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]
 | |
 A Black + Turquoise New Nintendo 2DS XL | |
| Also known as | NN2DS XL, New 2DS XL, N2DS XL, 2DS XL (unofficial abbreviations) |
|---|---|
| Product family | Nintendo 3DS family |
| Type | Handheld game console |
| Generation | Eighth |
| Release date | |
| Lifespan | 2017–2020 |
| Discontinued | 17 September 2020 |
| Media | Physical and digital |
| Operating system | Nintendo 3DS system software |
| Removable storage | microSD card[2] |
| Display | Upper: 4.88" LCD Lower: 4.18" resistive touchscreen LCD[3] |
| Sound | Speakers, microphone |
| Input | A/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 |
| Camera | Front-facing camera, 2 rear-facing cameras[4] |
| Current firmware | 11.17.0-50, as of May 22, 2023 |
| Dimensions | |
| Mass | 260 grams (9.2 oz)[3] |
| Backward compatibility | Nintendo DS Nintendo DSi (both DSiWare and DSi exclusive cartridges) |
| Successor | Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Lite |
| Related | New Nintendo 3DS Nintendo 3DS ▲ Nintendo 2DS |
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 known as the C-Stick, and additional shoulder triggers, and near-field communications (NFC) support for Amiibo for use in compatible games.[8][9] According to Nintendo Support, the battery of the console lasts 3.5 to 5.5 hours when playing 3DS games, 7 to 9 hours when playing DS games, and around 3 days when in sleep mode.[10]
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
editNintendo 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,[11][12][6] as well as a Japan-exclusive Dragon Quest XI limited edition.[13] 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.[14] 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 Europe. The Minecraft Creeper variant was also sold in Australia, and Japan.[15]
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.[16]
As of 17 September 2020, the New 2DS XL and all other remaining models in the 3DS family have been discontinued by Nintendo.[17]
Hardware
editLike the 2DS, the New 2DS XL lacks 3D functionality but otherwise has similar hardware to the New Nintendo 3DS. This includes a more powerful processor than the 2DS, an analog pointing stick, additional shoulder buttons, and built-in support for Amiibo use. Unlike the New 3DS, the New 2DS XL has its microphone and camera on the hinge, with its speakers located on the lower half of the device.[8][9] It is able to play video games that only it and the New 3DS model and its variants are able to play, including Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, Fire Emblem Warriors, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System digital re-releases.[18]
Design
editThe New Nintendo 2DS XL has rounded edges on both the top half of the console and the bottom half of the console. There is a corrugated design on the top of all standard edition consoles, with a corner being solid, with the Nintendo logo on it. The accent colour of the console is present on the buttons, the border on the lid, the power button, and the volume control.
To access the microSD card, and the Game Card, there is a dustcover, similar to the SD card slot on past Nintendo 3DS, 2DS, and DSi models, that opens to show both slots. This way of getting to the Game Card on a DS system is unique to the New Nintendo 2DS XL. This is more convenient for those who only play digital games, as the Game Card slot is protected by the cover.
On the middle of the bottom half, the side facing the user has a small black oval that houses a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a small stylus that can be taken in and out of the system for safekeeping.
Software and services
editThe 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, DSiWare, and demos, and SpotPass and StreetPass.[7]
Reception
editIGN 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
edit- ^ Nyū Nintendō Tsū Dī Esu Eru Eru (Newニンテンドー2DSLL)
References
edit- ^ "New Nintendo 2DS XL portable system to launch in Australia & New Zealand on June 15!". Nintendo Australia. 20 April 2017. Archived from the original on 19 July 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
- ^ "Nintendo 2DS – Features". www.nintendo.com. Archived from the original on 11 October 2018. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Nintendo 3DS family comparison chart". Nintendo. Archived from the original on 1 October 2018. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ "New Nintendo 2DS XL Announced, Releases 28 July". Nintendo Life. 28 April 2017. Archived from the original on 10 September 2017. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
- ^ "Nintendo Announces the New Nintendo 2DS XL for June". AusGamers. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
- ^ a b "New Nintendo 2DS XL coming this July". Polygon. Vox Media. 27 April 2017. Archived from the original on 28 April 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
- ^ a b "A new member of the Nintendo 3DS family". Nintendo. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ a b c DeFreitas, Casey (13 July 2017). "New Nintendo 2DS XL Review". IGN. Archived from the original on 27 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
- ^ a b c Lambrechts, Stephen (26 February 2019). "New Nintendo 2DS XL review". TechRadar. Archived from the original on 12 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
- ^ "Nintendo Support: How Long Will the Battery Remain Charged?". en-americas-support.nintendo.com. Archived from the original on 4 February 2023. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
- ^ "Nintendo Announces The New 2DS XL". Kotaku. 28 April 2017. Archived from the original on 28 April 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
- ^ "Nintendo Randomly Announces The New Nintendo 2DS XL". USGamer. 28 April 2017. Archived from the original on 29 April 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
- ^ "Japan's already getting hot, exclusive New 2DS XL systems". Polygon. 28 April 2017. Archived from the original on 28 April 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
- ^ Etienne, Stefan (29 May 2018). "Nintendo is releasing a Hylian Shield Edition 2DS XL on July 2nd". The Verge. Archived from the original on 16 June 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
- ^ 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. Archived from the original on 7 July 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
- ^ "Purple and silver New 2DS XL Mario Kart 7 Bundle launches September 28". 28 August 2018. Archived from the original on 17 September 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
- ^ Byford, Sam (17 September 2020). "Nintendo has discontinued the 3DS". The Verge. Archived from the original on 17 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
- ^ Sarkar, Samit (3 March 2016). "Nintendo bringing SNES games to Virtual Console on New Nintendo 3DS (update)". Polygon. Retrieved 11 December 2023.