New Nintendo 2DS XL

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New Nintendo 2DS XL
New Nintendo 2DS XL logo.png
New Nintendo 2ds XL.png
A Black + Turquoise New Nintendo 2DS XL
Also known asNN2DS XL, New 2DS XL, N2DS XL (unofficial abbreviations)
Product familyNintendo 3DS
TypeHandheld game console
GenerationEighth generation
Release date
  • AU: 15 June 2017[1]
  • JP: 13 July 2017
  • KOR: 13 July 2017
  • NA: 28 July 2017
  • EU: 28 July 2017
Lifespan2017–2020
Discontinued17 September 2020
Media
Physical and digital
Operating systemNintendo 3DS system software
Removable storagemicroSD card[2]
DisplayUpper: 4.88" LCD
Lower: 4.18" resistive touchscreen LCD[3]
SoundSpeakers, microphone
InputA/B/X/Y buttons, Circle Pad, C-Stick, L/R and ZL/ZR bumpers, D-pad, Start/Select buttons, Home button, volume slider, power button
CameraFront-facing camera, 2 rear-facing cameras[4]
Current firmware11.15.0-47, as of July 27, 2021; 56 days ago (2021-07-27)
Dimensions
Body
Mass260 grams (9.2 oz)[3]
PredecessorNintendo 2DS
SuccessorNintendo Switch

The New Nintendo 2DS XL (branded as New Nintendo 2DS LL[a] in Japan) is a handheld game console produced by Nintendo. It is the sixth and final system in the Nintendo 3DS family of handheld consoles, and was released in Australia and New Zealand on 15 June 2017,[5] in Japan and South Korea on 13 July 2017,[6] and in North America and Europe on 28 July 2017.[7]

Serving as a companion to the Nintendo 2DS, the New Nintendo 2DS XL is based on the hardware of the New Nintendo 3DS, but with no autostereoscopic 3D display, its microphone and camera moved to the hinge, and speakers moved to the lower half of the device. As with the New Nintendo 3DS, it has an updated processor, an analog pointing stick and additional shoulder triggers, and near-field communications (NFC) support for Amiibo.[8][9]

The New 2DS XL received positive reviews, with critics noting that it combined traits of the 2DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL into a more ergonomic and aesthetically-pleasing device over the slate-shaped 2DS, but noting slight regressions in display and speaker quality.

History[]

Nintendo has presented versions of the console in black with blue accents for the North American market, and white with orange-gold accents for the Japanese, South Korean and PAL region market,[10][11][6] as well as a Japan-exclusive Dragon Quest XI limited edition.[12] Later, the White + Orange variant came to North America, as well as Lavender + White, Black + Green (both Japan-exclusive) as well as Poké Ball and Pikachu variants to coincide with the launch of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (the former also coming to that region).

In July 2018, a "Hylian Shield" variant was released as a GameStop exclusive in North America, bundled with a pre-installed copy of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds.[13] This came alongside an Animal Crossing: New Leaf variant for Europe and Japan, and red/black Mario Kart 7 and Minecraft Creeper styles exclusive to Japan.[14]

A month later, in August, Nintendo announced a new version of the console in purple with silver accents, which would release in September 2018. Additionally, Nintendo confirmed that all future shipments of the Black + Blue, White + Orange and Purple + Silver models would come with a pre-installed copy of Mario Kart 7.[15]

As of 17 September 2020, the New 2DS XL and all other remaining models in the 3DS family have been discontinued by Nintendo.[16]

Software and services[]

Main article: Nintendo 3DS system software

The system software of the New Nintendo 2DS XL is otherwise identical to that of the New Nintendo 3DS, remaining compatible with all games released for the 3DS (in two-dimensional mode only), DSi (including games with 3DS enhancements), DS (excluding those requiring the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot), and New Nintendo 3DS (such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and Fire Emblem Warriors), and offering online features such as Nintendo Network for multiplayer and online gaming, Nintendo eShop for downloading and purchasing games, and SpotPass and StreetPass.[7]

Reception[]

IGN considered the New 2DS XL to be an improvement over the "ugly doorstop-like" 2DS, praising its incorporation of features from the New 3DS XL into a device with a thinner and more "comfortable" form factor. Other changes were noted, such as using flaps to protect the game and SD card slots (the latter also removing the need to use tools to access it), and better-feeling shoulder buttons than the New 3DS XL. Regressions were also noted, however, such as its screens having a "washed out" appearance and lacking contrast, the top screen having a mirror-like coat that diminished viewing angles, the speakers sounding "muffled", and the short length of the included stylus. The New 2DS XL was recommended for users who did not need 3D but still wanted to play the platform's exclusive titles.[8]

TechRadar was similarly positive, but also noting that the hinge now protruded from the back of the device (thus making it look less streamlined when closed), its battery life was "underwhelming", and the timing of its launch was at odds with the release of Nintendo Switch.[9]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Nyū Nintendō Tsū Dī Esu Eru Eru (Newニンテンドー2DSLL)

References[]

  1. ^ "New Nintendo 2DS XL portable system to launch in Australia & New Zealand on June 15!". Nintendo Australia. 20 April 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
  2. ^ "Nintendo 2DS - Features". www.nintendo.com. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c d "Nintendo 3DS family comparison chart". Nintendo. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  4. ^ "New Nintendo 2DS XL Announced, Releases 28 July". Nintendo Life. 28 April 2017. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
  5. ^ "Nintendo Announces the New Nintendo 2DS XL for June". AusGamers. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b "New Nintendo 2DS XL coming this July". Polygon. Vox Media. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b "A new member of the Nintendo 3DS family". Nintendo. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b DeFreitas, Casey (13 July 2017). "New Nintendo 2DS XL Review". IGN. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b Lambrechts, Stephen. "New Nintendo 2DS XL review". TechRadar. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  10. ^ "Nintendo Announces The New 2DS XL". Kotaku. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
  11. ^ "Nintendo Randomly Announces The New Nintendo 2DS XL". USGamer. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
  12. ^ "Japan's already getting hot, exclusive New 2DS XL systems". Polygon. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
  13. ^ Etienne, Stefan (29 May 2018). "Nintendo is releasing a Hylian Shield Edition 2DS XL on July 2nd". The Verge. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
  14. ^ Kelly, Makena (3 July 2018). "Nintendo's special edition Animal Crossing 2DS XL is adorable and I'm mad I can't buy it". The Verge. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
  15. ^ https://gematsu.com/2018/08/purple-and-silver-new-2ds-xl-mario-kart-7-bundle-launches-september-28
  16. ^ Byford, Sam (17 September 2020). "Nintendo has discontinued the 3DS". The Verge. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
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