Nintendo has announced that they are adding a new portable system to the Nintendo 3DS family but this time… there’s no 3D integrated! Introducing the Nintendo 2DS. The system will be compatible with all 3DS games and will also be backwards compatible for Nintendo DS games. The Nintendo 2DS will be the third installment to the Nintendo 3DS family with it’s predecessor being the Nintendo 3DS XL.
The Nintendo 2DS will feature two screens like the previous DS models but instead of a clam-shell closing function; the 2DS will be slate-like and will not fold. This will be the first hand-held model that is non-folding since the Game Boy Micro which was launched in 2005.
The Nintendo 2DS will inherit all of the same features as it’s 3DS predecessor but will only include one speaker that plays mono while it’s head-phone jack will play stereo sound. If you want to turn Wi-Fi off on the 2DS, this will no longer be done with a switch on the outside of the system. To turn the Wi-Fi off, 2DS users will need to manually shut off this function via controls in the software.
President of Nintendo of America Reggie Fils-Aime commented that Nintendo hopes to gain the 5 and 6 year old demographic while also reaching out to consumers who are looking for lower prices.
The Nintendo 2DS will launch on October 12th in the United States and will be priced at $129.99 which is $70 less than the Nintendo 3DS XL and $40 less than the regular Nintendo 3DS system. The Nintendo 2DS will be released on the same day as Pokemon X and Y which will introduce a new generation of Pokemon.
Nintendo is obviously trying to find ways to save money as well as reaching out to more consumers who are wanting to save a few dollars, however, the previous Nintendo 3DS systems have allowed players to manually switch off the 3D function if they did not want to utilize it while playing. Was this marketing strategy absolutely necessary for Nintendo? What do you think?