Home Gaming No joke: Nintendo announces the 2DS

No joke: Nintendo announces the 2DS

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2ds (2)

If there’s one handheld console that has really defined this generation, it’s been the Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo has sold millions of these beauties in regular and extra-large variants since it launched. And now a new iteration of that hardware is on the way. I’ve got my serious face on for this, so that you know that I’m not joking. Say hello to the 3Dless 3DS, the Nintendo 2DS.

Out in October, the 2DS is capable of playing all 3DS games, but in groundbreaking two dimensions only. It’s shaped like a slice of cheese, and good luck carrying it around in your pocket unless you’re trying to bring Hammer time pants back into fashion.

2ds (1)

Unlike the last eight years of Nintendo handheld consoles, the 2DS is incapable of closing in on itself, tossing away a clam shell design in order to be one single piece of tech. That could also be due to the fact that the 2DS happens to be one big screen underneath that plastic, as opposed to two.

All the 3DS hardware is still there, from wi-fi to touch screen controls, but hot damn this thing is ugly. Nintendo is looking to market this as an entry-level device for their handheld segment, a cheaper version of the 3DS which will cost around $129.99. Here’s the full list of specs, that details the differences between the two. Click to embiggen:

specs

I get where Nintendo is coming from with this console idea. It’s designed for a younger demographic and more cash-strapped parents, but jeez, it is ugly. And by turning off the 3D on my 3DS, I’ve already had a 2DS before it was mainstream.

Last Updated: August 29, 2013

102 Comments

  1. Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

    August 29, 2013 at 07:48

    I honestly don;t think it’s such a dumb thing. It’s ugly as hell, sure – but a cheap, sturdy Pokemon machine for kids? It’s gonna sell like gangbusters.

    Reply

    • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

      August 29, 2013 at 07:54

      I agree, the 3DS has kind of defined itself and moved past the 3D effect as the main attraction, due to the awesome games that were released, so a 2DS makes sense…but I can’t for the life of me understand why it has mono sound and looks so unappealing….it looks horrible, handhelds still boil down to being portable

      Reply

      • Rainman

        August 29, 2013 at 07:58

        Because it forces the kids to use headphones – more peace for parents.

        Reply

        • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

          August 29, 2013 at 08:02

          Sad Panda, now kids can’t be rebels anymore and blast Animal Crossing

          Reply

        • Rebecca George

          August 30, 2013 at 20:54

          Honestly, they would of made it cheaper without the speaker. Most of us use headphones anyway.

          Reply

      • Friv 5

        August 29, 2013 at 10:01

        i don’t know

        Reply

        • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

          August 29, 2013 at 10:03

          Neither do I…thank you 🙂

          Reply

    • Melasco

      August 29, 2013 at 07:54

      Agreed. The 3DS is a huge success for Nintendo, so in my opininon they should focus on that area. Although I have zero interest in any Nintendo device, it’s good for the industry as a whole, which is why I hope the Wii U’s sales will also pick up.

      Reply

  2. Shade

    August 29, 2013 at 07:53

    well that’s not so bad 🙂

    Reply

  3. Alien Emperor Trevor

    August 29, 2013 at 07:54

    I want a 4DS, so I can go back in time & play more games :/

    Reply

    • DBL_ZA

      August 29, 2013 at 08:49

      You should take a look at Nintendo’s site. They have some of the older games available for 3DS. Some old LoZ, Mario, Donkey Kong etc games are available for around $5 each 🙂 I sent LG a mail about it a while ago, but nothing doing, so now I’ll post in the comments about it 😀

      http://www.nintendo.com/games/gameGuide?system=3ds

      I mailed Nintendo a few weeks ago, and they gave me the bad news that there are no plans to rerelease the classic Pokemon games though :'(

      Reply

    • OVG

      August 29, 2013 at 09:10

      Wait for the Pink Slim version… I bet you all a muffin that Nintendo are already building it. Seeing as they do not give a shit about pumping out games for the Wii U

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        August 29, 2013 at 09:13

        will be yellow like pichachu

        Reply

    • RinceThisNintypoo

      August 29, 2013 at 09:11

      Nintendo want a 4DS, so they can go back in time and cancel the Wii U…

      Reply

  4. Riaan

    August 29, 2013 at 08:07

    Oohhh!! A nintendo related article written in a negative tone? How refreshing.. It’s been… what.. a couple of weeks since you guys ripped on ninty? How’d you even last so long? 😮 I guess the positive stuff (price-cut, epic reviews of W101 etc) doesn’t warrant a article… But OMG!! Ninty brings out something that can be construed as being lame!! LazyGamer on it like sh*t on a blanket!

    Reply

    • Gavin Mannion

      August 29, 2013 at 08:11

      We have no price cut locally, the review of W101 is being finalised and Geoff even said yesterday that the WiiU is the best option for Raymans 🙂

      The 2DS looks idiotic.

      Also it’s Lazygamer… no capital G…

      Reply

      • Devourer of Small Bunnies

        August 29, 2013 at 10:42

        I lol’d

        Reply

        • RinceThisNintypoo

          August 29, 2013 at 10:52

          Me too! 🙂

          Reply

      • Riaan

        August 29, 2013 at 11:51

        So you don’t deny that, since your last article (something about weak sales or something) you have written nothing about the WiiU until, surprise surprise, you write something that sounds like it was done for a PS3 blog?

        Furthermore, you review this as if it’s aimed at the normal handheld crowd. Nintendo went out of their way to state that it is a release aimed at kids. So.. in other words… Nintendo brings out a handheld SPECIFICALLY aimed at kids, at a lower price (which is why it can’t fold), and peeps be whinging and moaning about it doesn’t look cool? really? You are judging a childrens product from the perspective of a adult. That’s like saying: “I find this colouring book pretty lame, it doesn’t even have a GUI”

        All i’m saying is.. look at it in terms of what it is designed for.

        If you are under 8 years old (the target market), you don’t give 2 shts about “it looks lame”. You are stoked coz you have something other than your fingers to play with. I guess you ignore that fact, coz, it makes it easier to write this ubris.

        Point is… if you go look at a objective blog.. well, something that approaches a objective blog (they don’t exist, they always lean towards something), you’ll find some postive, some negative. On here, it’s just negative. Which i don’t care for too much coz i don’t read this (being a ninty supporter), i’m just kinda bored on lunch atm. At least try to be balanced. At least make an attempt at it. At least post something that seems like you don’t hate certain console producers.

        Love and kisses
        xx00xx000xx
        Riaan

        Reply

    • Spathi

      August 29, 2013 at 08:17

      Calling a piece of ugly shit a piece of ugly shit isn’t being negative about the ugly shit, it is being honest.

      The writer never said the 3DS or 2DS is a bad piece of tech.

      Reply

    • Sargon

      August 29, 2013 at 08:17

      You’ve got to love it when the fans come out to defend poo. Nintendo handhelds were awful when I was ten. It’s still awful now. And really.. how is this 2DS different from any other 2D poo they’ve released before?

      I suppose if I get the desire to play with my Tamagotchi again…

      Reply

      • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

        August 29, 2013 at 08:19

        Really? Nintendo handhelds are awful?………..sheesh

        Reply

        • Sargon

          August 29, 2013 at 08:49

          Yes. I think that they are. But I can only speak my truth. I’ve always thought they are poo. But that doesn’t detract from the pure amount of AWESOME you can experience on it. Different strokes for different folks, isn’t it? But again.. I’m a PC gamer. What do I know?

          Reply

          • TiMsTeR1033

            August 29, 2013 at 08:50

            master race doesnt know mario…..

          • Sargon

            August 29, 2013 at 08:51

            Yes we do. We have console emulators so we don’t miss out (although the controls can be a nightmare).

          • TiMsTeR1033

            August 29, 2013 at 08:57

            thats why you buy a cheap control at pc shop and play away! SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE!!!! yay!!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            August 29, 2013 at 09:13

            I still bust out the old Mame roms on occasion.

          • TiMsTeR1033

            August 29, 2013 at 09:13

            like neo geo?

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            August 29, 2013 at 09:25

            Got a few of theirs yes

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            August 29, 2013 at 08:52

            🙂 You know enough to reply in a decent manner and respect that other people enjoy it . So you know more than most internet folk lol

      • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

        August 29, 2013 at 08:21

        You’re wrong. The 3DS is probably the console I’ve used most this year, because it has a wealth of fantastic games. Luigi’s Mansion 2 and fire emblem Awaking are probably my favourite titles released this year.

        Reply

        • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

          August 29, 2013 at 08:27

          And it’s backwards compatible so you can play Radiant Historia….which you need to play….like yesterday!

          Reply

        • Sargon

          August 29, 2013 at 08:44

          Sorry. I should clarify. I’m specifically talking about 2D handhelds that are poo. Not a fan. Never have been. The 3D are, to my understanding, very different. But I do not own one. 😛 I am okay with being wrong! But people with consoles always tell me I am. PC…

          Reply

    • Brenz

      August 29, 2013 at 08:25

      ahh its you again, come to jump to nintendos defence like the schoolboy with a crush. Im willing to bet you have a mario cart bunk bed with luigi blankets hey.
      i think this calls for…..

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        August 29, 2013 at 08:49

        he is just pissed off prob coz he bought a wii u and its got no games..

        Reply

      • RinceThisdripdripdripdripdripd

        August 29, 2013 at 09:03

        Hahahha! Nice one man. Agreed, Riaan only pops its head out of the woodwork when something anti-‘Ninty’ (see how it even has a crush name for Nintendo?) comes along. Truly spectacular on the Full Retard side, no?

        Reply

        • Brenz

          August 29, 2013 at 09:06

          haha, they on a pet name basis, awwwww cute 🙂

          Reply

          • RinceThisNintypoo

            August 29, 2013 at 09:07

            Or do you think that’s the safe word?

          • Brenz

            August 29, 2013 at 09:09

            ooooh!

      • Riaan

        August 29, 2013 at 11:52

        I would KILL for a mariokart bunkbed.

        Reply

    • RinceThisdripdripdripdripdripd

      August 29, 2013 at 09:02

      Oh my word. Really? You come out of the woodwork to only rant and rave and wonder why no one here gives a crap about your negative and uninformed opinion. The thing looks like shit, it’s about as mobile as a toaster, is going BACKWARDS not forward in tech, and you come here and spit vitriol at LG? Crawl back man, crawl back.

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        August 29, 2013 at 09:03

        *cracks the whip* like a boss!

        Reply

        • RinceThisdripdripdripdripdripd

          August 29, 2013 at 09:04

          YOU KNOW IT!

          Reply

          • TiMsTeR1033

            August 29, 2013 at 09:05

            Ill make you General in zombie apocolapse anyday!!

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        August 29, 2013 at 09:14

        lowercase g 😛 trollol

        Reply

        • RinceThisNintypoo

          August 29, 2013 at 09:16

          You shut up you! and I’ve only see people use capitals in abbreviating it 😛

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            August 29, 2013 at 09:27

            If you think about it, lowercase is an abbreviation of uppercase 😉

    • RinceThisNintypoo

      August 29, 2013 at 10:52

  5. TiMsTeR1033

    August 29, 2013 at 08:20

    those of you with 3ds *UMAR thats you* how would you think the 3d games would look in 2d? prob pretty ummm well crappy. Plus when a kid takes that out his bag or incredibly large pockets the other kids will laugh and point at it…. Nintendo should of rather made a cheaper 3ds than step backward and go 2d again… Keep it up Nintendo your doing such a great job with sales right now…

    Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      August 29, 2013 at 08:22

      they look fine; most people play 3DS games in 2D anyway.

      Reply

      • Brenz

        August 29, 2013 at 08:26

        the 3D on it makes me want to dig my eyes out with teaspoons, so yes you are totally right, only play in 2D

        Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        August 29, 2013 at 08:33

        Thanks for clearly that up but either way no kid wants to pull out that big piece of plastic. Its very unappealing..

        Reply

    • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

      August 29, 2013 at 08:22

      Lol I don’t have a 3DS, I have a Vita, I’m apparently living up to my Sony Fanboi status. but there is no way to make the 3DS cheaper … in all honesty I don’t see the need, it’s pretty cheap already

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        August 29, 2013 at 08:33

        My bad man, honestly thought you had one lol. Vitas kick ass besides the price tag and lack of games…

        Reply

        • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

          August 29, 2013 at 08:35

          Lol it’s fine dude, nothing wrong….just DON’T EVER ASSOCIATE ME WITH NINTENDO AGAIN!!!!! lol lol jk. but yeah it’s expensive but there are actually a lot of damn good games

          Reply

          • TiMsTeR1033

            August 29, 2013 at 08:48

            I wouldnt want to be associated either with a sinking ship… Feel sorry for them folks who bought the wii us at R999 awhile back they have become giant paperweights or shall be very soon…

          • RinceThisdripdripdripdripdripd

            August 29, 2013 at 09:05

            Said like a typical Xbox One fanboy *runs

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            August 29, 2013 at 09:09

            Says the EA fanboi …. OOOOOHHHH BUUUURRRRRNNNNN ssssssssssssss

          • RinceThisNintypoo

            August 29, 2013 at 09:10

            Says the Aliens: Colonial Marines lover TRIPLE BURNZ!

          • TiMsTeR1033

            August 29, 2013 at 09:11

            I wiped my ass with Aliens Colon maries… hehehe

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            August 29, 2013 at 09:12

            Says the..says……uhm…..EAT DIRT!…waaahhhh!!!

          • RinceThisNintypoo

            August 29, 2013 at 09:12

            Dammit, I wanted to respond with ‘It’s Friday’, but alas, it isn’t…

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            August 29, 2013 at 09:13

            Thank God for that!

          • RinceThisNintypoo

            August 29, 2013 at 09:15

            You have 24 hours to keep thanking…

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        August 29, 2013 at 08:34

        Sony Fanboi!

        (Just because I haven’t seen it in a while & thought you might be missing it)

        Reply

        • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

          August 29, 2013 at 08:36

          Thanx man! need that been feeling down lately…this definitely lifted my spirits lol

          Reply

  6. Pieter Kruger

    August 29, 2013 at 08:32

    “incapable of closing in on itself”. So it’s just a really bad designed tablet??

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      August 29, 2013 at 08:34

      its made for asain kids with very big pockets if you catch my drift…

      Reply

    • HvR

      August 29, 2013 at 08:53

      That is purely for cost cutting, not having to be able to close probably saves them $150.

      Despite not being a looker and the stupid name (I think the guy who came up with XboxOne got a job at Nintendo) this thing is going to sell like cupcakes at weight watchers convention.

      Reply

  7. Grant Hancock

    August 29, 2013 at 08:34

    I no have a nintendos … Was thinking about purchasing a 3DS when Pokemon X & Y comes out … will probably just get this if it is cheaper

    Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      August 29, 2013 at 08:35

      And that’s what a lot of people will be thinking. This thing is going to be a pokemon machine -and it’ll sell just fine.

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        August 29, 2013 at 08:41

        its amazing how pokemon can still sell consoles…

        Reply

        • Sargon

          August 29, 2013 at 08:49

          Gotta catch ’em all..

          Reply

          • TiMsTeR1033

            August 29, 2013 at 08:50

            POKEMON!!!!!

  8. DBL_ZA

    August 29, 2013 at 08:37

    2DiSgusting is what it should have been called

    Reply

  9. OVG

    August 29, 2013 at 08:54

    DAFUQ?
    These handhelds are still far to expensive. Even the 13 year old PS2 is still over R999. The Gamecube was R999 back in 2003.

    WHAT GIVES?

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      August 29, 2013 at 08:56

      gamecube was an awesome console though… wii u meets its same fate… Paperweight mode activate..

      Reply

      • OVG

        August 29, 2013 at 08:58

        I forgot about the Wii U. Is that thing still around?
        Anybody with half a brain… like us on LG 1.5 years ago already guessed the inevitable demise of Wii U. We also threw the Vita in there to.

        WHAT IS IT ANYWAY? Nintendo marketing at its finest.

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          August 29, 2013 at 09:01

          its a errm paperweight! and umar wont be happy to hear that we threw the Vita into the pit of demise…hehehe

          Reply

          • OVG

            August 29, 2013 at 09:06

            The Vita was false advertising at its finest.
            IT IS AS POWERFUL AS A PS3, Now last week they tell us that it is not as powerful as a PS3.

            IT IS A PORTABLE PS3, then we are told that there are no HD cables for your kick as TV when at home.

            The VITA will be revived as a control pad for the PS4.

          • RinceThisNintypoo

            August 29, 2013 at 09:10

            Agreed. I couldn’t believe it when they finally admitted that GT cannot play on it as the PS3 is WAY better… Kindda going back on yourself there SONY. Hang on, I’m supposed to act like a fanboy as I am probably buying a SONY4, FUCK YOU OVG SONG BESTEST!

          • OVG

            August 29, 2013 at 09:12

            ITS ALL LIES!!!

          • TiMsTeR1033

            August 29, 2013 at 09:12

            such love we have in here

        • RinceThisNintypoo

          August 29, 2013 at 09:06

          You can put your muffin on the bottom screen, and your coffee on the top one while listening to Darryn’s favourite band, the Parletones 😉

          Reply

          • TiMsTeR1033

            August 29, 2013 at 09:07

            its parlotones…. But i like some of their music not all but some..

          • RinceThisNintypoo

            August 29, 2013 at 09:08

            Actually, it’s Parlotones 😉 Trololo, and me too 🙂 I just no Darryn HATES them…

          • TiMsTeR1033

            August 29, 2013 at 09:10

            I hate jazz music that kills me man like seriously. Parlotones lived in my area i grew up in. ole Roodepoort

  10. RinceThisdripdripdripdripdripd

    August 29, 2013 at 08:58

    Holy heck. If I had a kid that looked like this it would end up in a bad with bricks. So they are flailing about with the Wii U and now they bring this ‘hipster’ handheld out? All it needs is huge earphones and a beard.

    Reply

  11. DasPoko

    August 29, 2013 at 09:02

    I think this will just replace the DS Lite it shouldnt have to compete against the full 3ds xl. Remember DS lite wont be able to play the new pokemon.

    Reply

    • DasPoko

      August 29, 2013 at 09:05

      For someone like me with a full living dex transferring and shinies. A cheap transfer machine like this will be handy.

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        August 29, 2013 at 09:06

        poke dex?

        Reply

  12. ALKi1234

    August 29, 2013 at 09:41

    They should have gone with a Tablet design of some sort.

    Reply

  13. Devourer of Small Bunnies

    August 29, 2013 at 10:47

    I really really dont see the “ugliness” everyones harping on about. Its a chunky “dual” screen little kids device. Aesthetics kinda go out the door for the target market, colours to a lesser extent. Ergonomically, I think its bloody brilliant, those little porkers can wrap their grubby hands firmly around the shoulders and rear for nice access to buttons and dpad. Cant say I agree with the mono sound, slapping in an extra speaker hardly seems like it could be an issue nevermind the fact that the audio is decoded to stereo anyway, I cant see the advantages of it. I know its definitely not a cost issue as those tiny speakers go for cheap cheap. so thats a bit weird.

    Either way, if I ever dared to a spawn the second coming of hell, I’d totally pick one of these things up for Slade Satan Jnr.

    Reply

  14. Her Highness the Hipster

    August 29, 2013 at 11:22

    “And by turning off the 3D on my 3DS, I’ve already had a 2DS before it was mainstream.” and you call me a hipster!?

    Reply

  15. Her Highness the Hipster

    August 29, 2013 at 11:22

    “And by turning off the 3D on my 3DS, I’ve already had a 2DS before it was mainstream.” and you call me a hipster!?

    Reply

  16. hairyknees

    August 29, 2013 at 11:35

    Hot damn that thing is ugly as hell O_O

    Reply

  17. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    August 29, 2013 at 15:20

    That thing is massive… you could kill a guy with it.

    Reply

  18. Aussious

    August 30, 2013 at 21:40

    Huh?

    Reply

  19. Turbojacket

    May 9, 2014 at 20:42

    I don’t mind the look of it. It’s kinda weird but I wouldn’t say it’s ugly. Just a little impractical. If there was a 2DS XL I would have purchased that as opposed to the 3DS XL. I never use the 3D functionality.

    Reply

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