A little more than a month after releasing the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo has one more piece of hardware to put on the shelves this summer coming your way. In a bit of a surprise to most, Nintendo announced the New Nintendo 2DS XL, providing one more hardware option for those who only want to focus on the mobile gaming rather than wait for the Switch to be back in stores.
The 2DS XL is the latest console in Nintendo’s portable 3DS handheld line. As was the case with the previous 2DS, the 2DS XL is essentially a trimmed down version of the 3DS XL that comes without the ability to use the system’s 3D graphical features. The 2DS XL, like the 2DS, is designed to be for a younger group of fans who may be more bothered by the 3D presentation. The system may also be a bit more friendly on the hands.
Let’s recap quickly. Nintendo had the Nintendo DS, a dual-screen portable gaming system that was the next step in the evolution from the days of the original Game Boy and Game Boy Advance. Then Nintendo took things a step further with the 3DS, which added 3D features to the gaming experience without the need for any head gear or glasses.
As the 3DS took off, Nintendo scaled things back by building a 2DS, a blockier handheld without the 3D capabilities but was able to play every 3DS game. Nintendo then improved on the 3DS with the 3DS XL, which came with a bigger screen and a few extra features as well. If you follow the trend, the introduction of the 2DS XL should come as no surprise.
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
The 2DS XL adds the new features seen on the New 3DS XL such as built-in support for Amiibo figures, a new (still tiny) C-stick and Z-buttons used exclusively in some New 3DS XL titles. The New 2DS XL will still support all older game sin the 3DS library too.
If nothing else, the 2DS XL suggests Nintendo really is committed to the portable gaming aspect of the industry, which it has dominated for decades. The Switch was thought by some to be a step away from portable gaming given the home console’s benefit of being a system you can take on the go. From the start, though, Nintendo has said it remains committed to the 3DS line. Adding a new piece of hardware this summer, ahead of E3, reaffirms that. Expect Nintendo to make a big push at E3 for the Switch, but the 3DS product line should still be considered in good standing at Nintendo.
It also looks pretty darn cool too, like it was designed by somebody from the Nerf factory with the color schemes shown off.
This is a big year for Nintendo with the launch of the Switch and the long-awaited Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. With new hardware for those not ready to jump to the Switch and want to instead stick with their 3DS gaming, this is a welcome addition.
Nintendo still has a brand new Mario game to unveil later this year (Super Mario Odyssey), which makes 2017 one of the best years Nintendo has had in a very long time.
The 2DS XL is set to release on July 28 for $149.99.
[Nintendo]
