It's designed for 7 and under. The 3DS is designed for 7 and up. It's for parents that don't want to take a chance on 3D for developing eyeballs.

I'm sorry but i can't get my head round that design...i keep staring at it but.....nope, not gonna happen.

They need to do what Google did with the Nexus Q. Realize how dumb of an idea this was then give them out for free and cut their losses while they are ahead.

The price drop will officially take hold as of September 20, two months before Sony and Microsoft launch their new console platforms.

Oooooohhhh! Better watch out Sony & M$ Nintendo is coming for you! Haha! </sarcasm>

I'm holding out for the 4DS

Even though I appreciate this is not intended for adults, it still looks very silly. Kids worry about looking 'cool' as well, and even my six year old appreciates the finality and definition of closing her 3ds. This just looks all kinds of dumb. The iphone-carrying teething-ring I have for my youngest looks more technical than this.

That's a good point, i had not considered that yet. Now it kind of makes sense to me. Thanks!

That Zelda Bundle actually sounds pretty good for me. I'm sure a lot of people will tell me not to, but I loved Pikmin 1 and 2, what I played of Game and Wario, Donkey Kong Country Returns, and Wonderful 101 looks pretty cool. It's also how I want to play Rayman Legends.

If I didn't recently buy a 3DS XL, I'd probably buy a 2DS(even with that ugly design) and use the extra cash to pre-order a game like Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. I just end up keeping the 3D slider switched off on my XL 99.9% of the time anyway.

I like how you are complaining about the size when half of you are reading this article on a tablet.

Wow, that thing looks like crap. Saving 40 bucks isn't worth ditching 3D and getting a non-clamshell version that looks way too big for pockets.

The 2DS is a painted slice of bread. toasty!

If the 2DS was foldable I might get (never enable 3D on my 3DS anyway) it but no folding is a dealbreaker because it means I need to put it into a case which ups the bulk even more.

@smokyexe said:

Tablets take advantage of its size, and have a larger screen. This has roughly the same size screen as the other 3DSs, but you can't put it in your pocket, something which seems like a fairly cheap to manufacture feature.

This seems entirely about cost-cutting, I bet the current 3DS is pretty close (if not already at) the absolute minimum price it can be manufactured.

I'm sure there is still room for a price-cut or two further down the line for the 2DS.

You can play DS games on a regular 3DS you know.

Holy shit, is that 2ds for real?

Wow, that design is seriously bonkers.

I'll pay 20 more dollars for a clamshell 2DS.

smart moves nintendo now you pickmin 3, rayman and wondefull 101 soon and now price drop and free zelda wind waker to any new user and mario 3d is coming in november 22.

wii u is ready to sell more units

2DS? Qe?

2DS? Qe?

As someone who multiple virtual boys and game boy micros, I feel like I'll end up with a couple 2DSs as well. I only wish I weren't as excited as I am about that.

Looks like a tombstone

Why not just make the 2DS a clamshell?

What?? Why is it like that??

Man that acid last night was too strong, it's still working right now.

Portable consoles that don't fit into pockets are always fun.

Man that acid last night was too strong, it's still working right now.

Nintendo is ready to go to war.

Portable consoles that don't fit into pockets are always fun.

Nobody knows what the fuck Nintendo is doing anymore.

I would (in theory) get this for my girlfriend because she doesn't like the 3D but like the games.

No I wouldnt want one, but Nintendo make it clear its for young gamers, so whats the problem?

If this cracks a new (or recaptures an old) demographic who havent (or cant) use the 3DS then why not.

Damn that 2DS just looks like the most uncomfortable fucking thing to hold. I'm waiting for the inevitable 2DS Circle pad pro announcement!

Thinking about this a little more, it actually seems kind of genius.

A lot of parents are put off buying the 3DS because the 3D effect tends not to be great for young kids, and they have no idea you can turn it off.

The fact it looks like a toy, the lower price point and the pre-Christmas holiday release suggest they've identified this as a gap in the market

Still, it's bloody ugly...

@alex: Wind Waker HD will be digitally available for all Wii U owners on September 20th also. So you can buy it beforehand even if you don't buy the bundle

I think it is really stupid of Nintendo to announce a price drop almost a month before it happens. It's gonna kill most of the small amount of sales they were going to have...

@alex: Wind Waker HD will be digitally available for all Wii U owners on September 20th also. So you can buy it beforehand even if you don't buy the bundle

I think it is really stupid of Nintendo to announce a price drop almost a month before it happens. It's gonna kill most of the small amount of sales they were going to have...

@alex I think the term "White Knighting" should apply to people who get angry at how other people chose to spend their money. A) I think a lot of parents don't want to spend $450-600 on systems for their two or three sons come Pokemon day. B) Like 8GB Apple products, it makes parents more inclined to go "hey for only $20 more we can get a better version! That's a value!" C) It means they don't have to cut the 3DS to $129 this Xmas, and next year they'll hit $99 with the 2DS. D) Bigger profit margins on cheaper screens, easier assembly. E) It's safe for kids age 3-7, and less breakable. F) Not too many people used the 3D. G) The gov't doesn't force you to buy one for your adult ass, so what do you care? ;-P H) Why isn't it sleek like a HTC One X? Ummm, do we ask that about leapfrog systems? J) Wind Waker bundle is a great deal, as if getting the deluxe for the $240 it's really worth. Hope Black Friday bundles Mario U with it. I'd rather play that than a higher res Assassins Creed & COD this year (which is about all the other two systems will be at launch.)

Can I preorder?

That thing is so hideous that I kind of want it. I'm a sick individual.

@fauen: in certain areas yea but they weren't needed

First i thought it looked kinda cool

But then i saw it from the front.

Do you what the definition of insanity is?

As fucking bizarre as this is, I might be tempted to get it - from the few times I've used the 3DS in GS kiosks, I wasn't really impressed, and the narrow viewing angle for the 3D makes it a hassle. It's just depressing that they are doing a total 180 on the main feature. I guess it's the #yearof180

PS, just want to point out that this is not literally a DS 2. I don't know what the appropriate word for this is, irony? Hilarity? Sadness?

Does anyone else think the name is terrible?

2DS could confuse a market that just got confused by a WiiU

One of the worst things about PSP and Vita is the fact that there is no clam shell design, that leads to a ton of scratches over the years of use by simply putting the unit in your bag or pants or, basically anywhere, even in a cloth pouch.

If this was $89.99 I would understand... but I cant fathom who wont pay $40 extra to get what seems to be a better design and system. (especially since you can fairly often get 3DS non XL for 130$ish and XL for 170$ish on sales.)

I was pretty baffled by the 2DS too when I first saw it, but I think it makes a lot of sense. It removes the hinge which is a common breaking point for young owners and takes out the 3D which they advised young children against using anyway. It's a cheap, sturdy and safe alternative for kids under 7-8 years old. It'll appeal to parents and looks like a good "my first 3DS" for young children.

Obviously I have no intention of buying one, but it has a market. I think...

Playing the game right now, and that's debatable... I prefer to play without 3D because I get eye-strain pretty quick. But if I'm dying on a particular level a lot, turning on the 3D can sometimes help.

You know... for kids!

Seriously Nintendo. The Wii U is failing miserably and you release a 2ds. They really need to just start making games for Microsoft and Sony. I know their handhelds are top sellers, but are they really going to be able to carry the company?

That'd be a good price and a decent design/format if it had stereo and an XL-sized display.

Also, the WiiU is just now coming down to $300? I thought that is the price it was already at?

There is literally nothing on the WiiU I give a fuck to play, except Earthbound. I am not paying $360 (er.. $310, now?) to play Earthbound.

@bismark: Let's not forget it's coming out what, the same days as Pokemon X/Y if I remember correctly, it's pretty targeted in that respect. let's also not forget kids tend to have easier time lugging crap around i.e. book bags and all that.