Photo courtesy of nintendo.com
Video game fans everywhere are enraged by Nintendo’s newest handheld console: the Nintendo 2DS. The system plays all the same games as the 3D version but it has a completely different look and price. The console no longer has a 3D feature and the system doesn’t fold like any of the other members of the DS family — it sits straight like an old-school Gameboy. The new system will sell for $129.99, cheaper than the regular 3DS ($169.99) and 3DS XL ($199.99.) Everything about the 2DS seems normal and fine, so why is there such an uproar?
For one, the fans feel as if the 2DS is a waste of production money. They criticize Nintendo’s decision, saying that if somebody will drop $130 on a system, then why not just pay the extra $40 and get the whole thing? Nintendo’s 2DS advert says enough, “Seriously Affordable.” Some people may think $40 is nothing but to a lower-class family or even a broke college student who just wants to play the new Pokémon game, $40 is a few days worth of groceries. It’s also enough to buy a brand new game. The opposition may tell you to check Craigslist for a, cheaper, used 3DS, without realizing that a used 2DS will be selling for even less.
In addition, a lot of internet hate is directed at Nintendo for abandoning the 3D software that they took so much pride in. However, the 2DS still carries every function of the 3DS. Whether it is the downloadable games, camera or the ability to download apps like Netflix, the 2DS still is more of an entertainment device than it is a gaming device — much like the older DS was.
Its width is about the same as the height of an iPhone 5, so it isn’t as large as people may think. The screen may be smaller than the 3DS’s but if resolution is your shtick, you’ve probably already invested in a 3DS XL. As for the loss of the 3D function, one can assume Nintendo can only handle so many parents calling and screeching about the system ruining their kid’s eyesight (The system does prompt you to take frequent breaks from using the 3D function. Nobody told your idiot child to play The Legend of Zelda for six hours straight. I don’t care how hard the water temple is. Pull your child away from the game and feed them some Lunchables or something). Most people don’t even use the 3D function and some even claim that the 3D function kept them from investing in the new system!
Whenever a new idea comes around there are bound to be people who hate it, though I feel the amount of fire the 2DS is taking is much higher than the norm. On the other hand, some people will use this new idea to create a gag website advertising the Nintendo 1DS. The Nintendo 2DS drops on October 12th, the same day as Pokémon X and Y (a brilliant marketing scheme), and you can preorder the system through Nintendo here.
Do you love or hate the 2DS? Or maybe you just want a friend to play Animal Crossing: New Leaf or Pokémon with? Leave a comment or send an email to dahrae@terpmail.umd.edu with all of your gaming concerns!