Nintendo 2DS Announced, Oct 12th Release Date

[Dizzi Paradise]

So long as she could use it comfortably (and I'm not at all convinced of that from the pics I've seen) I would be happy to get one of these for my daughter in a year or two. She's nearly 4, loves watching me play AC on 3DS and adores Pikachu from watching her brother (and me) play Poke Park on Wii so I'd get her this so she can play AC and Pokemon herself, and maybe the DS Zelda games as well. These games encourage reading and don't require split second reflexes* so are less frustrating for younger kids. A sub ?100 price point would be about right. I think this is the corner of the market Nintendo wants, the younger kids whose parents aren't willing to spend ?180 on a device that only plays games and is likely to have a broken hinge in a matter of days. Daughter already broke the hinge of my original DS Lite - a new shell for it didn't cost much but was a pig to fit.

As for pocketability (is that a word?), I'd get her a case for it. Or knit one. She wouldn't be carrying it around outside anyway - she'd be using it at home or in the car.

So yeah, I'm not over keen on the design, and I'm not sure how easy it would be to use, but I am older even than the Game Boy generation (got my first GB when I was twenty something) and my first handheld had membrane buttons, no screen, weighed a ton and was as ergonomic as a brick (Merlin). And I loved it.

* apart from fishing in AC. And some battling and puzzles in Zelda. I'll do those for her, if I need to. I'll hate every minute of it, of course... ;-)

 

[ForgottenT]

It's made for kids, it's cheaper, it won't break as easily (because it's a brick) and, the 2DS is targeted for 2-6 year olds, they probably don't care what it looks like anyways. I think it's a great idea.

 

[Nooblord]

Think of it as a Fisher-Price toy, then the design won't seem as outrageous.

 

[idiotcurl]

A bit of personal opinion here, but I don't think a toddler should be handling something with a touchscreen, anyway.

 

[majnin]

This is ridiculous. I've struggled with Nintendo for years and years. I got the first DS, then the new one came out so I got that, then the DSi came with a camera and 10 year old me couldn't resist so that was acquired, and I was perfectly happy until all these awesmoe 3D games started coming out. This is my 4TH DS. MY 4TH. And now there's another one which they'll probably force me to get in years to come. It's sad how to enjoy the gaming I have to keep spending loads of money. Can't they stop now? Haven't they got enough money?

 

[Deca]

Gnah. Still waiting for the Nintendo 1DS.

 

[idiotcurl]

This is ridiculous. I've struggled with Nintendo for years and years. I got the first DS, then the new one came out so I got that, then the DSi came with a camera and 10 year old me couldn't resist so that was acquired, and I was perfectly happy until all these awesmoe 3D games started coming out. This is my 4TH DS. MY 4TH. And now there's another one which they'll probably force me to get in years to come. It's sad how to enjoy the gaming I have to keep spending loads of money. Can't they stop now? Haven't they got enough money?

They have to keep up with everything else, you know. Besides, the only time you should even feel somewhat 'forced' to buy a new console is when your current one can't play the new games. the 2DS is basically a 3DS without the 3D. It'll play 3DS and DS games(I think) just like the 3DS and the 3DS XL, so if you have one of those, you're not forced to spend more money to buy it.

 

[Mint]

This is ridiculous. I've struggled with Nintendo for years and years. I got the first DS, then the new one came out so I got that, then the DSi came with a camera and 10 year old me couldn't resist so that was acquired, and I was perfectly happy until all these awesmoe 3D games started coming out. This is my 4TH DS. MY 4TH. And now there's another one which they'll probably force me to get in years to come. It's sad how to enjoy the gaming I have to keep spending loads of money. Can't they stop now? Haven't they got enough money?

It could be worse; they could be more like Apple and release a new device every six months or so. :x

And as previously said, all this device is, is a 3DS without the 3D and the ability to fold it. It's target audience is young children and not those who already have a 3DS.
Eventually, there will be a brand new device that will be released to play future games, but that could be years away and you most likely won't need to buy it as soon as it comes out anyway.

 

[Megan.]

It looks pretty ridiculous but it's obviously aimed at kids. I think it's a pretty good idea, it looks a lot more durable, and obviously there's no chance of it snapping like the 3DS if dropped. Also it's a decent price.​

 

[JCnator]

Do you have a clue on how the marketing business work? Nintendo was clearly trying to minimizing the potential cost for producing another 3DS revision, to the point being more affordable to those who don't want to invest too much money. 2DS isn't even aimed to those who already have their 3DS and won't be going to replace the two current 3DS models.

Launching a new system revision when Pok?mon X and Y are releasing is quite a good timing. These games tend to be the system-seller, and it's closer to the time that Christmas comes to town, so that revision will sell a lot more than you might be probably thinking.

When I first acknowledged its existence, I thought it was a joke. I read more about 2DS and it became clear to me why they would sell them, even if I'm not going to buy it for myself.
Thankfully, the 2DS isn't as big as Atari LYNX or Sega Game Gear, so we can easily chuck it in our backpacks and/or handbags. It seems to be comfortable for my hands, given that I won't be worried about the top hinge. My only gripe with it is how small are the screens (which is similar to vanilla 3DS ones).


If you can try a 2DS or find "First Impressions" articles, then most of your preconceptions will be most likely fading away, but it may change or not your decision to purchase it.

 

[ShinyYoshi]

I think that 2DS looks wicked dumb. It looks like they're trying to go back in time with their style and try and make game systems now like they did before the GBA SP. Where none of them had the "close" feature to them.

It just seems kind of weird to come out with something like that right now. But they bank on anything they make, so go Nintendo!

 

[kiwi34fruit]

Do you have a clue on how the marketing business work? Nintendo was clearly trying to minimizing the potential cost for producing another 3DS revision, to the point being more affordable to those who don't want to invest too much money. 2DS isn't even aimed to those who already have their 3DS and won't be going to replace the two current 3DS models.

Launching a new system revision when Pok?mon X and Y are releasing is quite a good timing. These games tend to be the system-seller, and it's closer to the time that Christmas comes to town, so that revision will sell a lot more than you might be probably thinking.

When I first acknowledged its existence, I thought it was a joke. I read more about 2DS and it became clear to me why they would sell them, even if I'm not going to buy it for myself.
Thankfully, the 2DS isn't as big as Atari LYNX or Sega Game Gear, so we can easily chuck it in our backpacks and/or handbags. It seems to be comfortable for my hands, given that I won't be worried about the top hinge. My only gripe with it is how small are the screens (which is similar to vanilla 3DS ones).


If you can try a 2DS or find "First Impressions" articles, then most of your preconceptions will be most likely fading away, but it may change or not your decision to purchase it.

I was actually surprised they didn't theme the 2DS with Pokemon limited edition colors and designs because it is coming out on the same day as X and Y. Then it really would have flown off the shelves.

 

[(ik)Jelle]

i heard this is the best for childeren under 7

 

[kiuprika]

I thought my sister was joking when she told me about the 2DS coming out, but it really does look good for kids. I mean I broke my DS lite at the hinge when I was younger and dropped everything a lot, the screen had green lines through it for awhile until I dropped it again and the top went black, but then I got a DSi and got hooked on Flipnote Hatena, still waiting for Flipnote Studio 3D even though it'll be a dollar to use the worldwide posting and downloading options per month since they took away Hatena. Back on topic, I think some people may get it since it's cheaper to play a secondary game at the same time. //ramble

 

[ShinyYoshi]

I thought my sister was joking when she told me about the 2DS coming out, but it really does look good for kids. I mean I broke my DS lite at the hinge when I was younger and dropped everything a lot, the screen had green lines through it for awhile until I dropped it again and the top went black, but then I got a DSi and got hooked on Flipnote Hatena, still waiting for Flipnote Studio 3D even though it'll be a dollar to use the worldwide posting and downloading options per month since they took away Hatena. Back on topic, I think some people may get it since it's cheaper to play a secondary game at the same time. //ramble

That reminds me of when I dropped my favorite DS Lite that I ordered from Japan, and a little piece fell off of it. I asked my dad to fix it cause I loved it so much. He managed to get the piece glued back on, but my top screen has an obnoxious yellow tint to it all the time. I'd play Wild World and it looked like my town had radiation in it...

 

[radical6]

wasn't this posted already in the nintendo section

anyway its not meant for people over 7
its ugly design is so that it can last for children who break things
(like my brother who destroyed 5 dsi's)

the circle pad and the letters and everything are in a weird spot and would look uncomfortable to me

 

[ben_nyc]

COMPARISON CHART

Spoiler

IMO, not integrating the 2nd analog limits Japan's biggest selling series, Monster Hunter. I guess it costs too much.

The next brand new system, will probably be a bit more futuristic, but not holograms. O-o

Plz have:

1. Dual analog.
2. Faster processors.
3. Snappier UI.
4. Access to full NES/SNES library; why can't I play Earthbound?
5. Improved battery tech.
6. Voice activations.

And...

7. HOLOGRAMS. ^o^

- - - Post Merge - - -

That reminds me of when I dropped my favorite DS Lite that I ordered from Japan, and a little piece fell off of it. I asked my dad to fix it cause I loved it so much. He managed to get the piece glued back on, but my top screen has an obnoxious yellow tint to it all the time. I'd play Wild World and it looked like my town had radiation in it...

Hahahahhahaa! Very funny! =)

Though, sorry that it happened.

 

[Sheepish]

IMO, not integrating the 2nd analog limits Japan's biggest selling series, Monster Hunter. I guess it costs too much.

Oh geez, it looks like it's going to be a pain to play MH3U on that console. Not only because of its incompatibility with the CPP, but also because the button positions relative to the screens seem to make it difficult to use the on-screen D-pad for camera control.

I mean, I guess Monster Hunter probably isn't too popular with the target demographic of the 2DS, but it's still something to keep in mind.

 

[chillv]

@Tom Okay, I said overnight so I couldn't get my words straight. Let me actually say in full details what I am trying to say about this system. Also, this is not aimed towards just you.

I get the fact that it is made for people who want a 3DS but isn't interested or can't use the 3D feature or just can't afford a 3DS. I have no problem with nintendo making something like this since there are a ton of other features on the 3DS besides the 3D that makes it worth buying. The problem I have with the system is the way it is designed and the way the buttons placed First, what gave them the idea to put the buttons inbetween the two screens on the sides (with the d pad below the circlepad to make things worse) and then the L and R buttons on the top of the system. Also, don't think I am just saying this. I took my 3DS and imagined if my buttons were placed like the were with the 2D and I realized that is able to be use, but it feels uncomfortable, especially if you are playing something with the d-pad.

 

[Bubble Pop]

People who have had hands on with it have commented on how comfortable it actually is. And being aimed a young kids, which it is, it's a very good idea they got rid of the hinge. No broken hinges equals no replacements from parents. It looks very durable shall we say.