New Nintendo 2DS XL

New Nintendo 2DS XL

New Nintendo 2DS XL
Also known as	NN2DS XL, New 2DS XL, N2DS XL(unofficial abbreviations)
Product family	Nintendo 3DS family
Type	Handheld game console
Generation	Eighth generation
Release date	AU: 15 June 2017 JP: 13 July 2017 KOR: 13 July 2017 NA: 28 July 2017 EU: 28 July 2017
Lifespan	2017–present
Media	Physical and digital Nintendo 3DS Game Card Nintendo DS Game Card Nintendo DSi Game Card Digital distribution (Nintendo eShop) Micro SD/SDHC card
Operating system	Nintendo 3DS system software
Removable storage	microSD card
Display	Upper: 4.88" LCD Lower: 4.18" resistive touchscreen LCD
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
Dimensions	Body Open Width: 6.4 in (16 cm) Height: 6.3 in (16 cm) Depth: 0.8 in (2.0 cm) Folded Width: 3.4 in (8.6 cm) Height: 6.3 in (16 cm) Depth: 0.8 in (2.0 cm)
Mass	260 grams (9.2 oz)
Related articles	Nintendo 2DS

The New Nintendo 2DS XL (branded as New Nintendo 2DS LL in Japan) is a handheld game console produced by Nintendo. It is the sixth system in the Nintendo 3DS family of handheld consoles, and was released in Australia and New Zealand on 15 June 2017, in Japan and South Korea on 13 July 2017, and in North America and Europe on 28 July 2017.

Serving as a companion to the Nintendo 2DS, the New 2DS XL uses the same clamshell form factor of other 3DS models. It carries over hardware improvements from the New Nintendo 3DS (including its updated processor, additional controls, near-field communications support for Amiibo and support for additional titles leveraging its hardware improvements), but with no autostereoscopic 3D display, a thinner form factor, the microphone and camera moved to the hinge, and speakers moved to the lower half of the device.

The New 2DS XL received mostly 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

Nintendo 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, as well as a Japan-exclusive Dragon Quest XI limited edition. 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 (which includes a pre-installed copy of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds) was released as a GameStop exclusive in North America, as well as an Animal Crossing: New Leaf variant for Europe and Japan, and red/black Mario Kart 7 and Minecraft Creeper styles exclusive to Japan.

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.

Software and services

Main article: Nintendo 3DS system software

The 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, 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, and SpotPass and StreetPass.

Reception

IGN 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 exclusives.

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.