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Nintendo to Release New 2DS Hardware that Ditches 3D Output

28.08.2013

Nintendo to Release New 2DS Hardware that Ditches 3D Output on Nintendo gaming news, videos and discussion

Nintendo has announced plans to ditch the 3D component of the 3DS and release a new, standalone "entry-level" portable called 2DS.

Pitched a hybrid between the Nintendo DS and 3DS, the console will support both 3DS and DS games, but will NOT output games in 3D. Interestingly, there will be dual outward-facing cameras that would capture 3D footage, but only viewable on separate 3D hardware.

The new Nintendo 2DS will launch alongside the release of Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, and will not replace the Nintendo 3DS, but act as an "entry-level" device.

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The Nintendo 2DS will launch at a RRP of $129.99, a $40 saving over the standard 3DS and a $70 difference compared to the XL.

Unlike the very much now-standard clamshell approach employed since the original Nintendo DS, the new hardware takes on a slate/almost-tablet esque design for a new way to play, but will still contain a single analogue stick.

What are your thoughts on the new Nintendo 2DS hardware - a good idea or confusing third console?

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SirLink 28.08.2013#1

I was pretty much laughing when I first saw this but it makes sense, I guess. Ditching the clamshell means young kids can't break it and it's quite a bit cheaper too (I'm assuming mainly because they don't need to manufacture 3D screens) which should make it more attractive for parents to buy.

In short, not for us...but I know people are going to bitch about this anyway even though it doesn't affect us in any way.

( Edited 28.08.2013 17:08 by SirLink )

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jesusraz 28.08.2013#2

*Checks calendar*

Oh...it's not April! Smilie

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oroblram 28.08.2013#3

Adam Riley said:
*Checks calendar*
Oh...it's not April!

Literally what went through my mind Smilie

Don't like the design and it feels horribly fractured; although I suspect that the 3D part of the 3DS isn't really the bit that sells it...

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Ikana 28.08.2013#4

How weird! Doesn't look attractive or comfortable imo. Still one analogue and presumably smaller screens than the XL, so I'm not interested. I'm still waiting to grab a cheap XL, though I was hoping for new dual-analogue model!

Phoenom 28.08.2013#5

Woah that thing is ugly

WP-Final 28.08.2013#6

Can't see the point but I guess it's not as pointless as WiiMini.

Sonic_13 28.08.2013#7

It's probably going to be trashed on gaming sites since "gamers" expect every single game and device to be targeted towards them (aka 18-30 year old males).

However, it actually is a really great system for the audience it is targeting: young kids.
- No 3D (it's always recommended to turn off the 3D for younger eyes)
- No hinge to break (this will likely survive being dropped down a flight of stairs - like I accidentally did with my Game Boy more than once as a kid - as opposed to a hinged device that would likely break).
- Cheaper

J4K 28.08.2013#8

Well, this is unexpected. Nintendo is obviously denying it, but I wonder if this is the first step in them shifting away from 3D entirely. Wouldn't shock me if their next gen handheld abandoned the format.

At least to my eyes, 3D has mostly been a gimmick with no gameplay benefit. If the next iteration of the handheld could get it right (still no glasses, much larger sweetspot) I'd still have interest in the tech. But generally I play my 3DS games in 3D for all of fifteen minutes to "ooh" and "ahhh" and then go back to the much easier on the eyes (and battery) 2D mode.

In that sense, 90% of the 3DS experience for a lot of players who ignore the feature is retained in this device, for a decent chunk of change less. So if you don't give a toss about 3D this isn't a bad device.

But then what's up with Nintendo and wretched hardware design these days? I miss the days of simple elegance that came from products like the GBA SP, GBA Micro, DS lite, and DSi. All current iterations of the 3DS/2DS lines look cheap and even ridiculous. It makes Nintendo's hardware stand out, sure, but for the wrong reasons.

TAG 28.08.2013#9

Two screens makes sense for a clamshell design. Two screens on one plastic slate looks like garbage. It's not just that it's not very portable (it won't fit in a pocket), or that the screens are a little easier to scratch up now, but it just looks bad!

If they had made it a clamshell design (basically, a 3DS with the slider stuck in the off position) and at this lower price, I would've been excited! I'm on a tight budget and, while the option of 3D would be nice to have, I don't really need the 3D. I could conceivably afford this 2DS if I save up a bit, but I don't want it.

Sidenote:

Nintendo has announced plans to ditch the 3D component of the 3DS and release a new, standalone "entry-level" portable called 2DS.

When I read this, it sounds like Nintendo has officially announced that they're done with 3D. That's not the case right? This is just a new, budget friendly handheld, but I assume they'll still be making 3DS systems.

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WP-Final 28.08.2013#10

I personally think the original 3DS looks beautiful. Even though this 2DS isn't for me as I love the 3D effect and use it almost all the time (except for DKCR:3D which is too fuzzy), I can see the appeal and do think it looks quite neat.

Darkflame 29.08.2013#11

Stupid. Stupid. Very Stupid.
$40 is not significate for such downsides.

" I love the 3D effect and use it almost all the time (except for DKCR:3D which is too fuzzy), I can see the appeal and do think it looks quite neat."

Indeed.
Its not needed, but its nice. Like stero sound.

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WP-Final 29.08.2013#12

I hope Nintendo don't use up the WiiU marketing budget on this!

Phoenom 29.08.2013#13

Release it in Japan and I'll happily import one though. Smilie

Canyarion 29.08.2013#14

Interesting decision! I can definitely see this work out. Most people don't care about 3D, so if they can sell a much cheaper console by removing the feature, why not?

The 3DS has so many good games, but the hardware isn't selling that well outside Japan. This 2DS will put more hardware into the hands of customers. Which in the end is also good for us, the 3DS gamers.

WP-Final 29.08.2013#15

Whats weird is that its starting to grow on me fast :-o

TAG 29.08.2013#16

Well, if some people like the 2DS, then good. I think it's ugly and not portable enough, but obviously this is subjective. I won't be buying it, but I hope it finds its audience and that the audience enjoys it.