Sometimes, you need to take a step backwards to move forward. That’s exactly what old school video gaming giant Nintendo is doing with the Nintendo 2DS, a low-cost alternative to the Nintendo 3DS portable gaming system.
Like the name of the new system suggests, the Nintendo 2DS is simply a 3DS without the 3D functionality. The system will be able to play existing 3DS games and is backwards compatible with Nintendo DS games as well.
The name of the game with the new 2DS is affordability. Initial sales of the 3DS were disappointing, partially due to its high price tag (then $249). With tablet computers now retailing for $150, Nintendo simply had to come up with a less expensive handheld to compete under the Christmas tree this year.
“For a family of four with two kids, when you're looking at spending either $169.99 or $199.99 for two this holiday, now you've got a more affordable choice with Nintendo 2DS,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime to gaming news site Kotaku.
Nintendo is already facing criticism over the new device. Polygon suggests that the name of the device, combined with the fact that there are no 2DS-dedicated games, will confuse shoppers. Gamasutra complained about the form factor – and yes, the thing is inexplicably shaped like a massive wedge of cheese. Still, the fact is that 3D was a dumb gimmick people didn’t want or need that raised the price of the original Nintendo 3DS out of the acceptable range for the average gamer. The 2DS is probably the system Nintendo should have come out with in 2011.
The Nintendo 2DS will launch on October 12 in North America alongside two new Pokémon games. It will be available in both red and blue at a price of $129.99.
