Nintendo 2DS--a 3DS without the 3D--coming for $129.99

Nintendo is introducing a 3DS system without the 3D functionality, called the 2DS. It's launching October 12 for $129.99.

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Nintendo is making another hardware revision to the 3DS, this time without all that messy three-dee. The "Nintendo 2DS" is launching on October 12, a new version of the hardware that removes the 3DS functionality and changes the form from the traditional clamshell design. It will retail for $129.99 and will be available in red and blue.

Though the screen won't display images in 3D, the cameras will still take 3D images to transfer to those who do have a 3D-enabled system. It does away from the clamshell in favor of a sloped tablet-like design. The 2DS will also come equipped with most the built-in software of the 3DS, like Face Raiders and Find Mii. Instead of putting it to sleep by folding it, the sleep mode will be toggled with a switch. It will also include a 4GB memory card.

"We expect consumers to use it just the way they use a current 3DS," Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime told Kotaku. "And, really, from a target standpoint, this is designed for that entry-level gamer. For a family of four with two kids, when you're looking at spending either $169.99 or $199.99 for two this holiday, now you've got a more affordable choice with Nintendo 2DS."

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  • reply
    August 28, 2013 8:47 AM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, Nintendo 2DS--a 3DS without the 3D--coming for $129.99.

    Nintendo is introducing a 3DS system without the 3D functionality, called the 2DS. It's launching October 12 for $129.99.

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 9:15 AM

      Man, without the clam shell design, I was really hoping for an improved analog stick. Make it like the gamepad stick!

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      August 28, 2013 9:17 AM

      I had to double check it wasn't April Fool's Day.

    • Ebu legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
      reply
      August 28, 2013 9:17 AM

      That is hideous.

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      August 28, 2013 9:19 AM

      So weird. I like the idea of a 3DS without 3D. Why change the form factor, and why not go with the XL screen size? I like the clam shell design of the DS and 3DS. Protects the screens nicely when I'm not using it. The 2DS is just weird looking. This will still sell a butt ton this holiday. Maybe we'll see these at $99 on Black Friday.

      Maybe this is the form factor they're going to go with on their next-gen handheld system. More like a tablet, but with physical controls, like the WiiU controller, only much thinner.



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        August 28, 2013 9:22 AM

        It may be cheaper to manufacture this design as well, allowing them to drop the price so much.

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        August 28, 2013 9:42 AM

        I Would also like it with an XL screen size.

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          August 28, 2013 3:46 PM

          You can't give people what they want right away, save it for later so they pay you again.

      • reply
        August 28, 2013 6:46 PM

        To create the idea of not paying the premium price everyone can see that you paid less. Kind of like the iPhone, you can tell who's behind because of the case and design.

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 9:23 AM

      So much innovation!

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 9:24 AM

      I was really curious to check it out. Then I clicked on the link. I... who the hell has room to carry this around?

      • reply
        August 28, 2013 9:26 AM

        I see people lugging iPads around.

        • reply
          August 28, 2013 9:30 AM

          ^^^ this.

          And who ever had the pockets for the 3DS XL anyway?

          I think Nintendo has come to realize that their handheld systems are less about literal portability and more about using the advantages that the hardware can deliver (dual screens, touch, etc. - although they obviously are stripping away one of the advantages in this release)

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          August 29, 2013 12:10 AM

          iPads that do infinitely more than this. This is awful.

          Apple...meet orange.

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 9:26 AM

      is this an Onion article?

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 10:00 AM

      i hope this is the final nail in the coffin for all the 3d shit. well, except for the movie theater stuff., hopefully thats next.

      • reply
        August 28, 2013 11:47 AM

        lol
        2011 Nintendo: "3D is the future of gaming!"
        2013 Nintendo: "Sorry, here's the 2DS!"

        • reply
          August 28, 2013 11:51 AM

          "Oh, and we are taking away the clamshell design."

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            August 28, 2013 1:44 PM

            Also
            2006 Nintendo: "Motion controls are the future of gaming!"
            2013 Nintendo: "Sorry, here's the WiiU second screen tablet....thing"

            • reply
              August 28, 2013 2:59 PM

              You know the Wii U uses the motion control for many games right? Also there are many people that will not buy a 3ds because they fear it'll hurt their childrens developing eyes. Maybe warcrow is on to something.

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                August 28, 2013 3:18 PM

                yeah but its nothing like the wii mote.

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                  August 28, 2013 4:00 PM

                  Many games use the Wiimote. That was my point.

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            August 28, 2013 5:33 PM

            Y u no like tablets?

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 10:30 AM

      I like the idea and the price, but I don' like the way that thing looks.

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        August 28, 2013 11:50 AM

        It has other problems too, like having a mono speaker

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          August 28, 2013 1:58 PM

          Kinda of a silly way to cut costs, but at least the headphone option is still there.

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 11:51 AM

      I say they should just give in and start making iOS games. They’re not going to win this battle.
      http://daringfireball.net/linked/2013/08/28/nintendo-2ds

      Gruber being his usual cocksucker self.

      Yes John, they've sold 32 million 3DS systems so they should totally give up and make $0.99 apps instead.

      • reply
        August 28, 2013 2:07 PM

        He is hardly the only person saying that, I actually hear it here on the shack quite a bit.

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          August 28, 2013 4:40 PM

          In all fairness I don't think iOS devices are really suited to most of the games Nintendo puts out. I much prefer playing Mario or Zelda or whatever with actual physical controls.

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 11:54 AM

      that looks like it'd be more comfortable to hold than having the buttons & analog stick at the bottom... hmm. they might be on to something

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      August 28, 2013 1:32 PM

      As a dad with 2 kids and 2 3DS, I would have jumped all over this!
      I think they are spot on with the marketing of these things.

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 2:02 PM

      I think this is wicked smart. Lots of parents are getting toy tablets for their kids that come pre-loaded with crappy games. This will definitely cut into that market.

      The lack of clamshell makes it less appealing for adult players I think.

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      August 28, 2013 2:11 PM

      Nice price point, but it's hideous.

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 3:15 PM

      [deleted]

      • reply
        August 28, 2013 3:16 PM

        [deleted]

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          August 28, 2013 3:20 PM

          I feel like it helps in mario kart. I think I can take corners closer more reliably.

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        August 28, 2013 3:50 PM

        Uh, all 3DS games are required to work in 2D mode. The 3D is a nice visual effect and nothing more. It's been like this since day 1. Raging against the 3D in the 3DS is like raging against bump mapping. The games would be fine without it, but it's nice.

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      August 28, 2013 3:43 PM

      imho, clamshell was good, should keep it. Dump this idea of a flat tablet style. Second, why drop 3d? The numbers are picking up, so let it go.

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        August 28, 2013 5:32 PM

        Because not everyone cares about 3D. The people who do care can still buy one of the 3DS(XL) systems.

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          August 28, 2013 9:09 PM

          Because you can turn the damned thing off anyways, why make a slab of plastic like this? Its retarded.

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            August 28, 2013 10:39 PM

            Little kids will play Pokemon any way they can get it.

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      August 28, 2013 3:48 PM

      I like the 3DS XL class hell since I can have it set to something less than 180 degrees. The last notch before it's completely flat. That's the perfect setting for the two screens. This new one is too flat.

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      August 28, 2013 4:08 PM

      This seems like a ploy to sell more Pokemon X/Y.

      Nothing wrong with that but this thing looks really bad.

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 4:38 PM

      [deleted]

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        August 28, 2013 4:40 PM

        It actually is a single display to save costs, with a piece of plastic dividing it up to create the look of two screens:

        "Curiously, the 2DS is even more of a tablet-style system than it appears at first glance, as it actually features a single large screen in its center, not two separate ones. As one of their cost-cutting design measures, Nintendo reduced the number of screens in the system from two to one, and the appearance of separate screens is merely simulated by the way the case masks out the extraneous portions. This means the entire screen is by necessity a touchscreen, with the upper screen protected by a layer of plastic that sits above it." (USGamer)

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          August 28, 2013 9:54 PM

          Interesting.

          Also noteworthy is that, for those who don't know, the two 3DS screens are different sizes, as opposed to the DS where they were the same size.

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        August 28, 2013 9:37 PM

        they had too many stock piled in the warehouse. fallout sale.

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      August 28, 2013 5:09 PM

      Its got one big screen and parts of it are covered to make it look like two screens
      Silly Nintendo

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      August 28, 2013 5:44 PM

      THAT IS THE UGLIEST SHIT I HAVE EVER SEEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 5:51 PM

      Sooo...its a Gameboy?

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      August 28, 2013 6:04 PM

      Lolz that gaming device cannot put into the pocket.

      • reply
        August 28, 2013 6:09 PM

        but it can be worn as a chest plate, or used to ski down a mountain side in an emergency.

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      August 28, 2013 6:48 PM

      Cheapo version for kids. Not sure what all the Internet rage is all about.

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      August 28, 2013 7:02 PM

      Wtf it doesn't fold?

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        August 28, 2013 7:18 PM

        This is how I feel about it too.

        I can understand that they want to reduce costs in order to make a profit at that $129.99 price point but if they already have everything setup in order to make foldable 3DS's aren't they increasing their costs?

        Now they have to come up with a new design, create the molds, modify the manufacturing process, train employees, etc, etc, etc.

        Why not just stick to the same design, use a different screen to save some bucks and sell it like that?

        • reply
          August 29, 2013 2:04 AM

          Because it's for kids. They removed a fold so your kid won't accidentally snap the thing in half.

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 8:38 PM

      [deleted]

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      August 28, 2013 8:44 PM

      What no ones talking about is how the 2ds is going to destroy Vita sales with Pokemon incoming. LOL @ Sony for talking smack about four eyes needed for dual screen play and then Nintendo releases the 2ds -- andat 70 dollars lower than a Vita.

      • reply
        August 28, 2013 8:46 PM

        The next genetation is here: Nintendo 2ds!

    • reply
      August 28, 2013 8:56 PM

      This is the ugliest thing I've seen since the virtual boy. No wait, the ugliest thing I've seen since the Wii u controller. What are they thinking? They have a 2ds. Its called a ds.

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      August 28, 2013 9:14 PM

      Holy shit that looks terrible. I thought the comments were an exaggeration till I looked at the article.

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      August 28, 2013 9:21 PM

      2DSXL???

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      August 29, 2013 12:22 AM

      Er, it's a single screen faked to appear as 2. They really cut every possible corner!

      http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/08/how-the-2ds-could-have-been-nintendos-first-true-portable-tablet/

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      August 29, 2013 9:28 AM

      Why are the colors only around the sides of the device? That's terrible..

      Besides, Nintendo said the reason the 3DS has black, at least around the screen was because it was better for the 3D but giving that this is 2D only, why are they still not going with solid colors..

      If this thing had solid colors all around, I might actually pick one up.. well that and if there were more options than just the crappy shades of red and blue they keep throwing at us. Ok sure, this isn't for me, this is for kids but kids like eye candy too and these things just look like crap.

      Nintendo really sucks at the whole color thing these days.

      Also this thing only has one speaker, as if the sound wasn't bad enough.

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