Nintendo have just announced the 2DS. At first I thought April had come early but, no, they really have announced a cheaper, 2D-only version of their 3DS console without hosting a Nintendo Direct and having a lot of fuss about it.
It actually looks quite decent, despite the L and R buttons being quite high. While you’re no longer able to close the system, it still features the same two screens and plays the same games, only without the 3D. It still features everything else, including WiFi and multiplayer capabilities, as to not repeat the Wii Mini. It does only include one speaker, however.
Releasing in blue/black and red/white models, the console will be available cheaper than the 3DS at $129.99. It releases on the same day as Pokémon X & Y in the US – October 12th – which is a great move on their part.
Nintendo seem to be marketing it as the “budget” version of the 3DS family, so expect a price around £100. I’m still very happy with my 3DS XL, which I recently bought for £120; I don’t think I’ll be switching to a 2DS system any time soon.
Alex C
Perfect for the kids. If that top screen is fairly resistant to being thrown in a bag (and so on) I’m tempted. Need specs – I’m assuming the screen size matches the 3DS XL – but yeah, I like.
Alex C
Oh. Same screen size as original 3DS. Not quite as interesting, then. =(
http://i.imgur.com/2EXf1ed.png
Dan Jones
I might actually buy one of these. Neat idea, just need to get the pricing right.
Dan Jones
Just saw that GAME will price it at £109.99. Was hoping for better.
Blair Inglis
£10 less than I got my 3DS for, but that was discounted. It’ll be £80-90 at Christmas/the sales.
Dan Jones
Once it’s down to £80 I really can’t say no. Been meaning to get myself a DS of some sorts for a while, and this seems like a perfect entry point. Not fussed by the design either.
Spence1115
See, considering how cheaply the 3DS and 3DS XL have been available recently in sales, this needs to be MUCH cheaper. I’d have been happy without the 3DS on mine (wish I could keep it permanently off actually rather than nudging it occasionally) but the lack of folding now seems strange.
They also should definitely have used the Gameboy name for this. Still looks like Gameboy/Gameboy Advance style because of the no fold. Nintendo Gameboy DS, done. Much less pisstake name.
Spence1115
Wait, no, its a Wii U controller with a split screen. Gotta do something with them I guess…
BAGPUS
You can turn off 3D in the parental settings, it will then ask you if you want to launch the game in 2D or 3D.
colmshan1990
Just as everyone in the mainstream finally figures out that the 3DS is in fact a whole new product compared to the the DS, Nintendo further muddy the waters by releasing a 2DS which plays 3DS games…
This was named by the same guy who came up with Wii U, wasn’t it?
Adam Guest
“It’s a 3DS without the 3D, so hows about, uhm… Nintendo DS?”
“No Larry, we’ve done that one!”
“DSU?”
“WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN? Just call it a 2DS and be done with it.”
Kennykazey
Talk about confusing their customers. You just know someone will walk into a shop and go “where the eff are the 2DS games, I bought this thing last week and there’s only 3DS games available!”
I fear it might have an impact on games development as well, will 3D no longer be a requirement?
Such a weird move by Nintendo, I thought it was a joke when I first saw it.
Adam Guest
Actually really interested in this. Was wanting an XL for Mario, but the 3D gives me terrible headaches, so taking that out is great – disappointed they’ve lost the clamshell design though, this is looking just a bit too bulky.
Great that you get a memory card (and a charger) in the box this time round too, but I guess this also means we wont see a 3DS price-cut this year. Boo.
Throw in a game or drop the price of this one slightly and I’m all in.
Starman
Parents buying DS’s at xmas aren’t going to have a clue what they’re supposed to be buying.
ron_mcphatty
I think that’s been a problem with various consoles for a while now.
tactical20
Nintendo have lost the plot. As if there wasn’t enough confusion already with DS/Wii naming. Poor parents trying to buy kids xmas presents! I can’t see this being anything other than a flop.
Awayze
Yep, Nintendo have lost the plot with this hideous looking thing.
freezebug2
More hideous has to be the pricing. Choice of the full fat 3D version for a tenner more*, or get the tenner lighter 2D cos’ it’s new shiny…..shiny always sways some people no doubt about it.
*Based on bargain 3D models untainted by RRP*
cam the man
Only £10 cheaper! can’t see the point at that price.
If it was about £75 maybe?
freezebug2
After further investigation, it seems that there is more like a £20 price difference between the 3DS and 2DS at some of the more well known retailers.
I can’t help feeling though that the market being targeted should really only expect to pay under £100 even at RRP for this console. The VTech/Fisher price consumer base that it’s aimed at will not prioritise careful handling, so a reasonable replacement pricing would be in order.
Just my $0.02
2ofclubs
Don’t see the point at all. Looks vile, is barely cheaper, has a horrible form factor and why this has to exist baffles me. From what Reggie was saying it’s for younger kids because the 3DS has health warnings so they can’t use it. That just sums up Nintendo at the moment, they think things are a good idea but haven’t properly thought them through.
Just my personal opinion of course as I know the 3DS is a hugely popular console as was the DS before it. I still just can’t find any reasons to want a 3DS or a Wii U for that matter.
shields_t
Still no second stick though, cue another fugly peripheral.