Nintendo 2DS review by a Gaming Freak

[dropcap size=dropcap]I[/dropcap] was not impressed when Nintendo first announced their Nintendo 2DS handheld console. And my enthusiasm, the last drop of it however, was lost when I first saw the first pictures. It seems to me like the Japanese company’s designer are somehow out of this world, and they proved my point by delivering a portable gaming console that is rather hideous, too big for its purpose and impractical. Not to mention the architecture, that is definitely outdated.

When appearances do count

Even on its release date, the 3DS device was already obsolete. However, the games for this platform have demonstrated that you do not really need a last generation processor and a super GPU to conquer the mobile gaming market. Unfortunately, Nintendo managed to surprise me and not in the good way, for the third time this year, coming up with this monstrosity. A giant timber-like device, designed to be a bridge between 3DS and DS but with no 3D options, a retro looking handheld that is impossible to fit in a pocket.

But then, it hit me. Nintendo 2ds is not designed for adults and definitely, its purpose is not to fit the pockets. So, if we would look at it as a gaming platform for kids, our entire perspective would shift. As we can see clearly just by looking at it, the Nintendo 2DS console is perfect for a child’s little hands. Moreover, Nintendo eliminated the hinged case to help reduce breakage, which was a huge problem in cases when the devices were handled by kids, especially the little ones. As a result, what seemed to me as an ugly and impractical device, for my kid may be the best gaming platform, compact and almost impossible to break, covered in matte plastic that keeps scuffs from showing.

When appearances do not count

We are able to see major differences between 3DS and 2DS just by looking at the two consoles. When looking inside however, we notice that the two devices are similar, starting with the hardware capabilities up to the system menu, screen size, the cameras or the supported games. Yes, Nintendo 2DS is able to play all the games designed for both, the 3ds systems and the DS consoles as well.

What is missing on the Nintendo 2DS?

Except for the hinged case, Nintendo 2DS has clearly no 3D capabilities, such as the previous and more expensive handheld. It lacks also in sound effects and, if you are relying on the speaker only instead of headphones, you might get disappointed by the 2DS’s capabilities. While the device may seem to be perfect for a kid, it is quite uncomfortable for a mature gamer. In conclusion, it is less portable, less comfortable but still, less expensive than the 3DS. You should buy it if you want to save the extra $70 you will have to pay for the 3D device or if you want to give it to your kid. If you want to buy something portable, choose something else.