Announcing a new budget model of the 3DS console, the new 2DS handheld will be available to US customers for $129.99 on October 12th, just in time for Pokemon X and Y.
Featuring more of a tablet design rather than the 3DS’ clamshell design, the 2DS boasts all of the features of the 3DS without the glasses-free 3D display. With the other major differences being a switch to turn the 2DS to sleep and the Wi-Fi being turned off via software options rather than a hardware switch.
Launching in Red and Blue models, the 2DS will cost $40 less than the standard 3DS ($169.99) and $70 less than the 3DS XL ($199.99). The power sources will be the same as the 3DS and DSi and the 2DS still boasts front and rear facing cameras with the ability to take 3D pictures. You will just need to transfer these picture to a 3DS to be able to view them in 3D. The 2DS has a single mono speaker, but will feature stereo sound via its headphone jack.
Speaking to IGN Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America, explained a bit more on what to expect;
“Imagine a standard 3DS laid all the way flat, and with the depth slider all the way down, everything else is there in the system.”
“We’re always thinking about what we can do that’s new, unique, different, and brings more people into this category that we love,”
Fils-Aime said.
“And so with the Nintendo 3DS, we were clear to parents that, ‘hey, we recommend that your children be seven and older to utilize this device.’ So clearly that creates an opportunity for five-year-olds, six-year-olds, that first-time handheld gaming consumer.”
“We’ve always been thinking about, ‘how do we approach that as one target?’ And that certainly helped spur the idea of the Nintendo 2DS. Let’s have the consumer have access to all of these great games – Mario Kart 7, Animal Crossing – but do it in a 2D capability with a device that has a dramatically lower price point. That’s just an example of how we’re always thinking about, ‘how do we get more people playing games? How do we get more people playing Nintendo games?’”
With no confirmation of this new console coming to the EU yet or any bundles yet announced for the system we’ll keep you up to date on any news on the 2DS as it comes.
Update: UK retailer GAME is holding pre-orders for the 2DS console starting at £109.99 and a carry case for the system at £9.99.
Also revealed is an announcement trailer, check it out below.
What do you think of Nintendo’s new handheld? Does it appeal to you or do you think it will appeal to anyone you know? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.