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3DS

Nintendo Unveils New Entry Level Handheld, the 2DS

by Danny Bivens - August 28, 2013, 8:39 am EDT
Total comments: 91

The next iteration of the 3DS is coming sooner than you think. 

The Nintendo 2DS, the latest entry into the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, is set to release in North America on October 12 and will retail for $129.99.

The system will be available in Red and Blue and will feature a slate-like design as opposed to the clamshell design of the Nintendo DS and 3DS. The screens are the same size of the screens on the original 3DS.

The 2DS is able to play all Nintendo DS, 3DS packaged and downloadable titles and maintains all of the online features of the 3DS. The only exception is that games cannot be played in stereoscopic 3D.

Images

Talkback

ShyGuyAugust 28, 2013

This, this could be a money maker. Only $130.


Will Nintendo now phase out all the OLD DS and DSi systems? Will the 3DS also be phased out to be replaced by the 3DS XL?

Leo13August 28, 2013

Great idea Nintendo!!!

SorenAugust 28, 2013

I can totally see myself getting this. Question for my 3DS owning forum friends, how important is the 3D effect on most games? I assume it's not important enough seeing as how Nintendo is releasing a 3D-less model, but I still want to know.

Leo13August 28, 2013

I'd be willing to give up my 3D to save $50 (I use it, but I don't find it critical), but I don't know if I'd be willing to give up the ability to fold it closed

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

I don't know what is wrong with you people. This is a horrible idea. The worst thing they could have done when the 3DS is selling like hotcakes and the Wii U is tanking so hard.


I'm just imagining the bullshit I'm going to have to deal with trying to explain to customers what's the difference between a DS and a 3DS and a 2DS. Oi.

tendoboy1984August 28, 2013

That form factor is very appealing, with no fragile hinge to break. The price is an amazing deal. But I know it won't fit in my pocket. :-P

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Soren

I can totally see myself getting this. Question for my 3DS owning forum friends, how important is the 3D effect on most games? I assume it's not important enough seeing as how Nintendo is releasing a 3D-less model, but I still want to know.

COnsidering you can completely shut it off at any time, it isn't important. Not unless like 3D.

Do_WhatAugust 28, 2013

This is exciting news.

SorenAugust 28, 2013

I agree the timing might be a bit off, considering this news takes away from the hype of the Wii U price drop. Specially since Nintendo needs to concentrate on selling some Wii Us this holiday season.


But for somone like me who had no interest in a $170 handheld with a feature that already felt like it was being phased out? I'm intrigued.

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

Good luck protecting those screens. And hell, putting it in your pocket.

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

Didn't the 3D screen cost like three magic beans per unit? I get the impression that the original 3DS is overpriced now.

I don't think this is a very good idea mainly because of consumer perception. Have fun explaining to people that this is still a 3DS. Also, it looks like a pain in the ass to use the touchscreen with the face buttons. I'll stick with my 3DS XL. That thing is the bomb dot com.

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Adrock

I don't think this is a very good idea mainly because of consumer perception. Have fun explaining to people that this is still a 3DS. Also, it looks like a pain in the ass to use the touchscreen with the face buttons. I'll stick with my 3DS XL. That thing is the bomb dot com.

Thank you, somebody with a little sense. The casual consumers that will buy a Nintendo handheld for their children this Christmas are going to have a fun time trying to figure what is what.

Ian SaneAugust 28, 2013

So after all the hoopala about 3D Nintendo has just outright stripped it out.  The 3DS initially sold quite poorly so it was clear that the 3D gimmick wasn't impressing anyone.  Yet the Wii U uses the same approach of (in theory) hooking people in with a gimmick.  When it was clearly not working the 3DS why didn't they rethink their approach with the Wii U?  Not enough time?  The 3DS always had the advantage that it could stand on its own without the 3D feature but the Wii U without the Gamepad would just be some underpowered last gen console (the Wii had the same issue; it's worthless seperated from its gimmick).  I guess they just never noticed the obvious out they had with the 3DS and DS where if the gimmick failed they had a capable enough system without it.

With this and with the Wii U failing hard I have hope that Nintendo's gimmick phase is about to end and they'll go back to concentrating on making great games as their selling point - the whole reason the 3DS bounced back and the REAL reason the DS was successful.

I don't need the 3D crap so this seems like it would be a good choice for when I want to get a 3DS for Pokemon.  But I don't know about the lack of a clamshell.  How is this portable anymore?  I use handhelds largely as a stay-at-home system anyway but in the rare situation where I do take one with me this seems too big.  Is the hinge so expensive that they had to remove it to bring the price down?  Perhaps they're trying to create that association with tablets but how is that working out for the Wii U?

SarailAugust 28, 2013

This is fantastic. Perfect for me, as I can't see 3D effects anyway.


Definitely buying one come 12 October. I really like the design, too.

SorenAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Oblivion

Good luck protecting those screens. And hell, putting it in your pocket.

-Screen protectors?
-I haven't bought a handheld since the GBA SP. My gaming experiences are strictly a home thing now. The only reason I would buy this is to take advantage of the 3DS' unique game library, not because I want to game outside my house. So for me, this is a really attractive deal.

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

A thin sheet of plastic doesn't do shit versus gorilla glass.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorAugust 28, 2013

Will I get one?  Probably.
Not a day-one purchase though.  My favorite aspect of the 3DS is the StreetPass features.  I can't carry this in my pockets.

shingi_70August 28, 2013

Its a nice idea but that thing looks god awful.

PhilPhillip Stortzum, August 28, 2013

This a smart move and dumb one at the same time. It's great that it's not a clamshell design, as it is meant for kids. They'd snap the hinges in two easily. On the other hand, I can imagine parents with bewildered looks on their faces not knowing where the 2DS games are and why they are being pointed to 3DS games.


Maybe I can get my brother to get himself one. He doesn't care for the 3D effect, so this would be perfect for him. Finally we'd be able to play 3DS titles together.

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Ian

With this and with the Wii U failing hard I have hope that Nintendo's gimmick phase is about to end and they'll go back to concentrating on making great games as their selling point - the whole reason the 3DS bounced back and the REAL reason the DS was successful.

Your reasoning doesn't make sense. If Nintendo is already doing the thing that made successful, how can they go back to it?

And seriously, 3D was so unobtrusive. I don't see how it can be viewed negatively as a gimmick. It was there for people who wanted it and didn't cost much.

Fiendlord_TimmayAugust 28, 2013

*Checks date*

Nowhere near April Fools. So.... this isn't a joke? O_o

Well... ok then I guess. Taking out 3D doesn't surprise me that much, honestly. But why get rid of the clamshell design? Does that add significantly to the cost of the system? The lack of that feature would be a dealbreaker for me.

Personally I absolutely love my XL, but I might have to pick up one of these down the road when they're really cheap just for the WTF factor.

Also, random side note, now we can't call the original DS "2DS" anymore. It's like Xbox One all over again! :P:

azekeAugust 28, 2013

It looks stupid.

But considering i already bought two 3DSs and lost one, i'm not in the market for this. They probably want to kill all that predisposition in parents minds about 3D.

But jeez, how stupid this looks.

ShyGuyAugust 28, 2013

No clamshell design. Nintendo changing the form factors of their hand-helds

Prediction: Next handheld will also be a tablet/pad/slate design. Wireless HD to TV maybe? 2015 maybe?

ejamerAugust 28, 2013

Seems like this is targeting children with the simplified, accessible design and lack of 3D display. Releasing in tandem with Pokemon will probably give this a huge boost.


Not my cup of tea, but might find a willing market.

martyAugust 28, 2013

Ditching 3d seems like a good move as does the low price and launching alongside the next main Pokemon game.


I don't mind the non-clamshell design since I don't find it all that comfortable to walk around with much of anything in my pockets--my handhelds always traveled in a backpack or messenger bag, anyway.  Buttons/screen damage is a concern, though.

oohhboyHong Hang Ho, Staff AlumnusAugust 28, 2013

For me, given the option of for a more expensive 3D model for a Nintendo handheld, I go 3D everytime. It's a nice visual bonus for me in a one off cost. I didn't buy a 3DS at launch not because of the 3D effect, it was from the lack of games I wanted not to mention the price was a hair too high at the time.

While this thing isn't for me, as I like to say, "If you don't sell it, I can't buy it".

pyrokamileonAugust 28, 2013

I bought a 3ds because I really wanted 3d gaming! people have suggested nintendo take out 3d forever but I never believed they would actually back pedal on their design choice. they are selling this to kids who shouldn't be exposed to 3d, I understand that. for the first time nintendo has released a product that I have absolutely no interest in buying :-(

Ian SaneAugust 28, 2013

Apparently this thing only has a single mono speaker instead of the two stereo speakers of the other models.  It does support stereo with headphones though.  Eh, that's pretty much a deal breaker for me.  I'm not broke, I might as well go for the XL.

oohhboyHong Hang Ho, Staff AlumnusAugust 28, 2013

The real question is the 2DS so bad that even UncleBob wouldn't buy it?

ejamerAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: oohhboy

The real question is the 2DS so bad that even UncleBob wouldn't buy it?

Although I find it unattractive the 2DS really isn't that bad.  It's certainly no Wii Mini.

tendoboy1984August 28, 2013

What's wrong with the form factor? The current 3DS models have fragile hinges, and this thing actually looks comfortable to hold.

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

Have using that touchscreen then.

And fragile hinges? Ease up on them, Hulk Hands...

Not that the 3DS is that comfortable, but the 2DS looks like it would be just plain painful to hold onto for long stretches. 

It's a bonus that the weak hinges are gone, but it comes completely at the cost of portability, unless they assume that things like the iPAD are considered portable despite being relatively large.

I personally enjoy using the 3D on occasion, but it isn't integral to my experiences, and more often than not I find the way they use the 3D either ineffective, or worse, distracting from the game experience.

I think it's a smart move by Nintendo.  Continue enlargening the consumer base of their profitable handheld system by releasing a lower-priced model that takes out some bells and whistles.  People need to stop bemoaning the fact they aren't using these resources on the Wii U, as every good company diversifies their efforts to work towards a profitable situation.

happyastoriaAugust 28, 2013

C'mon, people! The 2DS (great idea) looks god awful. What were they thinking?! It genuinely looks like a child's toy, and a cheap Chinese knockoff.

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

Considering this entry model is launching with Pokemon and removes the thing Nintendo does not recommend for anyone under seven years of age, resembling a child's toy is exactly what this should look like.

happyastoriaAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Adrock

Considering this entry model is launching with Pokemon and removes the thing Nintendo does not recommend for anyone under seven years of age, resembling a child's toy is exactly what this should look like.

The price is very attractive to me (I still don't have a 3DS), but that design is the number one reason why I won't be buying it.

TheFleeceAugust 28, 2013

Guess I'm still waiting for the Hi Def DS- but seriously the more I think about it the more it feels like it's a fail safe from parents who won't understand that you can disable the 3D on the 3DS already and that's it. The design reminds me of the handhelds I used to have as a kid: http://www.gamernoize.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/cole.jpg

LudicrousDa3veAugust 28, 2013

I have four kids, that can be awfully heavy handed. This is a very good move. Thanks to the price, Santa might be bringing a couple of these for the kids to fight over. Maybe then they'll leave our 3DS alone and stop creating extra folders all the damned time. :)

This thing is going to be huge for Nintendo this holiday season.

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: happyastoria

The price is very attractive to me (I still don't have a 3DS), but that design is the number one reason why I won't be buying it.

I recommend the XL anyway. It'll probably go on sale again before the end of the year.

pandaradoxAugust 28, 2013

SO. I hop on here to see the trolling on the 2DS... to my surprise it's well received (I guess that's a good thing for Nintendo's bottomline). Considering that Nintendo could have made the 3DS form just without the 3D boggles my mind.  The screens are exposed, so ugh.  The whole thing looks like a leapfrog.  And I do not want to be that guy that has a zipper case for my system.  I might as well stand next to that one guy that has a little leather bag for his iphone. 


No thank you.


I mean, look at the intro video.  The father can't even believe his son is playing on one.  Now we watch the decline from clam-form.  I'm going to rage at the next handheld looking like a GB Brick. 3DS XL is the way to go. 

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

We're on a Nintendo fansite. Unfortunately, of course it's well received.

Quote from: Oblivion

We're on a Nintendo fansite. Unfortunately, of course it's well received.

You've been here long enough to know that it doesn't work that way. There's plenty of criticism of Nintendo here, both warranted and not.

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

Then why is it that this website is the only place I've seen who welcomes this? All I've seen is warranted hatred towards this awful piece of hardware, until I come to a Nintendo fansite where they welcome this piece of junk with open arms.

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

I'm baffled that anyone over the age of seven thinks the 2DS was designed with them in mind. I know the announcement video shows adults playing it, but nothing procludes adults from using it. Any parent in this thread who has said something along the lines of "This would be great for my kid(s)" has the right idea.

2DS makes sense, except the name. I mean, I get it because what's not to get if you already own one, but I don't think the general public necessarily will.

I read on other sites that the battery life is the same. That's probably the only thing about the design I feel is a total missed opportunity.

Ian SaneAugust 28, 2013

I find the "this is for kids" justification for the lack of a hinge kind of weird.  Like the fuckin' 3DS wasn't kid friendly?  How about every single variation of the DS or the GBA SP?  Kids who aren't insanely stupid can handle a clam shell design without breaking it.

There is an article on USGamer.net that mentions that the 2DS uses one singular screen and then uses the plactic molding to give it the appearance of seperate screens.  So they just wanted to cut the price down by going with one screen instead of two.  It's that simple.  Any suggestion that kids can't handle a clamshell design is absolute nonsense.  Hell, I see small kids using their parents' iPhone and that's a lot more delicate and expensive than a 3DS.  Kids today are raised with technology and learn how to handle it correctly pretty damn soon.

Yeah, the name seems like an odd choice, but I'm not sure how they could have gotten around it. They wanted to make sure people knew that it didn't do 3D, and calling it 3DS 2D would be even worse. Other than the name, I really don't see what the problem is. Simpler, more durable construction allows for a lower price point that appeals to parents. Seems like a slam dunk for Nintendo.

toddraAugust 28, 2013

or gamers on a budget who don't care for the 3D?

How is it that Nintendo's first handheld ever to launch above $150 is suddenly regarded as their standard and when they do something that is more in line with their traditional approach suddenly it is a joke? This thing looks more like a real Gameboy than any previous DS has and I for one am excited about it. Especially the price drop, as even at $170 the 3DS was over priced.

I agree the Wii U gamepad does look an awful lot like a gimmick which is one thing holding me back I HATED the Wiimote it was not for me. but tablets and touch screens are more natural and something people are more used to so it makes more sense than the waggle wand ever did. It just kind of backfired because of the changing audience.

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Ian

I find the "this is for kids" justification for the lack of a hinge kind of weird.  Like the fuckin' 3DS wasn't kid friendly?

Removing 3D speaks more to who this model is designed for than removing the hinges. Nintendo has been saying since day one that children under seven shouldn't use 3D. Hey, look, now here's a 3DS without 3D. 2DS isn't replacing the other models. Nintendo isn't giving up on 3D; they're clearly targeting a certain demographic. It's cheaper for parents with more than one kid and without 3D, it assuages fears that kids' eyes will fall out and burst into flames or whatever some parents think will happen if their spawn messes with the 3D slider.

And I won't believe 2DS using a single screen until it's confirmed. That seems like it'd be more expensive.

Evan_BAugust 28, 2013

Everyone who doesn't think the DS is a brand name by now (DS, DS Lite, DSi, 3DS, etc) is stupid to think this won't move a million units, especially with Pokemon coming out.

I mean, come on, are you serious.

WahAugust 28, 2013

The controls look uncomfortable!

Ian SaneAugust 28, 2013

I remember eBay had seperate sections for DS and DS Lite games because the people running things there are easily confused idiots.  So how much you bet this happens again with 3DS and 2DS?

Of course when you name your console 3DS and take out the 3D feature you're kinda forced to change the name.  It isn't anything I would have expected Nintendo to take into account when they named the 3DS.

RazorkidAugust 28, 2013

I can't understand why people are upset about this prodd[8)_(90-
098io

WahAugust 28, 2013

Can you fold it cause it looks like you can't!

My wait for a nice remodel of the regular 3DS continues... I'm starting to wonder if it will ever happen, I'd prefer to get a new one with the proper screen size.

PhilPhillip Stortzum, August 28, 2013

I was going to ask why this is such a big deal, but then I thought of the answer, "Because... internet."

As was pointed out by (I believe) a certain doctor and former NWR director, it doesn't matter if it fits in a pocket (though I believe it to be a little smaller than an iPad Mini which fits in my pocket) - it's got to fit in a Spiderman backpack. And it does that perfectly.

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

I finally had a chance to look at more pics and read up on it. A few takeaways:

1. It's slightly heavier than the original. No, Nintendo.

2. The battery life is a hair better than the original though essentially the same. And there's no power saving mode per NOE. No, Nintendo.

3. I'm guessing there won't be a 2DS Circle Pad Pro. This one at least kind of makes sense due to the target audience.

For a handheld that's not meant for pockets, I think grips for better comfort and handling could have gone a long way. I still don't like the button placement in relation to the bottom screen, but I suppose I have to try it myself.

Chad SexingtonAugust 28, 2013

Not sure what I think about this.


The 3D on my 3DS is 'on' 99% of the time.  If I can set it to max on a particular game, then I do.


But even if I didn't care for 3D, the screen size would be a deal breaker for me.  I don't think I would ever buy this over a 3DS XL for that fact alone.


Kind of an odd product in my mind, but it sounds like other people are excited for it.

WahAugust 28, 2013

On XL the pixels are grainy! What they did was just stercth the pixels. And if you research has excalty the same amount as the 3DS! :@

Quote from: Adrock

2. The battery life is a hair better than the original though essentially the same. And there's no power saving mode per NOE. No, Nintendo.

Isn't there a sleep switch on the side that would save power? It has to work with StreetPass, at the very least.

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Shaymin

Isn't there a sleep switch on the side that would save power? It has to work with StreetPass, at the very least.

It does. The switch in on the bottom right hand corner. I don't think Sleep Mode and Power Saving Mode are the same thing, at least not according to Nintendo of Europe.

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

Power Saving Mode is the option that dilutes and dulls certain colors in the brighter settings to save some battery while being used.


Also, apparently the 2DS screens are actually one screen with a bit of plastic making them into two screens, so someone online made this:


http://i.imgur.com/LqsJsgd.png

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

Ian mentioned that in the previous page. I'll wait for confirmation.

I think I'd actually prefer that setup with one large screen. Time to bring back the Gameboy line.

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Adrock

Ian mentioned that in the previous page. I'll wait for confirmation.

Well, your confirmation's been here for a while. http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/28/nintendo-2ds-has-one-big-screen-divided-by-plastic

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Oblivion

Quote from: Adrock

Ian mentioned that in the previous page. I'll wait for confirmation.

Well, your confirmation's been here for a while. http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/28/nintendo-2ds-has-one-big-screen-divided-by-plastic

RazorkidAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Razorkid

I can't understand why people are upset about this proddThis is NOT for handheld gamers (they all have 3DS/XL's already). This is most definitely for kids 10 and under FIRST, the incredibly price conscious individual who is tangentially interested in a 3DS to play with mostly at home SECOND, and those who abhor 3D in all it's incarnations but still want to play games on the system LAST.

I repeat, THIS IS NOT FOR 99% OF YOU.  The comparisons to this looking like a Leap Frog are spot on, this is not a device that is suppose to be played outside by teens or adults. Those criticizing the design clearly either have no children or are unfamiliar with how children treat their toys. I can't tell you how many broken hinged DS's I've seen from various families I know. The one unit slate design is much sturdier than a clamshell. It's also relatable form-factor wise to tablets which more and more children are familiar with.  The control placement is fine (kids don't care about ergonomics) and it makes the system not be top heavy vs. holding the system from the bottom if all the controls were focused there. Finally, the price is attractive enough for parents to consider buying this vs. an OG or XL (or having their kids play their parent's system).

I don't get why people are critical of a hardware solution that is clearly aimed at an entirely different audience from them.  This system only adds more people to the 3DS fold and it doesn't splinter the market on features ( I slide off my 3D setting instantly granting me a 2DS). Do people feel like they have to buy every iteration of hardware?

If you want to play handheld games, buy an XL.
If you are price conscious, get an OG.
If you want to buy a kid a handheld, get a 2DS
If you are waiting for a dual analog 3DS revision, go back to playing consoles or buy a Vita.

People get rather silly sometimes.

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

It's going to make things even more confusing for the retarded consumer.The idiots who thought a 3DS was a "3D DS" or the Wii U was simply a "tablet controller for the Wii" are going to be even more confused by the 2DS.


That's the reason I'm in a tizzy.

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Oblivion

Well, your confirmation's been here for a while. http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/28/nintendo-2ds-has-one-big-screen-divided-by-plastic

Thanks, TJ.

RazorkidAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Oblivion

It's going to make things even more confusing for the retarded consumer.The idiots who thought a 3DS was a "3D DS" or the Wii U was simply a "tablet controller for the Wii" are going to be even more confused by the 2DS.


That's the reason I'm in a tizzy.

That's understandable, but:
-The system doesn't look like a 3DS or a DS, so when a kid asks for it there will be little confusion as long as the person buying it sees what it actually looks like.
-The thing plays both 3DS and DS games, so whatever Nintendo branded software the most misguided consumer buys released in the last 7+ years will still be playable on the system.

AdrockAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Razorkid

as long as the person buying it sees what it actually looks like.

That's the entire problem. A kid asks for a 2DS and if you're not well-versed in gaming, you're probably walking into the store without a clue of what you're looking for, even if you saw one briefly. And working retail is the worst because trying to explain this stuff to newbz is like Abbott and Costello's "Who's on first?"

OblivionAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Adrock

Quote from: Oblivion

Well, your confirmation's been here for a while. http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/28/nintendo-2ds-has-one-big-screen-divided-by-plastic

Thanks, TJ.

Love you too.



All I know is that if my son was old enough to play games and under 10, and I wanted to give him a version of the 3DS that was simplified for his use and less prone to breakage without the hinges, I think this would be perfect.

CericAugust 28, 2013

Quote from: Oblivion

Then why is it that this website is the only place I've seen who welcomes this? All I've seen is warranted hatred towards this awful piece of hardware, until I come to a Nintendo fansite where they welcome this piece of junk with open arms.

It might not seem it as of late but as a community we tend to be open and this is not a bad piece of kit when you think of it.

A lot of people especially in the Hardcore area wish the 3D gone.
Kids like to fiddling with things and parents have to unfiddle them.  I'm not going to get them a system where I have to constantly be moving up or down the slider.
The hinges are and will always be the weakest point and kids aren't gentle.

Honestly I don't really know what Nintendo could have done to make a new Sku really.  This is clever outside of the box thinking on their part.

tendoboy1984August 29, 2013

Quote from: Ceric

Quote from: Oblivion

Then why is it that this website is the only place I've seen who welcomes this? All I've seen is warranted hatred towards this awful piece of hardware, until I come to a Nintendo fansite where they welcome this piece of junk with open arms.

It might not seem it as of late but as a community we tend to be open and this is not a bad piece of kit when you think of it.

A lot of people especially in the Hardcore area wish the 3D gone.
Kids like to fiddling with things and parents have to unfiddle them.  I'm not going to get them a system where I have to constantly be moving up or down the slider.
The hinges are and will always be the weakest point and kids aren't gentle.

Honestly I don't really know what Nintendo could have done to make a new Sku really.  This is clever outside of the box thinking on their part.

Agreed.

The lower price and omission of the fragile hinge makes this a must-buy for me. I'm just upset because there is only one speaker instead of two.

My current 3DS (not an XL) has a weak hinge that broke recently, and this 2DS will be a perfect replacement.

SorenAugust 29, 2013

Quote from: Adrock

Quote from: Razorkid

as long as the person buying it sees what it actually looks like.

That's the entire problem. A kid asks for a 2DS and if you're not well-versed in gaming, you're probably walking into the store without a clue of what you're looking for, even if you saw one briefly. And working retail is the worst because trying to explain this stuff to newbz is like Abbott and Costello's "Who's on first?"

I guess all those fears will be squashed when the kid drags his parents into Gamestop pointing like mad at the poster of Pokemon X and Y with a picture of the 2DS system.

Ian SaneAugust 29, 2013

What I don't like about the 2DS is that it's almost a product I would like.  A cheaper 3DS without the 3D features that I don't want to use anyway would be great.  But with this I lose the clamshell design.  I think there's a market for a 2DS for grown-ups but Nintendo isn't offering it and this kid-focused 2DS has put the concept of such a product in our heads.

SarailAugust 29, 2013

How is this marketed to kids? It's flat...like an iPad...like a Nexus 7/10...like a Galaxy Note. And all of these devices are bought and used by adults.

Just because Pokémon comes out alongside this thing in October doesn't mean it's being marketed towards little children. I feel as if that's a very obtuse assumption. I'm 31 years of age, and I want one of these things NOW. It's perfect for me - just not for my copy of Phantom Hourglass...

Quote from: Racht

How is this marketed to kids? It's flat...like an iPad...like a Nexus 7/10...like a Galaxy Note. And all of these devices are bought and used by adults.

Just because Pokémon comes out alongside this thing in October doesn't mean it's being marketed towards little children. I feel as if that's a very obtuse assumption. I'm 31 years of age, and I want one of these things NOW. It's perfect for me - just not for my copy of Phantom Hourglass...


1) Isn't the whole "targeting children" thing directly from the announcement? 
2) You also can't deny the argument a simplified, more durable handheld is a attractive feature to a parent who knows their kid will drop, bash, and spill things on their handheld. 
3) No one is saying there isn't any compelling argument for older kids or adults, just that it is geared more towards kids.  I can't deny that the $120 price point is attractive in general.  That brings it down to DS/DSi prices.

AdrockAugust 29, 2013

Quote from: Ian

What I don't like about the 2DS is that it's almost a product I would like.  A cheaper 3DS without the 3D features that I don't want to use anyway would be great.  But with this I lose the clamshell design.  I think there's a market for a 2DS for grown-ups but Nintendo isn't offering it and this kid-focused 2DS has put the concept of such a product in our heads.

Losing the clamshell is what makes it cheaper. You're the first person who mentioned that the screens on 2DS are really just one large screen. If you really want a cheaper clamshell 3DS, just wait for a sale. 3DS and XL go on sale for $20-$30 several times a year. That's what I did. If you really want to save that $40, I'm sure if you look hard enough, you can probably get it even cheaper.

And I don't use 3D. A lot of people don't. I usually turn it on once the first time I play a game, just see what it looks like then turn it off for the rest my time with the game. I really don't understand why 3D existing is so offensive to you.

Mop it upAugust 29, 2013

I think there's a good idea behind this, and the design seems mostly fine. But I think a price of $99.99 would be better for what they're aiming at. I guess it may not matter much since the DS still sold like crazy at $130, but this still feels like something that should have come a little later on since the 3DS is currently selling well.

The name is the worst thing about it, but they're kind of stuck with that problem regardless of what it is.

WahAugust 29, 2013

Let's just admit that 99% of us will not buy it!
I hate how people call the 3ds the DS3!

toddraAugust 29, 2013

Quote from: Lucariofan99

Let's just admit that 99% of us will not buy it!
I hate how people call the 3ds the DS3!

how can you say that? From the comments it sounds like most of us actually want it but are torn over little things. I want one. And so what if they call it the DS 3 isn't it the third product in the line that sounds like nitpicking.

Leo13August 30, 2013

I like it. I own a 3DS, a 3DS XL and I'll probably buy 2 of these 2DS units (In my family my 2 kids, my wife and I all play)

Chad SexingtonAugust 30, 2013

Not interested.


3D vs. 2D aside; I can't image going back to a small screen.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorAugust 30, 2013

Quote from: Adrock

3DS and XL go on sale for $20-$30 several times a year.

What?  Where!?!  I want a $20-$30 3DS/XL!  I want seven of them!

AdrockAugust 30, 2013

I had a feeling someone would comment on that, but since I can't edit, I hoped that people would just naturally assume that "off" should be after "$20-$30." However, if you could like to mail me $140, I'll send you seven 3DS units at $20 per. Not pictured. Sold as is, no refunds.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorAugust 30, 2013

:D

toddraAugust 30, 2013

I guess I need to analyze the photos a little more closely but how is this so big it can't be considered a hand held? I thought it was just the same size as the 3DS unfolded anyways.

tendoboy1984August 31, 2013

Quote from: toddra

I guess I need to analyze the photos a little more closely but how is this so big it can't be considered a hand held? I thought it was just the same size as the 3DS unfolded anyways.


It's actually a tiny bit bigger.

I hate how the screens aren't XL-sized. That huge bezel is a waste of space.

AdrockSeptember 01, 2013

You're a waste of space.

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