In an unexpected announcement, Nintendo revealed the New Nintendo 2DS XL. The handheld is slated for a US July 28 release (July 13 in Japan) with a suggested retail price of $149. It will be available in a black and turquoise color scheme.
“The new addition to Nintendo’s portable hardware line demonstrates our commitment to the hand-held market,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America President. “New Nintendo 2DS XL sports a beautiful clamshell design and offers a great balance between price and performance.”
Introducing the New Nintendo 2DS XL – coming out July 28 at a suggested retail price of $149.99! pic.twitter.com/T3UR5fAJ7O
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 28, 2017
Like the original Nintendo 2DS, the New Nintendo 2DS XL will be able to play all current 3DS games. While lacking in actual stereoscopic 3D functionality, its clamshell design is much more similar to the 3DS XL than the old 2DS. It will include the extra C-stick found in the New Nintendo 3DS as well as support for amiibo.
Basically it’s the exact same as the New Nintendo 3DS minus the actual 3D, which a large portion of gamers probably turn off anyway. It’s aimed squarely at the last holdouts who don’t own a 3DS (and avid collectors of all things Nintendo). The non-3D handhelds can be particularly great for kids as well.
The original 2DS launched in 2013. It was a successful spin-off of Nintendo’s handheld thanks to its much cheaper price point of $79.99. The New Nintendo 3DS launched in 2014, adding the additional pointing stick and amiibo support. It gradually replaced the original Nintendo 3DS, despite few games actually requiring the new handheld.
As seen in the above trailer, July 28 will also see the release of new 3DS games Hey Pikmin and Miitopia.
The release of the equally portable Nintendo Switch earlier this year has raised concerns on what the future holds for the Nintendo 3DS. At least for now Nintendo plans on fully supporting both handheld gaming devices.
