Anyone purchase a 2DS as of yet?

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

I'm still torn on getting a 3DS XL for the bigger screen or the 2DS because I could care less about the 3D and the system looks really cool (despite the smaller screen). Anyone here own a 2DS or spend any time playing it? If so, how does the console feel and is it of a good build quality?

I really want the bigger screen but I keep hearing that the 2DS' screen is sharper and is plenty big for long-term gaming, the main complaint I keep hearing is the speaker. I'm just interested in getting everyone's feedback on the 2DS to see if maybe that's the route I should take.

[The Adventurer]

You can leave the 3D off on the XL if its that big a deal to you.

[Metalwario64]

I was thinking about getting my Dad a 2DS, but then someone here mentioned Nintendo offering refurbished regular 3DS systems for $120 (which ended up as $130 after shipping and taxes), so I got a regular 3DS for the same price. It comes with everything the new systems do, including a box (the only difference is it says refurbished console on the bottom), and the system was in flawless condition. I don't think it comes with a Club Nintendo code though, because the product description doesn't list it and I don't think I ever saw it when I unboxed it.

Now they've just reduced the price to $110, so for $10 less you can get a regular 3DS is in or near mint condition straight from Nintendo. I think that's a better deal than the 2DS, unless you really hate 3D for some reason (some people say it hurts their eyes, but it works the same way real 3D does). I'm not gonna lie, the 3DS (XL) I have got me addicted to 3D.:D


Though, over both, I'd definitely recommend the XL. Those screens are fantastic, and while it's still slightly uncomfortable to me, it's far better than the regular 3DS. The SP started the trend of the overly thin Nintendo handhelds due to the clamshell design, unfortunately. I am curious about the 2DS' comfort though, since it looks a bit thicker where the buttons are located.

[Rickstilwell1]

I can't recommend the 2DS mainly because then you can't turn on 3D to see the hidden coins in Super Mario 3D Land. Good luck getting 100% in Super Mario 3D Land with no 3D option.

[BlastProcessing402]

I would never buy a non-clamshell when a clamshell version is available. I like to keep my screens unscratched, and it's a lot more work doing that with non-clamshells.

[Bojay1997]

I'm still torn on getting a 3DS XL for the bigger screen or the 2DS because I could care less about the 3D and the system looks really cool (despite the smaller screen). Anyone here own a 2DS or spend any time playing it? If so, how does the console feel and is it of a good build quality?

I really want the bigger screen but I keep hearing that the 2DS' screen is sharper and is plenty big for long-term gaming, the main complaint I keep hearing is the speaker. I'm just interested in getting everyone's feedback on the 2DS to see if maybe that's the route I should take.

If you can wait a month, there should be deals on the 3DS, 3DSXL and 2DS from various retailers for Black Friday. In the UK it looks like Nintendo did a 99 pound promo for the 2DS, so that might mean a $100 2DS for the holidays here along with discounts on the other models. Also, there will be a gold Zelda 3DSXL for $220 at Gamestop and other retailers with a download voucher for the new game included.

[DiEsmitty]

There's rumored to be a special edition Year of Luigi coming for the 2ds,I will probably get this one for myself since the wife is always playing animal crossing on my XL.

[Leo_A]

I can't recommend the 2DS mainly because then you can't turn on 3D to see the hidden coins in Super Mario 3D Land. Good luck getting 100% in Super Mario 3D Land with no 3D option.

They're not invisible when it's set to 2D. I was able to 100% it just fine despite being legally blind in one eye and not being able to take advantage of the 3D effect.

[Wraith Storm]

I was going to get a 2DS until I discovered it had the smaller screen. I love the layout of the 2DS and it looks super comfotable. I don't really care about the 3d but I want a nice big screen. So instead of waiting for a 2DS XL to happen, last weekend I happened across the pokemon edition 3DS XL and snapped it up.

I only have Super Mario 3D Land, but I downloaded most of the demos in the eshop and am really enjoying the system so far!

[DiEsmitty]

I saw today on joystiq where the year of Luigi 2ds was fan made, so that sucks. Guess I will get the Luigi 3ds XL.

[wiggyx]

^^^ sorry about that :(

[Rickstilwell1]

They're not invisible when it's set to 2D. I was able to 100% it just fine despite being legally blind in one eye and not being able to take advantage of the 3D effect.

I'm talking about that one room where you can't see around the blocks to get to the coin but when you set it to 3D you can see your position under them because the perspective changes.

[JSoup]

They're not invisible when it's set to 2D. I was able to 100% it just fine despite being legally blind in one eye and not being able to take advantage of the 3D effect.

Being in the same boat and thinking all this time that it would be have to be a deal breaker, this is welcome news.

[retroman]

My youngest son(8) wants one for Christmas, and I was like why? I will get you a 3DS. It never popped in my head, but he said yeah dad, but I keep breaking those flip systems where they fold. He did break 2 DS systems at the folding points with armor cases on by dropping them. So I see his thinking. Makes since. So he will be getting one for Christmas.

[Dashopepper]

I bought a 2DS for my nieces. I haven't heard of the screen being sharper but it doesn't surprise me because it looks very nice. My 3ds Xl kills my hands during extended play and I usually have to rest my hands on something. The 2DS definitely has a good feel to it and is not so top heavy so I don't think you would have that problem. Despite that I personally would wait and get the recently announced Zelda 3DS XL (http://www.polygon.com/2013/10/29/5041812/the-legend-of-zelda-a-link-between-worlds-bundle-comes-with-new-gold) .

[TheRetroVideoGameAddict]

I ended up with the 3DS XL and I'm happy I did, the bigger screen is a godsend and the overall feel of the unit is really quite amazing. I can see why the 3DS is blowing away all of the other video game machines in sales right now, it's simply amazing!

[Nz17]

Ninty dropped 2DS's MSRP to 100 USD. Anyone willing to pick up a Nintendo 2DS for a C-bill?

[YoshiM]

Ninty dropped 2DS's MSRP to 100 USD. Anyone willing to pick up a Nintendo 2DS for a C-bill?
Weren't they sold at many retailers at that price anyway?

[wallydawg]

Weren't they sold at many retailers at that price anyway?

I bought mine a year or two ago (just before Link Between Worlds came out, however long ago that was) for that price. At the time, it was still cheaper than buying a broken 3DS and repairing one/both screens.

The 3D made me want to barf, and if I got a more expensive model (regular 3DS/XL) with the feature, I'd still feel inclined to use it since I essentially payed for it, however asanine that sounds.

The 2DS is an ok model really, doesn't look as stupid as pictures tend to make it, but it really doesn't fit in any of my pockets and there's no screen protection if you do manage. I tried the *new* 3DS and the "head tracking" 3D or whatever is really nice and didn't make me sick so if I had the option now I'd probably end up getting that one over the 2DS though.

[The 1 2 P]

Ninty dropped 2DS's MSRP to 100 USD. Anyone willing to pick up a Nintendo 2DS for a C-bill?

It's better to wait and get it on clearance. They aren't selling that well. I'm sure you will be able to find them for $50 or so within the next year, probably around Black Friday.

[Leo_A]

Wish we had gotten a 2DSXL. I like the form factor, the absence of hinges, and the removal of unused 3D capabilities.

But what I don't like is the smaller screen.

[FieryReign]

Makes me question people's eyesight when they say 3d goes unused. Stayed on for me. Looks way more sharper and crisp. Shit looks ugly and filtered with 3d off.

[RP2A03]

Makes me question people's eyesight when they say 3d goes unused. Stayed on for me. Looks way more sharper and crisp. Shit looks ugly and filtered with 3d off.

I've noticed that with 3D on, jaggies become more noticeable (probably why you think it looks sharper and crisp) and that the color temperature becomes warmer (probably why you correctly think it looks like shit without 3D). Personally I like the 3D, but if I didn't care for it I would probably keep it turned on at its lowest level just so the screen can be at a reasonable temperature.

[SparTonberry]

Makes me question people's eyesight when they say 3d goes unused. Stayed on for me. Looks way more sharper and crisp. Shit looks ugly and filtered with 3d off.

Then your eyesight must be better than mine.
I played with 3D on (on my original 3DS) for only a few minutes because it was hard for me to keep straight focus on the screen. Unless you can get a look at a good angle and keep it there, it becomes distorted and blurry.
I also got a Japanese New 3DS (mostly because I just wanted a Japanese system due to stupid region-locking) and I'll say it is a FAR better screen and I can leave 3D on without it becoming a headache. Definitely what Nintendo should've released in the first place. (though it sucks there's only a couple games exclusive to it. If I had bought for the "exclusive new games" claim, I'd have been disappointed probably.)

[Leo_A]

Makes me question people's eyesight when they say 3d goes unused. Stayed on for me. Looks way more sharper and crisp. Shit looks ugly and filtered with 3d off.

I have a lazy eye that wasn't caught in time to correct during childhood with an eye patch, so it simply doesn't work for me due to being legally blind in one eye.

[Tanooki]

Kind of have to agree with Fiery there on 3D on vs off, it does have that appearance to it. I've got the 3DSXL and I wouldn't trade the 2DS for it. I've seen it in action, it's solid, but given the price versus what it has removed it's really not worth it unless you're a kid with developing eyes, bad visions in 1/2 eyes, or like Leo there, legally blind in one. If you can't pull off stereo vision properly in real life the system is worthless in that respect.

[Gameguy]

A few days ago I wandered into a Gamestop for the first time in ages. Saw a copy of Xenoblade Chronicles 3D for 3DS and noticed that it's apparently only compatible with the New 3DS consoles. So I guess you need the newest version of the console for full compatibility with all games, or at least the better games worth playing.

I'm a bit puzzled by this as I thought the whole point of using consoles was to avoid PC type requirement issues.

[Leo_A]

That's the only New 3DS exclusive. And as things stand now, it sure looks like it's going to be the last. The only other exclusive use for the New 3DS are a handful of other titles with some optional support for the integrated right analog stick.

The DSi situation was actually the same the last time around, so this is nothing new. None of its exclusives were anything noteworthy though so few were ever aware that they even existed. Then it also had a fair number of titles with optional support for the DSi hardware, which were labeled as "DSi Enhanced". Sonic Classics Collection is perhaps the most well known example of such a game with this one offering improved performance when played on a DSi or 3DS.

[kupomogli]

I've noticed that with 3D on, jaggies become more noticeable (probably why you think it looks sharper and crisp) and that the color temperature becomes warmer (probably why you correctly think it looks like shit without 3D). Personally I like the 3D, but if I didn't care for it I would probably keep it turned on at its lowest level just so the screen can be at a reasonable temperature.

There are a lot of games that do the 3D effect really cheap by adding lines into the borders of the characters to make it look 3dish, but it's really cheap 3D(Tales of the Abyss, Pokemon X, and Resident Evil Revelations for example.) So it's not really true 3D and it introduces a lot of jaggies. There are some games though that it does look like the games are graphically enhanced and are much clearer, similar to going from SD to HD.

For those who really like the 3D feature of the 3DS, Castlevania Lords of Shadow Mirror of Fate has by far the best implementation of it. When playing it on my 3DS XL, before getting the New 3DS XL, it's actually the one game I kept 3D as much as possible. The game is a 2.5D game with massively detailed backgrounds and the 3D has depth to it. The only part in the game where the 3D is intrusive and hurts your eyes even when using the 3d properly is the screw up with the water. The whole moving sort of diamondish looking way that games make water look? Well, they've not only included it on the top layer of the water, but also the layer that is towards the screen and strains the eyes a bit when it's in 3D and you're underwater(only two larger sections where you're underwater though, but in comparison to the entire games length, it's nothing.) When I purchased my New 3DS and have replayed the game through a little over two chapters, I've often found myself walking instead of running so I could admire how well the 3D was done.

Shin Megami Tensei 4, Dead or Alive Dimensions, and Bravely Default also do the 3D well. Super Mario 3D Land does it decently, but not quite to the levels of these others. There are a lot of games that just do it really poorly though.

[FieryReign]

Resi: Revelations looked quite stunning in 3d. Best looking game I've played on the thing. All this jaggie talk makes no sense, it's worse when it's off.

Best 3d game? Nano Assault EX. Those tunnel/3rd person levels are like tiny rollercoaster rides. Shit just popped out the screen.

[Tanooki]

Not sure what you mean about lines in it, but I have that Resident Evil game and I've don't remember that. The fact they found a way to so well convert that MT engine tech to the 3DS and pull of what still is probably the best looking game (or top 5 at least) in 2D or 3D I think you're confused. Sure there are some jaggy looking things here and there, some by intention, other from just not having a good engine, but I wouldn't put RE into that.

I do agree though that SMT4, DOAD, and Bravely Default did it well along with Castlevania. It's more subtle, but the Pinball Hall of Fame looks stunning in 3D, it's more like viewing a real table than the usual flat style on pc/tablet/console and I should know it has Pinbot and I own the table. :)

[Jorpho]

That's the only New 3DS exclusive. And as things stand now, it sure looks like it's going to be the last. The only other exclusive use for the New 3DS are a handful of other titles with some optional support for the integrated right analog stick.The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth will be New 3DS exclusive. (It might seem a bit pointless, but the developer is rather pleased with the port; apparently having the minimap on a separate screen is pretty handy.)

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team is kind of neat in 3D, but I can't really recommend the game. (Some of the attacks that use the gyro even let you toggle the 3D off before using them, since 3D doesn't work very well if you're tilting the 3DS every which way.)

[SparTonberry]

The Binding of Isaac is an eShop-only game, isn't it?
It's looking like Xenoblade will be the only retail exclusive.

Which would be worse than DSi which ended up with only 4 retail-exclusive games (though all DSiWare was exclusive, over DS/DSL. Though 3DS can download and play all of them except a couple games that seem to have had licensing issues.)

[kupomogli]

Resi: Revelations looked quite stunning in 3d. Best looking game I've played on the thing. All this jaggie talk makes no sense, it's worse when it's off.

Best 3d game? Nano Assault EX. Those tunnel/3rd person levels are like tiny rollercoaster rides. Shit just popped out the screen.

The game didn't look 3D, it didn't have any depth to it, they added these extra lines around objects and characters to appear to have depth to it though but it was just a cheap way of doing it. Although I only played the demo so maybe it was just that. Never played the full game.

[Tanooki]

I've never played the RER demo, perhaps they bungled it some?

It is sad if Xenoblade is the only physical reason to exclusively have the New 3DS game wise, pathetic really. That Binding of Issac game that came out a month ago with a bundle of bugs which I think got patched out pretty recently and it is for New 3DS systems.

I guess I'd be annoyed by the purchase but I traded out what I had (XL) and ended up only eating $60 on the thing. The fact that I have circle pad games it can tap into, the far faster loading of the system/apps and some games that see it, the comfort, and finally having stable 3D so I just keep it on still made it worthy. I would not blame anyone being ticked off if they dropped full price and Nintendo pulled this on them with no releases.

[otaku]

wow thanks for the tip on the nintendo refurbs! Not sure which of the two I will get but for double the price (130) the 3DS gets you 3d and possibly a limited edition design so not bad