Review Nintendo 2DS Quick Review

[Tom Bombadildo]

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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.​

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So What's The Difference?​

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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:​

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• 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.

Spoiler: Top

Spoiler: Front

Spoiler: Left

Spoiler: Right

Spoiler: Backside

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.​

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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.​

 

[Parasite X]

​

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.

Spoiler: Top

Spoiler: Front

Spoiler: Left

Spoiler: Right

Spoiler: Backside

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.​

New Nintendo handhelds are always awesome I can't wait to see the 4DS when it comes out

 

[Osha]

I'll just say that, the 2DS is an alternative, not a revision. The DS Lite is a revision of the DS, the GBA SP is a revision of the Game Boy Advance. The 2DS isn't a revision of the 3DS since it removes features.

 

[WiiCube_2013]

I'll just say that, the 2DS is an alternative, not a revision. The DS Lite is a revision of the DS, the GBA SP is a revision of the Game Boy Advance. The 2DS isn't a revision of the 3DS since it removes features.

3D and the clam-shell are two features that I despised so I'm thankful that in this revision they got rid of them. I have a 2DS (black + blue).

 

[Arras]

3D and the clam-shell are two features that I despised so I'm thankful that in this revision they got rid of them. I have a 2DS (black + blue).

But... Why? I mean, you can just turn off the 3D? Why would you despise having the option? Cheaper is nice, sure, but still. Also, clamshells are much better for carrying around, so from a design standpoint it makes sense, but I can understand not liking the feel of those or how fragile they can be when open.

 

[zachtheninja]

Seems like a nice device for a younger sibling.

 

[zeello]

How does the dpad position compare to 3DS and XL? It seems like it is less toward the bottom than those models. It could be the better model for games that use the dpad as well as all DS games.

 

[DinohScene]

Still looks like an axehead to me.

How do the buttons feel on it, plays well whilst gaming?

 

[bowser]

I'll just say that, the 2DS is an alternative, not a revision. The DS Lite is a revision of the DS, the GBA SP is a revision of the Game Boy Advance. The 2DS isn't a revision of the 3DS since it removes features.

Yes, its not a revision. Maybe it's a de-vision?

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

How does the dpad position compare to 3DS and XL? It seems like it is less toward the bottom than those models. It could be the better model for games that use the dpad as well as all DS games.

I found the D-Pad to be in quite a nice position, it's not far down enough where it'll be a pain to use and it doesn't interfere with the circle pad at all.

Still looks like an axehead to me.

How do the buttons feel on it, plays well whilst gaming?

The face buttons feel rather nice, though they feel like they were made specifically for people with smaller hands. The L and R buttons are really great though, loads better than the 3DS ones. They really fit your fingers well, as they curve in with the system as opposed to the corners on the 3DS/XL.

 

[CrimzonEyed]

The 2d looks really comfortable to hold. Especially if you have big hands/long fingers.
I feel the xl can be a little uncomfortable when I have to use L/R buttons for a while.

 

[Snailface]

The 2d looks really comfortable to hold. Especially if you have big hands/long fingers.
I feel the xl can be a little uncomfortable when I have to use L/R buttons for a while.

The 2DS has the best shoulder buttons of any system I've ever played. The XL has a better D-pad though.

 

[zeello]

The XL has a better D-pad though.

In what way? I thought the dpads were identical on both..

 

[Snailface]

In what way? I thought the dpads were identical on both..

Oh no, the 2DS's dpad is loose fitting, mushy and imprecise -- its a lot like the DS lite dpad.
The XL dpad is larger, securely fitted, and clicky. Its like the DSi d-pad except it is a little more concave which makes it a little more comfortable.

The 2ds dpad is better than the orig 3ds dpad at least.

 

[zeello]

Oh no, the 2DS's dpad is loose fitting, mushy and imprecise -- its a lot like the DS lite dpad.

I like DS Lite dpad... but I had kinda assumed other people like it too.

The 2ds dpad is better than the orig 3ds dpad at least.

what's wrong with the 3DS dpad? (I only own a 3DS XL and a DSi)

 

[Snailface]

I like DS Lite dpad... but I had kinda assumed other people like it too.

what's wrong with the 3DS dpad? (I only own a 3DS XL and a DSi)

If you like the DS lite dpad then you'll like the 2DS dpad. Different strokes, etc.

The 3DS dpad is too shallow which makes diagonals difficult. Worse, the resin plastic makes it 'sticky', so you have to use more force to manipulate it. Another thing is the low hand position level relative to the buttons, which is the worst on this 3ds.

 

[zeello]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Parasite X]

3D and the clam-shell are two features that I despised so I'm thankful that in this revision they got rid of them. I have a 2DS (black + blue).

Why bro & awesome Goku pic DBZ's biggest fanatic right here that's right its me
The only handheld I actually hated & regreted getting only after I realized how cramped it was after playing my first DS was the GBA SP I actually missed my original GBA that I gave to my little sister.

 

[GameWinner]

I am so debating on buying this tomorrow to replace the XL I just sold. I don't really need a 3DS right now but I will take a cheap one.

 

[OncRN]

3D is overrated- not every game/movie needs it.