Nintendo cuts Wii U by $50, announces 2DS handheld

New 2DS removes 3D effect, sells for the low price of $129, while Deluxe Wii U and special Wind Waker HD Wii U bundle both sell for just $299 [UPDATE: added video of 2DS]

Nintendo has pulled back the curtains on its plans for this fall, and despite the relatively late date they’ve managed to slip in a few surprises — not least of which is a new piece of hardware.

The Nintendo 2DS, as the name suggests, offers a new take on the 3DS. While it features a fully different form factor from the standard 3DS and XL (it discards the clamshell case for something that vaguely resembles an unholy union of a Game Boy, the Wii U GamePad, and a DS), the 2DS is functionally identical to its sibling. Every feature has carried across, including the touch screen, the relative sizes of the screens, the Circle Pad, the wireless functionality and software, and the 3D cameras. Despite the slate-style design, it even retains the system’s sleep function through a slider on the bottom edge that puts the device instantly into a low-power mode.

However, even though it can “see” in 3D, what truly distinguishes the 2DS from 3DS is its lack of a 3D graphical effect. This, Nintendo explains, is entirely a cost-saving measure. Nintendo has designed the 2DS with younger gamers in mind, and as such its price undercuts the standard 3DS model at $129. And lest there be any doubt about the system’s intended market, consider that it’s launching day-and-date with Pokémon X & Y Versions… and is sold separately. Nintendo is clearly banking on the popularity of a new Pokémon (and the first to feature the wild 21st Century concept of ) this fall and hopes to coax younger gamers, or at least their parents, into jumping into the 3DS market with a more enticingly priced piece of hardware.

“Nintendo was quick to explain that the 2DS is not really meant for hardcore audiences”

 

When the 2DS launches on October 12, American gamers will be able to choose from two predominantly black models: One with blue trim and the other with red. European gamers will have the choice of black with blue or white with red. And Japanese gamers don’t have a choice at all; the 2DS won’t be arriving in Japan when it debuts elsewhere, and Nintendo hasn’t indicated when (or if) it will.

The 2DS features full compatibility with the entire lineup of 3DS and DS software, though of course the former games will run strictly in 2D mode. Both cartridge-based and digital software are supported on the system, and the device ships with the same 4GB SD card as the 3DS XL. Besides the major redesign of the hardware layout and addition of a Sleep switch, fans will notice a few other minor changes: The 2DS (obviously) lacks a 3D slider, and its wireless functionality is controlled through software rather than via a physical switch. Finally, the system includes only a single speaker, though stereo sound is available through the headphone jack.

In testing the hardware, I found the 2D to be considerably lighter than the 3DS. It also feels more durable; it consists of a thicker, more rugged plastic than the slick, thin shell of the 3DS, and the lack of a hinge helps make it feel more solid as well. The control layout feels considerably more comfortable than that of the 3DS, with interface elements high on the face (similar to the GamePad). This benefits the D-pad in particular. Perceptually, I found the screens seemed larger than those of the standard 3DS model despite their being the same size.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-08-28-nintendo-cuts-wii-u-by-USD50-announces-2ds-handheld?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=us-daily

 

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