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The Nintendo 2DS, Nintendo’s latest revision of the Nintendo 3DS handheld, is a revision that’s received a lot of criticism: The form factor, removal of the 3D screen, and the single screen (which has the same screen dimensions as the original build of the 3DS) are just a few examples. Because of all of these complaints, it’s hard to find an actual user review of the product (because really, who would want such an ugly handheld that’s hardly portable?). Well, that’s about to change. I was recently given a 2DS by a friend of mine, and while I was quite skeptical when I was first given the device, I’ve come to actually enjoy the feel of it.
So What's The Difference?
The 2DS features a slab design, radically different from the fold design of the previous DS handhelds. With this change in design, Nintendo had to add (and scrape) a few features in order to implement them in this version.Major Changes:
- They added a “Sleep” switch the user flips when he wants to put the device into Sleep mode. While the switch is activated, all of the buttons are locked (including the power button) and the only way to use the device is to flip the switch off.
- They opted for a single speaker (located on the top left) instead of a stereo set up. This limits the device to mono audio, unless headphones are used with the device.
- The Stereoscopic 3D screen was also removed as well in order to make it more cost effective. While this essentially removes the gimmick Nintendo has been trying to sell us on all along, it has the potential to attract those who can’t see the 3D effect or those who never use it. The screen itself was replaced with one single screen instead of 2, to cut costs even more.
While the 2DS itself looks bulky and uncomfortable, I found it to be oddly comfortable and lighter than it appears. The device itself weighs approximately 9oz (the original 3DS weighs 8oz and the XL weighing 11oz) so it's in between the XL and the original. The screen size is the same as the original 3DS, 3.5in top screen and 3in bottom screen, which is a little disappointing, but not a deal breaker. Personally, I find the device is fairly comfortable in my hands. My only complaints with the design is it looks like ass, it's not exactly "portable", and the bottom corners dig into my palms when playing for extended periods of time.
My thoughts? For an entry level device, it does it's job quite well. While it isn't portable and it won't be winning any beauty contests, the device itself does a great job at introducing 3DS content at a low price. If you're tight on cash and prefer to buy new, then the 2DS may be what you're looking for.