't care for 3D and want to upgrade to the "New" line as well.
Me? I've got an old 3DSXL and a Switch. Just trying to be patient to get all those SNES virtual consoles on my new portable. Bet if I wasn't married I'd grab a New 2DS XL though.

We'll see we'll see ...

Look the boy's hands . The speakers are definitely covered by his hands. I don't understand why they moved it from the screen

I never got a 3DS, even if I have been talking about it a lot around these parts. The 2DSxl might be what does it.

It's certainly the form factor and button layout so far that have been most appealing to me, and while I can appreciate the novelty of the 3D when I have played around with the system, it really does not add much of value.

Part of me wonders if this was not part of a back up plan in case the Switch flopped. The level of attention the 3ds line has received seems to indicate the Nintendo was not convinced that the Switch would take off like it did. Beautiful hardware anyway. I kind of wish the new 3ds would have introduced this design.

This is pretty cool for those who can't afford the original new 3DS cheaper and has everything the other dose except 3D

This is simply Nintendo trying to cash in on the 3DS's legacy before it disappears, reminiscent of what they attempted with the GBA Micro and Wii Mini (neither one made an impact of any kind). And the price is ridiculous. Seven-year-old hardware that has been stripped of the 3D feature should not be retailing at a price this high. Right now all of Nintendo's manufacturing resources need to go into pumping out as many Switches as possible to meet demand, not wasting time releasing yet another overpriced, stripped-down iteration of an ancient handheld.

It's a baffling move. Nintendo should be pushing the Switch as hard as possible, and I think this new console could impact Switch sales.

The biggest problem for me is that by keeping the 3DS going, it's going to be less likely that we'll see 3DS franchises make the transition to the Switch any time soon.

After this announcement, I now think it'll be even more likely that the next Pokemon games will continue to be on the 3DS instead of the Switch (and I've always been doubtful of the Pokemon Stars rumours)

Overall I'm supportive of the idea but would never buy one as I already own a N3DS.

In a nutshell this is for people on a budget or for parents who don't want to spend too much on a console for their child, but felt the 2DS was inferior.

Could be good for people who have yet to jump on the 3DS family bandwagon or people who wanted to buy a N3DS / N3DS XL but were waiting for a good deal.

I shook my head and said boy this company is stupid.

I'd consider buying one, but now I've got a Switch I can't see myself picking up another handheld anytime soon, so it's unlikely.

I like the design a lot and think the product makes a lot of sense (updating the 2DS with the extra features of the New 3DS). However, this product is cleary not for me. I love the "3D" in "3DS" too much to ever consider a 2D iteration. 3D is one of the reasons why I will be coming back to 3DS time and time again, despite the Switch (well, that AND my huge backlog in 3DS titles I mean to tackle eventually). For my tastes there are already too many titles in the 3DS library that don't use 3D at all, but that'S of course a very personal opinion.

@EternalDragonX
I shook my head and said boy this comment is stupid.

(Sorry, it was just too tempting...)

I want that White so bad.
But if Only the secondary color is Not Orange.
I prefer White & Turquoise.
That color combination looks so niceee.....

Have the done this because they don't have anything new to announce for switch at E3? maaaybee.

I have a N3DS XL, so I'm not buying a 2DS model. However I like it just because it signals that support may continue even beyond 2017

The "Will it have an impact on the switch" poll is missing the answer of "I don't think this things sales will be enough to impact anything"
That being said, it's more affordable than a new 3DS XL so I'll try to get one for myself.

@Oldbeardo Do you think Mario Odyssey gets bumped to 2018?

I have the Black Friday new 3DS so nope. Plus, watching the ad for this yesterday was my WTF moment - couldn't they send a little more hints before releasing a new console?

@ThanosReXXX If by "field day" you mean "splitting headache", well then yeah. It's been like an hour now and I still can't get past WTF. I couldn't even go back to bed, I was afraid I'd have nightmares that this thing was actually real.

Thanks @faint for giving me some clarity w/ the Wii Mini remark, that helped a bit, it's comparable. But this thing almost makes the Wii Mini make sense, and that's really hard to do.

Here's what I've been able to wrap, or not, my brain around so far.

1. It's called New 2DS but it's obviously a New Slim 3DS XL based on the design. Nobody is going to mistake this for the tablet shaped 2DS. It's a New Slim 3DS XL w/ the 3D effect removed. That's what it is and that's all it is, a Newer Slim 3DS XL w/o 3D. It's not even remotely a 2DS.
2. 2DS cost $79, New 2DS cost $79. New 2DS XL cost $99. But no it's double the 2DS price at $149. The same price as a New 3DS only w/o the fun faceplates or 3D. So it's a New 3DS w/o 3D or faceplates for the same price. Or $50 cheaper than a New 3DS XL b/c of no 3D.
3. The Switch is $299, the New 2DS XL is $149. That's too close. In that regard it is the Wii Mini, which at $99 launched in the US the same time as the $299 and $349 Wii U, and the red Wii Mini was a whole lot nicer looking. And bundled w/ MKWii looked like such a better deal.

The DQ Slime version does look great though, so I guess this thing is real. Still makes no sense from either a price or naming perspective. Just make a New 2DS for kids for $99 that looks like the 2DS. Or make a New 3D SXL Slim w/ an On/Off Switch for 3D, no slider. Maybe put it in "Parental Controls" password locked so kids can't turn it on. I just don't get this at all. I'd understand a $99 New 2DS same form factor for kids, or a $149 New Slim 3DS XL for adults - $199 is still too high, XL launched at that price 5 years ago - but this? I still can't believe it's real w/ that name at that price.

OK, time to go tackle the original article and read 300 comments while I drink my tea and calm down. Best case scenario - Target sells the 2 New 3DS XL Galaxies it has sitting in the display case for $150 on sale. I was tempted yesterday, but $200 is too much.
http://www.target.com/p/new-galaxy-style-new-nintendo-3ds-xl/-/A-51443840

Seriously, I never thought that the new 2DS LL would be a reality, given how the main point of the old 2DS LL was kid-accessibility. Pushing that new form factor would be contraindicative. I am surprised that the price managed to stay low!

...on the other hand, the DSiLL was originally meant for the 30+ crowd, but the whole comfort in viewing the games gave the system a Periphery Demographic.

On another point, I wonder how Ninntenndo- is pushing the 3DS stuff when the Switch is essentially replacing both the console and handheld markets... probably because the Switch is not necessarily... 'pocketable'. Given that they let the 3DS game pipeline dry up, I am not sure on the good this remodel would do.

...then again, this IS usual of what Ninntenndo- does with consoles normally. Ninntenndo- did the NES 2, SNES Jr, Wii Mini, GameBoy Pocket, and GameBoy Micro.

PS I miss that DS signature sound that plays at the beginning of videos that are of the DS line.

It's just Nintendo eeking the last few drops of life out of an aging console. It's an odd one (mainly because there have already been so many 3DS redesigns), but not hugely surprising I guess. I don't think people should look into this as proof of Nintendo's future commitment to the 3DS line. The Switch and Switch Mini will have it all covered.

If it's the same size of the DS XL I won't buy it.

Pretty device. And I've stopped using the 3D a long time ago. So it wouldn't be missed. Would love to get one. But having gotten the Switch, I don't think I can convince my wife that this is a needed

@ThanosReXXX @Captain_Gonru

OMFG watched half of that vid - had to turn it off, the bad porn music was making me nausea - and, and, and... really? "New ergonomic, folding design". That's their first selling point for the New 2DS XL, a "new" ergonomic, folding design. The design they took out of the 2DS to make it better for kids? The same design the DS had 10 years ago. And the Gameboy probably 15 years ago. THAT'S the selling point for the New 2DS, a new ergonomic, folding design. I almost spit my tea all over my monitor. Good lord.

And why have a coma between ergonomic and folding, I can't even read it that way, it's "ergonomic folding design", it's not "ergonomic, folding design". It just isn't. ugh

I just can't.

I love my 3ds games, My L and R butons are pretty wonky due to aging so I think I'll buy at some point down the line.

no point if I did decide to get another handheld I would get a New 3ds. But now ive moved to switch I see little point in me getting a new 2ds. I don't even play my 3ds anymore after upgrading

@crimsontadpoles @thesilverbrick my friends, you 2 hit the nail on the head.
I hope you're right that this will have as much impact as the GBA Micro and Wii Mini and I hope it's not Nintendo trying to bring 2 more years of life into the 3DS family. I've been ok with them releasing games that were almost finished, but I really want all their development studios to focus on Switch games and forget the 3DS family.
I do, however, think Nintendo could extend the 3DS a little if they wanted by taking ALL their big 3DS hits (and there are a lot of them) and making them $20 Nintendo Selects games. Suddenly more people are interested in and pick up Pokemon X/Y or A Link Between Worlds or Mario 3D Land, Planet Robobot, Bravely Default, Smash Bros, Majora's Mask, Fire Emblem Awakening & Fates (with fates make the 2nd and 3rd path just $10), and Xenoblade Chronicles 3D.

@rjejr
If I remember correctly your posts used to be more balanced a while back (at least they used to be some of those I felt were more worth taking note of than others). What happened? I feel genuine concern for you (seriously, I'm not being sarcastic). I can't believe that this can upset anyone so much. It's marketing, not some universal truth to be pondered. It's a product you may or may not be interested in, but why fret over it so much? Does it really affect your personal life in anyway if nintendo releases this product or not, and how they go about marketing it to find people that might in fact like it? I'm not saying that what you wrote is not true, but it may not be worth getting worked up about so much... Otherwise please never mind me.

EDIT: Spelling.

I have very mixed feelings about this.

On one hand we've all been saying that Nintendo needs to kill the 3DS and shift everything to Switch and assumed they'd be doing so. The ENTIRE point of Switch for the company was to stop supporting two different platforms at once. If they place Switch as "premium" and 3DS and some subsequent handheld as a separate line, we'll end up in situations where the "good" games alternate between which platform they're on, same as it's been, and since Switch is positioned to NOT be competing in the same space as XBox/Playstation, they're oddly targeting a casual audience with the Switch while targeting, I suppose a core audience with 3DS. Or something. Why would you release new SKUs for your outgoing hardware while trying to usher in your new hardware?

On the other hand, it's also a logical choice. The 2DS was, honestly, a very odd machine that seems twice as obsolete as before. They highlighted how much like a "tablet" it was (it wasn't) pointed it at kids, and built it as a machine to play Pokemon on. Given the upcoming 3DS titles, the fact that at least one of them requires the "New" models, the software goals, and the intended placement of 3DS in general now (Reggie keeps saying it's a value entry, for kids, etc.) having a $150 entry with a proper screen for the kids to play the upcoming pokemon (ok, the existence of this thing tells us there IS a new 3DS Pokemon...)

Ultimately the hardware itself is fine. It's a cheap budget, "complete" "*DS" package for anyone too cheap to even buy a real 3DS let alone a Switch. I'm guessing it's more about Japan than the West where there's still big demand for that kind of handheld experience more than here. It's not like it's a new model upgraded 3DS, it's a new model downgraded 3DS/upgraded 2DS (so it's not a laughable joke.) I would imagine, at this point that the New 2DS will actually be made longer than the New 3DS, and will continue as the "Slim" (but not as awesome) model after they truly kill off the 3DS hardware, like the discless Wii.

Ultimately it seems really odd to announce this now, but the hardware itself is no competition for Switch. Again, if someone was too cheap to buy a 3DS and has interest in the 2DS, they were certainly not going to be Switch customers at $300.

What this DOES tell us: There will be NO price cut on Switch this year or next, most likely. There probably is a 3DS Pokemon on the way (2DS exists to sell Pokemon and basically for no other reason), And it tells us that software support will be ongoing for 3DS longer than we may have liked to see for Switch's success, though we don't know how many of those titles will be on Switch AND 3DS, like Warriors.

@rjejr I saw the headline first on a different site and then went scrolling to find your reply. I knew it would be fun

@rjejr So, essentially, because it has a clamshell design and also has the same controls as the New 3DS, it is automatically a 3DS as well?

That's some weird logic. The open, non-clamshell design was a frequently mentioned complaint in the original design, so they simply addressed that by fixing it, but that doesn't make it a 3DS.
And @AlexSora89 is over the moon about it, because it's what he and his girlfriend always wanted the 2DS to be...

It distinctly distances itself from the 3DS line by having different, more kid-friendly aesthetics, and obviously by retaining the non-3D functionality, so 2DS all the way, except this time in an improved design, that's all.

And it's also not comparable to Wii Mini, since it adds MORE functionality in comparison with its predecessor. It's actually more like the Xbox One S of 2DS's...

But it sure did come completely out of left-field, so color me surprised for sure. But then again, this is Nintendo, and we know they do this from time to time, so it was to be expected at some point.

By the way: what's up with the mini-tantrum about a comma? Just read the comma as "and" because that is what it means in this context.

Just like in these examples:

"The car had a newer, sleeker design to accommodate for better aerodynamics values."

"The new hamburger had a tasty, more spicier sauce than the old one".

"The announcement of the New 2DS was so unexpected that rjejr couldn't wrap his sleepy, baffled brain around it".

@JunkRabbit I think rjejr has just spent too much time in Playstation/XBox land lately and is detached from Nintendo since he isn't into handhelds and is holding off for Odyssey to get a Switch, so he's looking at Nintendo a little as an internet outsider rather than hands-on temporarily.

And I knew before he posted at all when I saw the headline this one would set him off and I went looking for it He's been very vocal about his dislike for Nintendo emphasizing 3DS since the Switch launched He really wants to see them just announce the 3DS is done and finished, buy a Switch. This announcement was always going to ruin his day

Meh. The system does look nice, but I think I'll stick with my Standard New 3DS with faceplates.

It looks so nice!

It won't impact at all on the switch, why would it? The games are different, the market is probably at 3ds saturation point, so while it will probably sell ok it wont take away from switch.

@NEStalgia
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I wouldn't worry that 3DS/2DS will take too many customers away from Switch. The systems are too different imo. In fact, I believe that discontinuing the 3DS too early would do more harm than it would do good - for Nintendo as a whole, not related to Switch only. The Switch still needs to seriosuly take off and get a larger install base before they can focus solely on that.

@rjejr Lol, So many 3DS models, for so many different needs.
New 2DS XL?

Whats next the New 1DS XL, for stick figure people.

And the New 0DS XL, no screens for people that wanna do blind runs.

That's cool. Looks nice.

I'm still getting a regular 2DS though. I mean I was kinda put off by the clunky design and the fact that it didn't fold at first, but after hearing people complain about 3DS hinges, I've decided the brick design is A-okay.

I'm sure you guys who want one will have fun with it though.

I'll get one but mostly because I have never upgraded so a bigger screen for $150 its great.

It all depends...
Right now now. I don't like the Black.
If we in the US ever get the White, I'll be tempted.

But this may also be the iteration of the 3DS line and they are probably going to reveal the 3DS successor next year.

@Gold_Ranger isn't the 3DS successor the Switch? Iwata said they were combining both sides of software.

@NEStalgia
We've all been saying nintendo needs to kill the 3DS? Speak for yourself please.

I can't really talk, because I know I'll buy one, day one, like I do with every iteration of the 3DS due to having absolutely no common sense; but it lines up with what the company has been saying for the longest time - they plan on supporting the 3DS alongside the Switch, at least for the foreseeable future. Doing so with a lower priced "new" model allows for them to not be as limited by the specs of older models - we'll inevitably see a bunch more New3DS exclusive titles in the coming year or so... likely bundled with the New2DS to sway those on the fence.

My issue, though, is that pulled off correctly, the New2DS and Switch can easily be complementary systems... but there's so, so much that could potentially go wrong with that sort of messaging; and a small part of me is worried that Nintendo will mess it up somehow.

@Jessica286
Than why are they releasing this?
Why did Reggie and Kimishima-san both say they will discuss the 3DS successor at a later date.

Why are they still making games for the 3DS well into 2018?
3DS should be ending in 2017. It is not.

Brilliant move by Nintendo. Why kill the 3DS/2DS family when there is so many people loving the machine and what it represents. It will be premature. As long as there is a market, they should continue with the DS line, and it's nice to see how people were sure that because they killed GBA at the time they have to kill the 3DS as well.

Anyway, it's nice to know I might have more uses for my New 3DS but my focus is on the Switch now indeed. You got that, you got Mobile, Nintendo is banking on all fronts and that's awesome.

I've pre-ordered mine.

@Gold_Ranger even if they release this it is still the last years of 3DS.

@Jessica286
They said they still have games planned for 2018.
Nintendo rarely anounces games out of a 6-month window.

Zelda is one of the rare and stupid exceptions!
They showed a "demo" of the game at e3.
Because of the massive reception it recieved, it was only then that they started to actually make the game based off of that video.
The map is almost completely different from what was originally shown.
Especially the eastern ocean!

If I was in the market for a new 3DS I'd just get the New 3DS XL.

@MarcelRguez Well, in all fairness, anybody who wanted a new 2/3DS has one by now, and the Switch is what Nintendo is actively pushing, so thinking "It looks nice, but i'll pass" seems reasonable to me...

If i knew the new 2DS was coming last November, i would have held off on the new 3DS i have now and waited for the new 2DS instead (I have a lazy eye, i can hardly see the 3D-effect and even then only by straining...)

@Mr_Zurkon Mario wont get bumped it will be the focus of E3 like zelda last year

I have a 3DS XL and four years on, it's still in very good shape (a new analog stick aside). For a while that was my console of choice, even over my PS4.

But I haven't used it in 4 months now. Not even for Monster Hunter. The Nintendo Switch has spoiled me.

The only thing keeping me attached to my 3DS is the possibility that Monster Hunter Generations Generations is released for a Western audience.

I can imagine the idea of a brand new New 2DS XL would be appealing to someone who wants to go into MonHun and Pokemon and a slew of other games, but I honestly can't imagine recommending the console to anyone at this point.

To me, it looks exactly like what the original 3DS should have been... big screens, twin sticks, no 3D gimmick... the only downside is the apparent lack of stereo speakers, but a lot of people probably use headphones.

If my 3DS XL broke and I decided to replace it, it would definitely be with the New 2DS XL.

I would have gotten this if I hadn't already upgraded to the N3DS XL earlier this year. Why on Earth did it take them so long? I love my Galaxy N3DS all the same, though.

I already upgraded when the N3DS came out. I have been upgrading consistently since the beginning. So I purchased three. The original, The XL, and The N3DS XL. This is just a milk for the the younger demographic or an after thought.
If you look at the handhelds of Nintendo's past, they always came out with more. I'm looking at you Micro Advanced. Nintendo will sell these until people stop purchasing them.
I'm done with the 3DS console purchases. I will buy several games for the 3DS in the next year though. I never really use my 3D anyway. So this should of happened ages when the N3DS came out.

Yep, this definitely caught me off guard! I think I would've spat my coffee on my phone if it weren't for the latest stability update

However good this looks, though, this is definitely not for me. I really love the look of it, but if I had to upgrade my launch 3DS I'd go for a standard New 3DS as it's (in my opinion) the best looking handheld ever...oh, and it has 3D.
Yep, I'm one of those folks who would've liked Nintendo to keep the 3D effect in its systems to come.

Nintendo's 'strategy' is getting weirder and weirder...

The only thing the 2DS had going for it was the price and arguably, the same applies to the new 2DS XL. Sure, the clamshell design looks nice, but does it offer any benefits over the New 3DS (XL)?
The only reason to buy the N2DSXL instead of the N3DSXL would be the price. It's a low-budget version and that's okay.

But it's still strange as Nintendo is now selling three different handhelds... one that only excels at its affordability, one that excels at 3D and having a huge library and one that excels at having proper graphics, a modern design and TV-out.
Apart from financial reasons, why would anyone not buy a Switch instead of an N[X]DSXL?

I don't get it. Are Nintendo trying to widen their portfolio like Samsung and Nokia did with mobile phones in the past? If it was me, I would try to make everyone buy a Switch - because despite its flaws, it's still by far the best option out of those three (and the only device that isn't outdated).

But for arguments sake, let's they it makes sense to produce a N2DSXL and there is a market for it. Why now? Why not 2 years ago? The timing is just really odd.

@Nintendian I can't believe it either, nor that the Virtual Console hasn't gotten any new SNES ports in FOUR MONTHS. My only hope with this announcement is more support for the "New" 3DS (like you said).

Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Color
(fair enough)

Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, Game Boy Micro
(fair enough)

Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DSi XL
(alright steady on)

Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 2DS XL
(Jesus...)

So I had to return my Legend of Zelda New 3DS XL because the buttons were messing up and they gave me a (New) Galaxy New 3DS XL. I have yet to take it out of the box. There is some temptation to return this and use the money to get a New 2DS XL.

@JunkRabbit Hardware wise it's surely not a competitor. I think the greater concern is what it means for software development. Nintendo has shown that dividing their time does not work well, and 3rd parties might easily continue targeting 3DS for a longer period of time before transitioning (leaving Nintendo to have to pick up more slack than they can handle again.) It's not as bad as the WiiU launch where both systems were failing and they had to swing hard from one to the other to salvage each as they teetered over the edge, 3DS is stable (pun half intended), Switch seems off to a solid start, so it's not the SAME problem, but I do worry that they could undo some of the advantage the Switch provides the development structure by prolonging 3DS. I don't think they should kill it, certainly, but new SKUs to refresh it, indicate a renewed push on the platform that likely includes software as well. That's the only point of actual concern. That and manufacturing capacity. They can't produce Switches fast enough but they're opening a NEW production line for a different product. Depending on what resources it shares with old 2DS.

The hardware isn't a concern on it's own. The concern is if it signals intentions to maintain two separate ecosystems for too long a time.

@CosmicLight 1-2-Switch could be a launch title

The Nintendo 3DS is an 8th generation console and the 8th generation isn't over. There's no rush to discontinue it. The Switch isn't even a viable alternative library wise yet, in comparison to the 3DS' massive one.

I think it's a brilliant move. I like the design a lot. Given so many people play with 3D off or minimized, I think offering a 2D system with the power and features of the 'NEW' 3DS XL for $50 less is a great deal and packing in an adaptor sweetens the deal. It also parachutes in with an existing army of 100% playable titles AND the ability to play the 3DS VC SNES games as well (just in case you feel the need to buy the same game 2 or 3 times).

I think it's a perfect next step to keep kids in the Nintendo ecoculture while offering parents a reasonably priced alternative. Kids who got their first 2DS a few years ago will be able to step up to a system that sports a better design for gaming on the go, fits in their pocket properly, has a less toy-like appearance (the 2DS while ergonomically pleasing had a Fischer Price 'my first handheld' aesthetic) and comes with the bragging rights of being on par with the 'NEW' 3DS... just without the 3D.

And as I and many others have said in the face of comments from people very sure of their speculation, the Switch is NOT a replacement for the 3DS family. Now we have proof of their commitment.

On a side note: Dropping the price $50 AND including the AC adaptor - knowing that Nintendo doesn't sell systems at a loss - makes me feel like the 'NEW' 3DS maybe had a slimmer profit margin at launch than I thought.

@shani Financial reasons, access to the (enormous) library if you haven't previously owned one, desire for a pocketable portable that's more ruggedized than a 6" slate with joysticks can be, etc. There's a market for it for now.

They've said numerous times that 3DS is now a value entry point to Nintendo games, and it's great for kids. This model and the associated imagery seems to double down on that. I do still believe that N2DSXL will still be manufactured AFTER N3DSXL is finished being manufactured. It will be the "Last" 3DS model I imagine. It's budget. It looks budget. It looks like a way to elegantly phase out 3DS as a "primary" platform, on a budget looking machine when they do kill it, and makes it more clear when you see one "this looks toy like" to the high-tech looking Switch.

Imagine late 2018 you walk into a store, and see this thing on display next to a Switch and no N3DSXL. One looks like a toy for kids. The other looks like consumer electronics. And not by accident

My only worry is if they divide too much software to send to the 3DS that it detracts from where the Swtich library should be. I own both machines, but would rather play on Switch these days. I didn't think it would be so easy to leave my favorite platform behind...but Switch makes it easy.

Only way I'd consider buying another DS is if they include one with an actual second thumbstick. I had to modify the nub to make it viable.

While I don't need it, the Metal Slime edition looks AMAZING.

I have been meaning to get a New 3DS for a while now. This looks really sleek, like if Sony designed it (I like their handhelds too), so with the low price I'll likely get this.

@NEStalgia Of course @rjejr is spending time in PS4 land....that's where all the good games are besides BotW, which he already has on WiiU! Can you blame him? Uncharted 4, Ratchet and Clank, Horizon Zero Dawn, FFXV.....all good reasons to take a vacation from Nintendo Land!

I don't think that they should waste resources on this product. I'm not talking about the helardware either. At some point, it would be in Nintendo's best interest to focus on a single system.

We talk about lack of software for Wii U. What if the 3DS and Wii U would have been one and the same? You would have had a great gaming at least a couple of times a quarter.

Ultimately, I think the Switch is going to run into the same problem the Wii U had. Let's just hope it is popular enough for some third parties to pick up the slack.

I don't understand why I would ever buy one, I already have the black-edition n3DS that was only $99 and my Switch is really replacing everything for me at this point...

I still feel like this 3rd pillar talk. Granted we have not reached e3 but there aren't a ton of new games in the Japanese pipeline. So I imagine that this will work as a stopgap cheap option until the switch library builds up and 3ds devs move over to the switch.

Honestly, I find it baffling. The New 3DS is only £20-30 more.

The design looks so good. I must resist buying this as my Standard N3DS works perfectly fine.

The original 2DS retailed at US $120, and I thought that was way too expensive for what it was, but when it eventually dropped to $100 and then $80, usually bundled with some game, I felt the price had found its perfect sweet spot. I'm sure the New 2DS XL will price drop within a year or two.

I keep seeing people complain that they want a 3DS but the only ones available are from scalpers. Maybe this will satisfy demand. I can't see scalpers jumping on it and ruining the availability for people.

Nintendo was able to get me interested in gaming again when they released the 3ds Xl. Since then I've upgraded to the New 3ds xl and bought a switch. They got me back but not enough to buy this when I already have my new 3ds xl. I'll recommend it for my nieces and nephews though. They'll love the amiibo support on the go!

...Now if it was region free then I'd think about it

@NEStalgia Hm if you put it that way, it actually makes sense. I never would've imagined they would get rid of the 3DS in favor of the 2D version.
But if that's their plan, why not turn the N3DS into the budget option then? Or is the 3D screen that expensive for them to produce?

I agree on the other point you made. It already was a thorn in my side that they concentrated so much on making 3DS games instead of Wii U games. They really shouldn't do the same with the Switch, it should be their main focus and not the N[X]DS (especially if it's planned to become the budget option)...

They really should be making more NES Classic Editions that hundreds of thousands of people actually want, rather than yet another DS iteration that has little to no reason to exist.

This just goes to show the DS/2DS/3DS whatever you call it line of portable systems is not dead and Nintendo knows where its bread is buttered. This also probably squashes any notion of a Switch Mini for now.

I'll be buying this, as someone who skipped the 3DS generation entirely. Seriously, outside of a handful of kiosks in a few gamestops, I've never used a 3DS. And I owned 3 different variations of the DS line.

@AlexSora89 I have the same issue as your girlfriend, and the same eye, too. 3D is not a thing that exists in my world. Monocular people unite!!

I would have been all over the 2DSXL if it had come out a year ago, before I bought an N3DSXL. I think it's a great design. But it's a bit too late now, and I won't be buying it unless one of our 3DSes breaks down. Mine isn't in perfect shape, but it's still functioning. And to be honest, I've been neglecting it horribly since the Switch came out.

I'm sure I'll eventually go back and finish my backlog of RPGs, and probably going to pick up RPG Maker FES, but it's kind of offputting to go back to that screen after basking in the beauty of the Switch screen.

I get the point, in that they want to make the entry point to the Nintendo family as low as possible leaving the Switch as the premium product, but It seems rather late in the day. The difference between the Switch and the 2ds in power is huge and with the Switch being a handheld too I imagine most people would rather save the extra £150 and buy a Switch. I still have my 3DS but I also have a Switch and see zero reason why I would take 2 portable Nintendo consoles with me anywhere. The 3ds just lives in the draw. Maybe this is just for the under 10s. But I can't see it selling to anyone else apart from those hardcore fans who must own everything

@Gold_Ranger the 3DS is 7 years old the end is night. Sorry but is true.

I just have one simple problem with Nintendos current move: All the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS devices are going to make it hard for casual gamers to come to a decision and actually buy one of them. Nintendo should drop one or two of the Nintendo 3DS / 2DS devices.

My kids need new 2DS, so there we go. I still want a standard sized black or green New 3DS, missed out on the Black Friday one last year, so I guess it's just my Switch and OG 3DS for the time being....

@CosmicLight Really, making fun of differently abled people? That's all you can bring to the party? There are at least three people on this site (that's counting @AlexSora 's GF) who have mono vision, and millions of other people who just don't do well with 3D. It's not some freaky thing that nobody ever heard of. We're real people.

@RedMageLanakyn You left out P5. You monster.

Also, Uncharted 4? That's SOOO 2016 where have you been? Seriously though, aside from U4 which I've been done with for months, I have the rest of those (plus the lovely P5, limited edition, which you didn't even pay homage to...) in shrink wrap waiting for me.....and instead keep playing the Switch because it's just so darn pleasant a play experience on it. I've been playing Puyo Puyo and Wonder Boy instead of Horizon and P5....because it's just such a convenient box.

Someday...someday I'll get to that backlog. Maybe next year. Once you have a Switch it just kind of invites you...I mean it's there....you can just pick it up...for a few minutes....

@JasmineDragon +1 3d just dosent work for me just looks flat wasnt sad to see 3d die a death.

@NEStalgia
Point taken, it's well-made. I'm still thinking though that dropping the 3DS (and software) too soon might be potentially suicidal. The Switch is not properly established yet (though the smarter part of this community surely hopes it will be soon... ). I don't think Nintendo should rush these things, and I find this decision OK (-ish) at least. Variety is usually good. It's plausible and probably even the prudent thing to do. That said, here's to the Switch's success not being hindered by giving the consumer variety!

Some exaggerated the first three answers of the first question, isn't it?! XD
Well, maybe buy this console, because my 3DS had worked many years and need a rest, but, a Switch I want to buy (and a PS4 and Vita, too), oh well, to save more money!!, XD

@NEStalgia I didn't mention P5 mainly because I didn't think that type of RPG was up his alley based on his preferences. I could be wrong! I also have P5, haven't touched it yet, mainly due to backlog issues as well. I know I'll get to it someday.....

I said "whoa" out loud. We don't say "woah" around these here parts. (Nor do we use single quotes where there should be double quotes. Lol.)

@JunkRabbit Thanks for the concern. I think my days of level headed commenting are behind me. Now I mostly just lurk and read and go away w/o posting, unless something really weird happens, like this thing. It's just so odd. Seriously I've been waiting years for a New 2DS so kids the world over can use those 500 AC amiibo cards on ACNL and HHD, but this isn't a New 2DS, it's a Newer Slim 3DS XL w/o 3D. And the 2DS was the cheap kids version, $79, this is $149. It's as if Sony came out w/ the $399 PS4 Pro but it only played games in SD. So if they called this "3DS Slim XL: 2D Edition" at $149 I'd be fine w/ it. Or an actual New 2DS, same small size as it's for kids, for $99 Id' be fine w/ it. But this amalgamation of names and ideas at such a high price just boggles my mind. Can't help it, I'm all about the logic, and I can't find any here.

@JunkRabbit Agreed on all points. I do think the 2DS and 3DS software if handled and managed appropriately are a good thing and not a challenge to Switch. I just don't always trust Nintendo will handle and manage such things appropriately

@rjejr
I hear you. ...but... looking for logic in marketing blurps is, well...

Nintendo would be dumb to stand on just one pillar, they will continue the 2DS/3DS support, with them eventually getting a successor of their own.

@RedMageLanakyn He's a big FF fan and XC fan I believe, so if he's not into P5, he could be. Once you get into SMT in all its flavors there's really no escape... Right @rjejr?

@NEStalgia "like the discless Wii"

Is that a thing? I really have never read about that. There was a no Gamecube "Family Ed" Wii, and a no online Wii Mini, but they all used discs.

Liked the rest of your post. As always I've accepted this is just Ntinedo being Ntinedo. This is likely "THE" 3DS going forward in 2018, all other models will cease production. Games that come will be minor, or dual ports. PS3 and Vita still get a lot of PS4 games in Japan, they just dont' make it West. 3DS can keep getting games for awhile, just nothing AAA, more like licensed kids stuff and shovelware. But as I've been saying for motnhs, E3 will be key, b/c it's the games that matter, not the hardware. As MS will likely soon find out w/ Scorpio.

@ThanosReXXX "The announcement of the New 2DS was so unexpected that rjejr couldn't wrap his sleepy, baffled brain around it"

My wide awake brain ain't doing much better.

OK, you know I don't care about me, only the public perception. So try this. Show 3 pics to people side by side, the New 3DS XL, a 2DS, and the New 2DS XL. Tell them or include the names of the first 2 - "This is a New 3DS XL, this is a 2DS." Now ask them to name the 3rd." Tell me how many put the "2DS" in the name and how many put the "3DS" in the name. Nobody is calling that thing a "2DS" anything. What made a 2DS a 2DS was not only the lack of 3D but the tablet design. DS, DSi, DS Lite, DSi XL, 3DS, 3DS XL, New 3DS, New 3DS XL all had the clamshell design. Even some Gameboy. 2DS is a slate. New 2DS is a clamshell. Sorry, not buying it.

@JasmineDragon
Yep. So yeah, the 2%-like scenario is more common than I thought. Hence the need of this seemingly needless redesign.

@ThanosReXXX
Well, it's not something I'd want for myself, but for her? It's just perfect. The price tag, on the other hand, could have been lower, but hopefully I'll somehow manage to get her one.

@JunkRabbit It's taking eyes and potential sales away from the Switch. It's stupid, no way around that.

@LemonSlice While I share your fears of Nintendo on just one pillar, two competing pillars have not been working for them, and the hybridization of Switch kind of forces the issue, they can't do a new handheld without competing with Switch (unless it's the Switch-based handheld many of us expect.)

I think they've really been standing on one pillar since the launch of the 3DS & WiiU. And the diversification into theme parks, licensed products, and mobile are their replacement for a second video game pillar. The expense associated with running two platforms, two higher-end graphics platforms, is just too extreme. No company has succeeded doing so since the DS/Wii, but that was all lower-end graphics. PS/Vita couldn't run both, 3DS/WiiU couldn't run both. It's just too extreme a challenge. Iwata specifically discussed the shared OS and ecosystem. I think the days of two separate platform ecosystems end with the 3DS. And I think that's a good thing both for Nintendo and for us. But it does bring with it that single pillar risk, no question.

@rjejr Ack, your'e right, it wasn't discless, it was netless. That's the one I was referring to.

Yeah, my HOPE is nothing "AA" on 3DS beyond Oasis and the late translations like MH Stories, and those games have been ongoing for years. I think we'll see that bear out. I hate wishing the end of the 3DS, I really love that platform. But Switch just feels like the continuation of everything great about 3DS, Vita, and WiiU glued together and improved that I can't help but just want all my games on it.

Haha, yeah, E3 certainly will matter. if XC2 really IS still on schedule for 2017 all we really need is ONE surprise. More than that will be game overload in December. E3 might cover more 2018 info than 2017 at this point.

@EternalDragonX I doubt many people planning on buying a new $300 hybrid TV/portable console are moving their eyes to a $150 cut-down 6-year old handheld with the namesake feature missing. It's different people. The existence of this hardware presents no problem at all. The only potential problem is if it signals extended software support on the legacy platform. That's the only actual risk this might represent.

OTOH if you're right, maybe we can actually get some stock on shelves for more than 5 hours and any stock at ALL into online stores of Switches

@RedMageLanakyn @NEStalgia Not sure what I missed, but no, I don't play any of those very Japanese looking Persona SMT games. Not a one. Don't know why, guess the other JRPG give me all I have time for.

And I did get a PS4 for Xmas and played most of the big hits - FFXV, R&C, U4 - and even had time for a few PS+ games, but lately I've been playing X1 games - Gears of War, Ori, Rare Replay - so I can finish them and trade it in for a New 2DS XL. I mean a Switch, Nintnedo was tricking me there.

@JunkRabbit It's not the blurbs so much as that this thing exists. It's the Frankenstein of consoles. I do like the DQXI one though.

My first thought when I saw was that it looked like it was cheaply made. I don't need one, I have a New 3DS XL.

@NEStalgia
Oh well, who will ever make only right choices in life, no matter how educated. Nintendo (or rather the deciders at Nintendo) have of course made decisions and choices in the past decades that in hindsight appear questionable, especially from the outside), but I choose to believe that they will most certainly have always had their reasons (founded on the facts and numbers they have insight in) (some powerplay might have played a role at some points, but I don't think that matters much). In contrast to what some other people might say, they're certainly not stupid...

It may not alway play out as intended, and sometimes they might have gotten carried away with overly creative and imaginative ideas, which the masses then couldn't wrap their heads around. But I think we agree that this creativity and imagination, the innovation (and the risk involved) is and will always be what we love about them. I cannot begin to imagine what it would be like to be in their position when it comes to such descisions.

And despite agreeing that not all of their decisions have proven to be as fruitful as one could have hoped (which imho does not make them "stupid" or "unacceptable" btw), I think they certainly have an above average track record.

I'll opt for putting my trust in them. They want we want after all: To be successful with what they do, and they will always make the best decision they can. What more can you ask of anyone?

@rjejr
'kay, that one made me laugh! Agreed on the DQXI, too. It makes me be slightly disappointed that I can't go without 3D (plus I also have both a New 3DS and a New 3DS XL already, really no need for a thrid one...)

@NEStalgia Ack

I think 1 new game will be all they need at E3 too. Mario is the big one, XC2 will get me to buy a Switch, and there are a few 3rd party games like Sonic, Skyrim and some basketball game. I'm still expecting SSB Deluxe on Switch, but maybe in Feb or March release talked about at E3. They will need to go into 2018 for Switch games, we have like nothing after Mario right now. I still want 1 big game though, a seqeul to Kid Icarus or Luigi's Mansion, or Pikmin 4, preferably not a Hey Pikmin port.

And it will be interesting to watch if there are any more "New 3DS" exclusive games, will they bother to have the 3D effect in them? I'm betting Pokemon is all 2D all the time.

@JunkRabbit "a New 3DS and a New 3DS XL"

Well now you have to buy the 3rd one to complete the set. You'll cave eventually. I'm quite the contrarian so now I'm thinking New 3DS XL myself. I like the "Galaxy" purple but not for $199.

I'm holding that they will keep smash for next year!
Because smash 4 is still fresh with its DLC wait for a whole new game.
I want for E3 a new kid Icarus game and some more info on Mario oddesy also I hope that Star Wars battlefront 2 is coming to the switch there just waiting for E3 to announce it.
🤞🤞🤞

I like the design but wish it had 3D.I think it's great for late adopters though.I'll keep my New 3DS because of the 3D.

@rjejr " lately I've been playing X1 games"

Wait...so you're saying....wait I don't get it. Your sentences make no sense.

@Donderpants They want people who already bought a 3DS or 2 (or more) to buy it because of the different color scheme and some people will actually do it. Others will buy it because they don't use the 3D effect on their existing 3DS and think $150 is a fair price to get rid of that pesky slider.

@rjejr I love Ori, definitely one of the best platformers released this decade. I've been contemplating trading my X1 in as well, it just doesn't get used very much, especially considering all the big first party games are on PC now.

@rjejr
Nah, three's a crowd... can't divide my time between all the systems that demand my attention as it is... (thinking of it this way makes me realize it's actually quite the harem... )

And to put it into perspective: I didn't get both at the same time of course. Got the smaller one first, because I liked the crispness of the smaller display better (and the faceplates) AND also because I thought then I could some day still upgrade to the XL when I find a Special Edition I like (it would become the Hyrule Edition that came out along Hyrule Warriors Legends)... For some reason that made a lot of sense to me on both occasions.

EDIT: minor corrections for clarity; spelling

@KidRad I agree, I LOVE the 3D. More importantly it made the small screen look way bigger than it was. I still wish Switch supported 3D. Unfortunately, the mass market has ignored it almost entirely, and what portions of it would have liked it have put all their eggs in the VR basket.

It will be my most missed feature of 3DS era.

@JunkRabbit The irony is, if they make the error of overextending on software support for 3DS at the expense of switch, the problem would not be their over creative risk taking but a cynical risk-aversion to stick with the proven winner as long as possible.

I do think software support will be determined based somewhat on the success and attach rates of Switch. Though I also think they're releasing the wrong games to determine that with for now.

I preusing the Nintendolife website on my mobile phone when I come across the New 2DS, I was so shocked that I missed a step, fell down the stairs, poke myself in the eye in the process, Now I am seeing 3D on my 2DS...

I already have a 3DS XL and an N3DS XL so it is unlikely that I will pick up a 2DS XL unless I come across one cheap at some point down the road).

@JunkRabbit But don't you expect a Special Ed of the New 2DS XL you won't be able to live w/o? If that becomes the defacto 3DS system they'll be bundling everything w/ it, Pokemon, Monster Hunter, DQXI. I really want Monster Hunter Stories, but it's in 3D, so don't think I'd buy a 2D system to play it on. I'll get DQXI on the PS4.

@RedMageLanakyn Ori means I'll never have to play another 2D Metroidvania platformer ever again. Those games just about kill me, and 3x that game almost gave me a heart attack - drowning in the tree - stupid ungrateful tree - lava escape, and final boss - wouldn't ground pound when I wanted it to. But it was so great I just had to keep playing.

@NEStalgia "Your sentences make no sense. "

You've been lurking here for years and you're just figuring that out now?

Man, I wish those emojis would show up in the email, save me a lot of work on replies.

For $150, the price point is too high. (Unless it definitely has dual IPS screens, and is marketed as such... which is highly doubtful.) The 2DS was originally meant to be the budget oriented option for younger audiences, which fits the bill nicely within the sub-$100 price bracket. This thing really should not have gone anywhere above $120 tops, to at least stay somewhat close to that margin... $150 is creeping far too close to the New 3DS XL price bracket.

The New 2DS XL as it has been presented is simply not a good value to the customer, no matter which way you slice it. The model update is not worth paying almost twice the price of the original 2DS. It's also arriving at least a year late. Maybe this could help move the 3DS library while NS stock is at or near zero during the lulls in between major shipments up until the holidays...

However, once the holidays arrive, if Nintendo plans to continue supporting the New 2DS XL with further shipments, it will inevitably draw attention, resources, and shelf space away from what is supposed to be the huge first holiday for NS. If nothing else, it will become "the consolation gift for those who weren't lucky enough to get a Switch." It all seems a bit short sighted to me.

Also, it's pretty telling that even on Nintendo Life, with this type of poll, 44% of us responded that the New 2DS XL will have "a decent chance of success", while 46% said "Nope" to actually getting one.

@NEStalgia
Another valid argument. Though my main point was probably (tl;dr):

Nobody's perfect, but they have proven track record, and I believe everything will turn out right in the end.

Especially considering that this is (only) GAMING we're talking about. It's certainly my favorite pastime, and one I spent a lot of time on, but I will always have enough to play (even as it is already), everything else is just a bonus now...

OMG!
I just realized Nintendo just made the Dress Meme real!
Black and Blue or White and Orange (Gold)

I'll get a N3DS XL when it drops in price so I can enjoy that 3D effect for as long as possible. If Switch's tablet screen had an optional 3D effect I'd be so happy.

@rjejr
Bah, now you're just teasing/mocking me ("what have I, what have I, what have I done to deserve this..."). But since I have a habit of taking people seriously and politely answer anyway (it's a reflex):

I wouldn't have to look very far. Like I said, the DQ Edition is seriously cool. But no 3D just kills it for me. So there's really no danger for my wallet from that side, I can safely relax.

Actually, this is pretty cool. I don't think the price is low enough for this point in the lifespan of the 2DS/3DS family, so it won't get big sales, but I've been looking to replace my XL since the hinge cracked and this might be the way to do it.

Like the design but my new 3ds is enough, and I like my 3d

@rjejr LOL, it was an X1 joke....ahh well

@Shani yeah I can see the excessive approach to look like an iPhone...there's very intentional industrial design to make that mental link (do we all remember Miyamoto is an industrial designer by trade? )

There seems to be this camp that says "glossy looks cheap", and then Apple releases another glass phone. And so does Samsung. I'mt not sure where glossy=cheap came from, originally it was to make it look expensive. Someone above had a great image. The N2X (I'm going to use shorthand now, these names, even as acronyms are getting much too big ) , it very clearly looks intentionally like an iPhone on a dockable controller. That's by design. But in terms of cheapness....that smooth glossy plastic across the entire upper section might look phone-like in a photo, but think of the horrendous GLARE being cast off the sides. Unlike an iphone the whole thing is not a screen. It's just glare-ridden glossy plastic over a black border. That's going to be annoying if you have backlighting, and just looks toy-like. Which is fine, but the N3X is very smooth and even (matte on the INSIDE, gloss on the OUTSIDE) and gives it a sophisticated, tailored, trimmed look with the screen cover ONLY over the screen (like the Switch.) The 2-tone appearance also looks cheapened (though I'll give you, I'd consider the color trim to be "Euro styling" as it would be called here, which often means "German styling" (Or Scandanavian) , so what might be visually toy-like here, might look perfectly adult there. We do love our flat grays and browns here as game fans have come to know

@rjejr Usually with metroidvania games I'm a completionist, but when I looked at the achievements and seen one that read "complete the game in one life" I immediately flashed back to the tree escape and said "nope, I'm done"

To hell with the switch! Stop wasting money on it. Focus on the 2and3DS's. This is cool I dont use 3d much anyways. I am buying this one ASAP but I do wish it was 99 bucks instead.

Anything to replace the atrocity that was 2ds is a good thing.

@Asaki "Switch may be portable, but it is not a handheld device..."

Uh... lolwut? The main draw of the NS over it's competitors is being able to use it as a portable console. What are these mental gymnastics?

@PlywoodStick Even Nintendo says that the Switch is more console than handheld and won't replace the 3DS. Now whether you believe Nintendo or not is up to you but I would say that since you are saying the opposite of Nintendo, you are the one doing the majority of the mental gymnastics.

While we are on the subject, why are Switch fans so interested in classifying it mostly as a handheld? Is it because it's more attractive as a powerful handheld than as a weak console?

@PlywoodStick $150 with an adaptor is definitely a good price point; it is NOT too expensive. The NEW 3DS XL is $220 - $230 with an adaptor and no guarantee of IPS or dual IPS screens (I'd be more pissed about the fact that IPS isn't standard on the $200 system, than the chance IPS won't be used for the $150 system). The NEW 2DS XL is all of the power and amenities of the NEW 3DS losing only the 3D and adding an adaptor in the box. And there's no guarantee of IPS for this model either. It can play every game the NEW 3DS XL can and the SNES VC games as well.

I don't see any reasonable argument against the current price point, other than 'I want, I want, I want... and I want it for nothing'. Sure... we all want things for cheep. But this is a great value as-is.

@NEStalgia "...it very clearly looks intentionally like an iPhone on a dockable controller..."

You mean the iPhone's ever popular Dinner Plate Edition?

This isn't for me, but I do not dislike this at all. If it's the ideal option for specific customers, rock on!

@NEStalgia Hehe that's true, they definitely did that on purpose. And there may be cultural differences involved as well... calling that two-tone styling of the N2DS "Euro styling" is actually very fitting. You see that kind of styling in other nothern European (including German) products as well. And I kinda like it, I even perceive it as slightly more elegant (although I would've opted for a different turquois or blue tone for the buttons) than a monotone styling.

EDIT: Hm, there is also a matte monotone version of the N2DSXL: http://nintendoeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/nggallery/bubble-metal-slime-new-2ds-xl/metal-slime-new-2ds-xl-4.jpg

Tbh I don't know where glossy = cheap came from either. It's probably one of these (probably culturally) deeply-rooted preconceptions we unconsciously grow up with (and in that way, maybe they are epigenetically inherited). Or maybe it's just some kind of random variation (like mutations), who knows.
It wouldn't surprise me if 50% of the world's population thought "glossy = cheap" and the other 50% thought "glossy = classy". Maybe it just has to do how differently human brains interpret things. Maybe that's what they mean when they say 'there's no accounting for taste'.
Btw, for me, all iPhones look cheap. ^^

But I agree about what you wrote regarding the 'trimmed look with the screen cover ONLY over the screen'. That does indeed look better and more sophisticated.

The N2DSXL doesn't look that glossy on the Nintendo homepage, but maybe the actual device does (haven't seen the presentation).
One thing is for sure though: there's nothing worse than a glare display! I never understood why multiple notebook, tablet and phone manufacturers made these unfavorable glare screens.

@Tsusasi Well, the New 3DS XL is honestly also too expensive this late in it's life cycle. It should be maybe $200 tops at this point. Some places are even selling (normal) New 3DS XL's for $250, which is creeping very close to the NS price bracket. (And that's without the power adapter, remember how Nintendo removed those from the base N3DS/XL package?) The price is just inflated and considered acceptable due to manufactured scarcity.

We don't really know how the N2DSXL feels in practice yet, so it can't really be said one way or another if it's quality is up to snuff. Just don't expect a product which primarily non-techie people (who will actually buy the thing for their kids) are likely to see as being nearly the same thing for twice the price to go over well. The value proposition is easily made to go with the O2DS instead.

But then again, I'm speaking as someone who replaced their launch day O3DS with the "Black Thanksgiving" model of N3DS for $100... Which of course, was an exceptionally good deal!

And here I am still considering when I could buy a New-3ds for improved face tracking ;-;

I like it, but I LOVE my 2DS in large part because of the wedge design and lack of clamshell.

The clamshell DS design always feels off-balance to me and the top screen is always exerting force on your hands for which you have to compensate. Gets uncomfortable for my big hands after long periods of time. The 2DS fits into my hands with plenty of room on the back for all of my fingers to rest comfortably and grip the unit.

Also, the price, while not outrageous, is still not a good value. The $79 2DS comes with and charger, sd card and MK7. Incredible value proposition.

N2DSXL comes with no game for almost twice the price. Not worth it to me. I won't even think about this until it's closer to $99.

Also, not impressed with the color options I've seen so far. That will probably change, so not a big issue.

I still don't see any N3DS or N3DSXLs in my area. Nintendo needs to get their supply issues under control ffs

Nintendo will keep the 3DS line going for a while still, as the Switch is brand new and while it has great momentum today, that may not be the case in a few months. Games could be delayed, 3rd party movement to the Switch might not happen and its best for Nintendo not to put all its eggs in the Switch basket, quite yet.

Makes perfect sense to me. I own a 3DS, so I won't be buying one.

I love it. Was never a fan of 3D, and as a parent I have to make sure the kids don't accidentally engage it. If this is ~$125 on Black Friday, I'll be picking up one. I'd buy two if I could install all of my digital titles on both using a single account like Apple's had in place for years.

@Crono1973 Yeah, I guess it may as well be "more console than handheld." I live in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area, the capital of the USA, and I still haven't seen even a single person using an NS in public. And I take public transportation (buses/metro) regularly.

People are buying the thing, for sure, but how many people are actually taking it out and about? Less than half of all owners, is my guess. And I also guess that's partially due to Nintendo's marketing strategy. (Which ironically stands against the fanbase's idea that the NS would sell itself without much marketing being needed by being taken out and about.)

From a hardware standpoint, the only truly significant benefit of the NS over it's competitors is it's ability to be taken and used as a portable console. (Software is another matter, of course.) For Nintendo to not emphasize that and play coy while simultaneously dancing around the subject of the DS line's future is rather questionable. Interestingly, thanks to Wii U ports, that doesn't seem to have become much of an issue after all.

As for your question... Yes. It is a lot more attractive as a powerful hybrid/handheld console. There's no benefit to promoting it for primarily home use, there's more focused dedicated options for that.

@JasmineDragon Sorry my bad, didn't think anybody would be bothered by it. I just wanted to make a joke about Nintendo and all the 3DS Models they came out with. I modified my original post to exclude the 2DS part, and changed the 0DS part. Should be A-OK now.

@CosmicLight Cyclops aren't myths! My 7th grade History teacher went to Greece and found their town! She just walked up to someone and asked, "Hello, I'm looking for such and such who knows about the cyclops?" And they said, "Oh yeah, the people who have eyelid folds on their foreheads. They live over there."

Truth is stranger than fiction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQoRXhS7vlU

Nintendo just doesn't want to lower the price on the models they have. They quietly let that stock diminish to very little and then put out a new model to make a lot more than discounting the old model, at least that's my take. If the consumer is smart they'll just laugh and buy something else to play games on, like an original 2DS at half that price if those are at least still found refurbished or used, whatever.

@PlywoodStick Lol, that song is more comedic than scary.

@CosmicLight Whenever I hear that song now, I always imagine some loner crackpot turning around and SUDDENLY! An alien from Area 51 is standing there! The person who turned around is shown having dinner plates for eyes, the alien cocks their head to one side, the person shakes their head and says, "No..." Then the alien cocks their head to the other side, the person says, "I won't go... The people must know the truth!" Then the alien starts rapidly walking toward them, and the crackpot screams "STAY BACK! AAAAAAAAAH" and falls into their alien trap they forgot they set behind their computer chair. Then the alien looks down at their body, wondering why they couldn't just direct them to the nearest cornfield with roaming cows.

@PlywoodStick I hate that the price has creeped up due to supply shortages (have you seen how hard it has been over the last year to to find 3DSs in the states? It got harder and harder. Even now I see one or two on the shelves at target and Walmart if I see any and usually none at Best Buy). At $200, I'm thinking in order to keep with their policy of always making a profit off of hardware when at all possible, they dropped the adaptor. And that probably had something to do wth a combination of slim profit margins and needing more income from the 3DS family to make up for lagging Wii U sales. All speculation, but it seems reasonable that it was something like that. But with the Switch selling out and other revenue streams (like smart phone apps) in place... coupled with the economics of scale, I am disappointed the N3DS hasn't seen a price cut or at least bringing back the pack-in ac adaptor.

That having been said, the price is what it is and that positions the N2DS in a competitive position. If you don't give a crap about 3D, you save $50 bucks ($70 or 80 if you include the price of an adaptor). I get where you're coming from though, and no one has gotten and time with it so build quality is still an unknown. But if 'fit and finish' and materials are on point and it has IPS for at least the top screen, it would definitely be a decent investment.

I like the original 2DS better. More comfortable to play on. Not a fan of hinged devices.

When Ninty do a mid gen upgrade for switch they will add 3D, that way Ninty will justify the high price they put on it. Got to say this new 2ds looks just as good as switch if not better, it's a looker alright

I don't get why they made the Switch portable if they are still keeping their handheld division separate from their console division...

@StooBush You should know that no studies or reports have ever demonstrated any negative effects or danger to children from viewing 3D content, and Nintendo's warning against children using it is just Nintendo being a megacorp and covering their butts against any lawsuits even remotely possible. But don't take it from me, take it from Consumer Reports quoting the American Optometric Association: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2011/06/3d-is-ok-for-most-kids-says-the-american-optometric-association/index.htm (edit: Just noticed my link is from 2011. Take that as you will. A cursory Googling shows a few European boards recommending against children viewing 3D images since then, but they seem to be based on an overabundance of caution rather than any data whatsoever.)

Or if you want approval from society at large, look at all of the big-budget 3D movies marketed to kids - if there was any plausible risk that they could do damage, Disney et al. wouldn't be going near those with a 50-foot pole.

In my humble personal opinion, you should be more concerned about your kids' eyes being glued to our society's ubiquitous 2D screens than 3D stuff - 2D images are far, far more unnatural than 3D ones, completely shutting down the brain's natural binocular vision mechanisms.

What do I think? I'm disappointed that Nintendo has fully abandoned my favourite aspect of the 3DS, the 3D. I've really loved glasses-free 3D gaming, but the writing has been on the wall for a long time now since they've de-emphasized it so much.

If you're absolutely dead set on never using the 3D ever, and still don't have a 3DS, and don't mind that the 3DS is possibly on its way out if the Switch is successful enough, it's slightly cheaper for you I guess.

The major factor separating the 3DS and the Switch right now isn't the hardware, but the software. There is still barely anything to play on the Switch, where the 3DS's library is huge.

@dronesplitter It's been like that for consoles since last gen too, they just add a bigger hard drive to keep the price high. With the Wii U, Nintendo just didn't stock them at all (or pull them from shelves) rather than discount them.

You're right, people need to recognize that type of poo and refuse to buy new unless there is a cheaper model available.

@JunkRabbit "But no 3D just kills it for me."

It would be weird getting this console and not having the 3D effect on it. For $79 for the 2DS tablet that was a sacrifice for a significant price reduction, but for $149? I'd rather faceplates or New XL.

@Fath Regardless of whether or not 3D causes damage (and I agree that it doesn't appear to), I find it's headache-inducing and would rather my kids not be subject to it or throw up in the car.

And as for screen time limits, I find the entire argument to be specious. There's no hard evidence (other than anecdotal) that higher levels of screen exposure damage a kid's eyes/brain/cognitive function. Of course I don't want my kids to stare at screens all day (and they don't), but if excessive screen time were really dangerous, we'd have an an epidemic of damaged teenagers and twenty-somethings, and plenty of supporting data to work with.

@RedMageLanakyn "complete the game in one life"

I checked my stats after I finished and it said I died 533 times. Probably 50 were from that tree escape, only about 25 for the lava, another 50 for the final boss. Some were just messing around trying to get orbs that were impossible b/c I didn't have some ability yet. That still leaves a few hundred from a normal playthru though. It's really amazing I hung in there and finished it.

@rjejr
completely d'accord about the pricing. It really feels too much.

@Crono1973 My cat is more of a lion than my dog, but my cat isn't a lion.

The Switch may not be a handheld, but it certainly isn't a console and it is better off being thought of as a handheld. If the public perception is that the Switch is a console then it competes with XBox and Playstation and will lose miserably. If the perception is that it is a handheld it only really competes with the 3DS/2DS which is under Nintendo's control. Nintendo can choose to market it as a console, but they are fools for doing so.

Or you can take the whole "it's a hybrid" argument, but that just makes it an unknown as to whether such a market can succeed in the long term.

@Alshain01 Well, clearly you are trying harder to promote the Switch than Nintendo.

@Crono1973 I have no interest in the Switch actually. It's clear to me now that Nintendo is incapable of making a good system anymore and I'd rather seem them start putting their amazing titles on other platforms, like PC. So I'm hoping the Switch does fail at this point.

That said, I have a very logical and analytical mind, so I can see things objectively despite my distastes for them.

@ThomasBW84

It would be amazing if you could make "I like pickles.", or something along those lines a poll option one of these days.

It would be amazing.

It came out too late in my opinion.

on my n3ds i'm yet to find a use for the extra shoulder buttons so i would recommend ninty reducing costs and omitting those buttons from this game thingy.

I love the design of this New 2DS XL so much. I seldom use 3D on my New 3DS XL, but when I use 3D it's for games that make great use of it such as Star Fox 64 3D or Shovel Knight. The sleek design of this New 2DS is so appealing. I'm also loving how they gave it a normal volume control. The volume control on the New 3DS is needlessly uncomfortable, and when using 3DS Sound it's antithetical to move the slider up to lower the volume. Another great feature is the accessibility of the microSD card. It's very cumbersome transferring files via Wi-fi as it currently works. They were also very clever to include a cover over both the microSD card slot and the Game Card slot. So many of my games have gotten dirt embedded in the little grooves of the card from just sitting in the 3DS and being handled. I think this is a superb redesign. The only thing I want to know is if the stereo speakers are as loud as the New 3DS XL's speakers. Other than that, I am willing to sacrifice the 3D effect for a small number of games over the elegance and intuitive redesigns of this new model.

@rjejr That, sir, is a lot of deaths! I don't remember what my count was, I just knew it would take a tremendous amount of practice to get it under 50 deaths, let alone trying for zero!

I absolutely love it and will quite possibly get one day one. My XL from 2013...Ain't in the best shape. I never used 3D, so this is the best option for me to replace my XL. Thank you very much Nintendo!

Also helps that it's looking like the most well designed DS in the entire line. That cover for the game card slot is a godsend, seriously. So not only is the functionality great, it's also super slick looking. No brainer for me!

Overall, I'm not happy with how Nintendo announced this. It should have been released a year ago, and if it is releasing this year it should have released at $99 or $129 with a game. $150 without a game is way too expensive for what this is. Also, I still don't understand why Nintendo stopped selling the regular-sized New 3DS. So if someone wants a more portable system, they have to pick a 2DS? That was a bad decision as well.

@StooBush That's fair, and it is of course your prerogative on how to raise your kids. You make a good point about 3D-caused carsickness as well; that was enough of a problem back in the days of dead-tree books, so I can only imagine how bad it would be with the 3DS.

Can't help but laugh at the number of voters who think 2DS XL is a good idea that will sell, but then almost nobody said yes if asked whether they would buy one.

It's a stupid waste of resources.

@CosmicLight No problem, we're cool.

@Crono1973
Wait, people would pay 150 USD to get rid of the slider? Why would people who own New 3DS's do that instead of just not using the slider?

Its a very sleek design and a lot more portable compared to my New 3DS XL. I don't have much reason to get one but who knows...

i'll buy one, but not on D1.
looking forward to not buying any other stuff for all supported games that requires it and instead get a New 2DS which is less expansive than a New 3DS, and i need a new charger anyway.

@RedMageLanakyn That, sir, is a lot of deaths!

To make up for it I'm playing Kameo now. About 4 hours in and no deaths so far. Much more my type of game, 3D and easy.

@KidRad 15 games

Wow, that's asking a lot. I bought a PS4 for 3 games, a Wii U for 2 and an X1 for 3. Though to be fair 1 of those 3 was 30 on Rare Replay. I'm waiting on 2 or 3 for Switch, Mario Odyssey and XC2. 3DS has about 3 - Luigi's Mansion 2, Kid Icarus Uprising and Monster Hunter Stories, but I'm a big fan of buying after a system goes on sale, and the 3DS XL has been $199 since launch. If this was a New Slim 3DS XL and still had 3D for $149 I'd get one.

@PlywoodStick That's exactly what I meant. I know people say they can't wait to pull out their Switch at the office and play some Zelda, but you're not going to see many people playing one on the bus, or kids bringing them to school. Being portable just means it's way easier to bring one to a friends' house, even if they don't have a TV. But I think most people will mostly leave it docked, or play it in a different room when the TV is in use, or maybe play it in the bathroom.

@Tingle_The_Great Save for a Switch!

Already have a new 3ds so won't bother with this, never use 3d feature so this would have interested me otherwise.

Nintendo Switch all the way.

@PlywoodStick Not that it proves anything in the grand scheme of things, but I actually saw two guys pulling out their Switches on the bus in the past week, and talking to their buddies about how great it is. I'm thinking it didn't happen at first because, well, there weren't a lot of people who managed to get one in the first wave. But now that we've had a couple of restocks and more Switches are out in the wild, I think we'll see more and more people actually using it as a handheld.

Doesn't look bad, but means we won't see a 3DS succesor this year.

@rjejr Not buying your version either, sorry. Like I said: just because it has a clamshell design, doesn't mean it's a 3DS. And they can't call it that either, since it doesn't have 3D, so if anything would be confusing, it would be that.

I don't give a crap about the uninformed populace, so if they don't know the difference between all these models, then that's their problem, but the people going out there to buy stuff like that, they already have the knowledge and the focus to know what it is and what they want, and if Nintendo does it's marketing right, just like they are doing now with the Switch, then there will be no confusion to speak off.

And like I also said, apparently the change in design is to address complaints or make improvements on the original design, so it would seem that the tablet/slate design was apparently less successful than they would have wanted it to be, otherwise they would have probably kept it. But since they didn't... Well, that should tell you enough.

Me personally, I'm really amazed at people not getting it or people up in arms over this, as if it is some personal insult or whatever. They're just diversifying their line, and giving people options. Don't want it? Don't buy it, but I'm pretty sure that more people than just @AlexSora89 (and his girlfriend) will be all over this, and this thing will go flying out of the shops in no time.

@AlexSora89 I know it's for your girlfriend, but she is with you, right? Would make it highly likely to assume that you would BOTH be happy with this...

@Asaki Oops, sorry for the misinterpretation.

The New Nintendo 3DS XL is the best 3DS.

I don't like the 2DS systems, because 3D is really cool sometimes, it's what makes the 3DS special.

The only way I'd by this is because of a killer game. But I still have my 3DS.

@ThanosReXXX
Eeyup. So far we're having an absolute blast playing the hell out of Team Kirby Clash Deluxe. It's my first true free-to-play experience and, boy howdy, is it ever addictive.

Bigger screen and still 240p resolution... Even with the normal size 3ds the resolution is way to small, have the nintendo staff even seen how bad it looks?

No 3D no buy

Basically Nintendo is creating a Switch competitor by themself. Not good. They better kill off the 3DS next year else it'll impact sales.

I really think it will get more people into the 3DS line. The switch gave Nintendo bunch of new fans who will hopefully try it out.

i still have my 3DS XL and its in great condition still, but i have no need to buy another DS. I actually do more gaming on the go with the switch then the 3DS too - especially with MK8D.

I have a New 3DS XL and a Switch. I really don't need one. I might have been interested if I never upgraded to "New 3DS XL", and still only owned a 3DS / 3DS XL...
I'm assuming the "New 2DS XL" will support the "New 3DS" exclusive games, like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D?

I voted 2, 2, 2, 3, 2.

I think it's a brilliant budget offering for the 3DS lineup. It's the machine to have for those who can not easily afford or at least not easily justify the price tag of the top tier N3DSXL, but want something better than the awkward little 2DS. And the N2DSXL is at an okay price point. Not exactly dirt cheap, but in reasonable grasp for most.

It's got a proven form factor that just about everybody loves, has all the power and beneifits of a "new" 3DSXL over against an "original" 3DSXL with the lone exception of that which supported the one feature that's been removed - the most contentious feature of the system anyway: 3D.

3D is way cool, and it offers more benefits than just the wow factor, "Nintendoes what Genesisn't" factor, and I know it's been much improved on N3DS over what it was on o3DS. But as an o3DSXL owner who doesn't currently own anything in the N3DS lineup, I have such a hard time maintaining my focus in 3D (lapsing into "double vision" waaaaaay too often) that I feel that between the N2DSXL with the more powerful internals, the c-stick, the SNES virtual console, and the support for the [admittedly still very scant] "library" of N3DS exclusives, but no 3D and my o3DSXL with 3D that's hard to manage and none of that other stuff - between the two - I'd rather have the N2DSXL and just say sayonara to 3D. Easy.

Now, to be clear, my own personal target is still the big daddy, the N3DSXL, so when I say I would be interested in buying one of these it would be for the household, for "Nerd Noise Manor", if you will, as opposed to for me personally. The wife and kiddo could use 3DS family devices. The kiddo has an old DSi that she never uses, and the wife has nothing, but has some measure of excitement for the N2DSXL. So I figure, but a N3DSXL for me, a N2DSXL for the Mrs, and give the kiddo my o3DSXL, and everybody will be happy!

But even if we never buy one, I still heartily applaud the N2DSXL for the simply perfect spot it occupies in the 3DS family lineup. In the uncharacteristicly concise words of Mojo Jojo...."Brilliant"! Don't get me wrong, I look forward to the day when [hopefully] the Switch absorbs the space currently occupied by 3DS like it did with the WiiU and becomes Nintendo's sole focus. But in the meantime, the N2DSXL is just a really great gap fill in the line.

Cheers!

Clamshell switch will be released next year. Just in time for my switch purchase. That's what my crystal ball says.

@Yasaal
Nah. Unlikely. They're competing at different pricepoints and with different games for different markets.

2DSxl is selling on the estanblished library 3DS family library, while Switch is building a whole new one, and does this whole multiplayer and TV thing.

@Tingle_The_Great I think you should defenitly upgrade! The first model 3ds is the worst model of all, I even prefer the ds phat/lite/i screens over the standard 3ds model. I would recommend you the 3ds xl or new 3ds xl for now.. But in your case you should maybe wait for the new 2ds xl though : )

If it has IPS screens I will get one I think

I already had one, it's called the New 3DS XL with the 3D off lol... So I don't need one again.

My body was not ready when I saw the first tweets and adverts

@ThanosReXXX "I don't give a crap about the uninformed populace"

That doesn't sound very much like a guy coming from marketing.

And yeah, they're doing a great job w/ Switch, but how about Wii U? It's still the same company. right? You can't say all of their decisions must be good ones just b/c they got the Switch right. Plus, they're the ones who came up w/ the tablet 2DS design in the first place.

I showed the vid to my high schooler, he of the 102 weighted average, and he said "That's not a 2DS, it's a 3DS." And that was w/o my prodding in case you were wondering.

It will sell. 2Ds sold. New 3DSs sold. Don't know how much, 3DS family has got to be hitting maximum density about now, but it will sell some b/c 3DS still has some games and this may be the only console on shelves when it launches. Bye bye 3D effect, it was nice knowing ya.

@rjejr "That doesn't sound very much like a guy coming from marketing"

Actually, it does. Haven't you been paying any attention to Reggie at all?

And I'm not saying that ALL their decisions are good, but let's just say that they seem to be going in the right direction ever since the release of the Switch. The past is the past, time to look forward, and that is a pretty positive picture so far.

But in the end, they're still Nintendo, and Nintendo gonna Nintendo, so they'll f* up somewhere along the line, or at least in the eyes of the ever critical Nintendo fan...

It's weird though, that a simple case mold can apparently decide or make people believe what a certain device is. To me, it looks distinctly different, less "adult" if you will, with more playful colors and buttons, which at the very least should make it clear already that this is a cheaper variant of the handheld, and that in and of itself should already make the inquisitive and intelligent persons among us wonder about what is missing to make it cheaper.

And since there is already a cheaper "3DS" out there, in the form of the non-foldable 2DS, the alarm bells should be ringing loudly in one's head that might strongly suggest that these devices must probably also lack 3D.

And yes, it WILL sell, and I predict that it will sell BIG, because there's still plenty of people worldwide that still believe that 3D images are bad for their kid's eyes, which is total bs, but that won't bother Nintendo. They probably couldn't care less what the specific reasons are for people who are buying the New 2DS, as long as they do buy them.

Personally, I was never that interested in the 2DS (although I might still buy one some day to complete my Nintendo handheld collection), and because my 3DS XL is still in perfect working order, I'm not really looking for another version (and I'm kind of fond of the 3D effect, so wouldn't want to miss that) but if I would, then I would sooner buy the New 2DS than the old version, because of the improved design.

I will vouch for this system. I think the DS family, and Switch will target different audiences to the point Nintendo will pull in two different fanbases and eventually one might dive into the Nintendo system they don't have.

Right now, I'm going to estimate that the 2DS XL/3DS will last another 2 years at the least, 4 years at the most.

I can assure you that there is a 2DS XL audience, for example, my girlfriend, who does not have a lot of spare money (because of rent, college, food, etc) wants this system because she loves a lot of original DS games (and this 2DS XL is backwards compatible) and she does not care for 3D. She just wants to play games like animal crossing, mario kart, zelda, and the original DS harvest moon games. She isn't into video games enough to drop money on a console or PC.

In my opinion, this is Nintendo's way of bringing in more people by giving them cheap quality gaming, and hopefully if they like it enough after trying it out, they will be more comfortable buying a switch than other consoles because they are already familiar with Nintendo in general.