The Nintendo 2DS will be available to buy in October, which seems appropriate as many people will probably need about two months to get their heads around exactly what it is and why it even exists. Personally, however, despite the many raised eyebrows I think the device is a brilliant idea and I genuinely want one. In fact, I want to trade my current 3DS in and get a 2DS instead.
First of all, what is it? Well it probably seems slightly, uh, odd that a console titled the '2DS' is part of a series of consoles known for their 3D functionality. But the 2DS actually plays 3DS games. That's its point. For £109/$129 you can get a 2DS and play all 3DS games and original DS games to your heart's content.
Put simply: the 2DS is a 3DS but without 3D. It plays the same games but the 3D option is disabled (obviously games that do actually require the 3D feature in order to be played properly will be useless on the 2DS).
Now it might make more sense to just buy a 3DS, but Nintendo are aiming the new console at, mainly, kids. There's no 3D feature for parents to worry about and the design of the console is clearly not very fancy, so it's built for knocks and scratches.
But to be honest, I don't see kids as being the biggest audience here. Personally I can see every person who wants to play Luigi's Mansion and Animal Crossing: New Leaf but doesn't give a rat's arse about 3D wanting the new 2DS.
In fact, I own a 3DS and I want a 2DS.
What I also love about the new console is the design. While a lot of people seem to hate it, I like it. A lot. It's simple, doesn't look that fragile, it's compact and I love the placement of the screens and buttons. Some people seem skeptical about how comfortable the 'slab' or 'brick' or 'square' design will be on the hands, but just look at tablets. They're the same sort of dimensions and shape and they're fine to play games on.
It looks alright to me.
Honestly, I really like the new 2DS. It seems a great option for anyone who isn't interested in the one exclusive feature of the 3DS (the 3D, obviously) and I think the price-point is great. I don't play any games on my 3DS in 3D anymore, so I often question the entire point of the feature. I do wonder as well if the 2DS will have a better battery life as the 3D feature is completely gone and the battery on the 3DS is Goddamn awful.
Anyway, I might actually replace my 3DS with a 2DS when it's released and I think it will be a great way for people to play all the latest 3DS games they want without the hassle of 3D or that extra bit of cash. What do you think about it? I want to hear what your thoughts are on the new console, so say what you think in the comments!