The new 2DS has been announced

Nintendo today announced an all-new piece of hardware: the Nintendo 2DS. The entry-level handheld will launch on October 12 alongside Pokemon X and Y for $130.

The 3DS currently retails for $170.

The Nintendo 2DS will play all Nintendo 3DS games and is backwards compatible with Nintendo DS titles. It will be available in two versions: black with blue trim and black with red trim.

The form factor of the Nintendo 2DS is completely different than the 3DS. The new model is not hinged. And though it features two screens (of identical size to the 3DS), it bears a more tablet, slate style.

The Nintendo 2DS features two cameras with which users can snap photos or record video. Users can't play back this content in 3D on their systems, but can insert their SD card into a 3DS to view their content in 3D.

Just because Nintendo is releasing a non-3D handheld, it does not mean the company is distancing itself from 3D altogether, as the 3DS will remain on sale. Instead, the 2DS is aimed at attracting more consumers overall through its lower price point, according to Nintendo marketing executive Scott Moffitt.

"It doesn't mean that we are not committed at all to 3D and that we don't think that's a really valuable, unique eye-popping feature for a lot of gamers," Moffitt told GameSpot. "We just wanted to continue growing the installed base and needed to find a way to get to a price point that was more accessible for a broad swath of consumers."

"As we surveyed the marketplace, it seemed to us that there was an opportunity for something at that lower, entry level price point," he added.

Nintendo will also release a carrying sleeve for the 2DS.

Ok. . .

It was bound to happen. I would get it just to play Monster Hunter, but if the screen is the same size as the standard 3ds, i'm gonna end up straining my eyes again.

When I saw this topic, I thought it was a joke at first, but this isn't such a bad idea in many regards. :>

That looks dreadful - save for a few months extra and get a 3DS.

The screen looks smaller to me. Screw it. rather get the XL

Seems like it's made with children under age 7 in mind as there's no hinges and is a cheaper option for parents who don't want to spend more to get the 3DS. It will fly off the shelves along with Pokemon X/Y

Looks like it may be a little uncomfortable.

Guess Nintendo have not learnt from the branding problem of the Wii and WiiU.
3DS... 2DS.

That said, nice price. No 3D (does that mean devs wont care about 3D anymore) have me on board.

But the horrible design (what is up with all that space) and the size is just a real turn off.

How Does It Compare To 3DS and 3DS XL?

The 2DS is seemingly a 3DS in a different case. The screens are the same size as the standard 3DS, rather than the size of the 3DS XL.

http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/53839/nintendo-2ds-hands-on-impressions-release-date-price/

Better comparison pic:

Then again they might be targeting a much younger age group with this.

STILL no second analog stick

Nintendo's curious new 2DS handheld actually only has one screen.

The tablet-sized device's twin displays are formed of one screen split into two by the 2DS' plastic casing, USGamer reports.

Nintendo's decision to manufacture the device this way was based on a desire to cut costs. Simply put, it's cheaper to create one larger screen and cover up the bits that aren't needed than create two discrete screens.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-08-29-nintendo-2ds-twin-displays-are-actually-a-single-big-touchscreen

Interesting article at USGamer site referenced above. Worth a read for Ninty fans.

Despite 2DS's target market being kids, I do think the device has potential to appeal to more hardcore fans as well. It's much more comfortable to hold, for starters.

http://www.usgamer.net/articles/oh-so-thats-nintendos-next-move

guess that means more sales of Pokemon X/Y

Still more than I am willing to pay. R300 more and you can get a 3DS: XL.

Hideous looking little device, but I think it has it's place in the market because not everyone wants to fork out for 3ds.

But yeah depending on local price ill get one when I get pokemon

pffffft, seriously. Mono sound and no headphone jack?

It does only have a mono speaker but it also has stereo output via head jack (at the bottom).

Seems like a fine move from my point of view, as the people who don't really use or value 3D will get a cheaper option for forsaking that feature. I just really wish it had a hinge though.