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2DS or New 2DS XL?

AHA-Lambda

Member
I'm thinking about getting a 2DS (new job, lot of travelling so something portable would be really handy!) but don't know whether to get 2DS or the new XL version

Obviously the new version is the better one, but I've heard the concerns about the screen hinge plus it's £130, but the OG 2DS is about £50 second hand.

The "New" series also plays some games the older versions can't, correct? But this isn't a particularly prevalent thing I believe?

So the question I have really is if the new version is worth more than double the price of the original version? Cos I'm erring tiwards the cheap one right now on the face of it.
Thanks!
 

TheMoon

Member
New 2DSXL lets you play New 3DS exclusive (xenoblade 3D, fire emblem warriors, several eShop titels) and enhanced games (tons of games), is overall faster to use (UI/load times), has the "circle pad pro" attachment that made some older games more comfortable to play basically built-in, and is not a clunky block literally made for kids so they can't break it.
 
The load times are negligent and not that many games use the extra juice from the new 3DS hardware.

I honestly would only recommend the normal 2DS if you prefer the form factor and don't mind the smaller size. Otherwise get the XL.
 

Tailzo

Member
I'd rather wait for 3DS games being playable on Switch running at thrice the resolution.

I wonder if that could be possible some day. I mean, set the screen vertical, let it use half the screen for the top screen, and the bottom half for the bottom screen. Use joycons as buttons?

But I think getting a cheap 3ds or 2ds is not a bad idea now. Tons of great games.

edit:
If I didn't already have a new 3ds xl, I'd get a new 2ds xl. Looks good and I never use the 3d.
 
If you just want to play 3ds games for the cheapest possible price, regular 2ds is fine. I have it and it does its job -- no complaints.
 

ggx2ac

Member
Do you like playing games with a mono speaker? Then pick 2DS.

Do you want to play games that are only playable on the New 3DS family? Then pick New 2DS XL.
 

ggx2ac

Member
Also, if you like playing Smash Bros. The New 2DS XL would make a big difference with regards to load times like when going back to the home menu.
 

Mogwai

Member
New 2DSXL lets you play New 3DS exclusive (xenoblade 3D, fire emblem warriors, several eShop titels) and enhanced games (tons of games), is overall faster to use (UI/load times), has the "circle pad pro" attachment that made some older games more comfortable to play basically built-in, and is not a clunky block literally made for kids so they can't break it.

Agree with this. Get the new one. It would be a shame to have bought the old one and limit yourself in case you might want to play the games that are only compatible with the new one. The new 2DS XL in black/blue looks pretty sleek.

I'd rather wait for 3DS games being playable on Switch running at thrice the resolution.
See you in 2020, maybe.
 
I'd most certainly recommend a 2ds Xl but I will say, i let my kid cut his teeth on the OG 2DS for a year or so before I moved him up to the 3ds Xl and it was a pretty nifty little machine, I quite liked the slate form factor. I'd have been interested to see a *premium* version.
 
I got a 2DS for Pokemon X/Y back in 2013. It's worked great for every 3DS game I've played. That being said, if money is no issue, get the New 2DS XL. Access to portable SNES games is too big to pass up.
 
I liked my time with the vanilla 2DS, but in 2017 I don't think it's a good idea. The QOL improvements thanks to the newer hardware make N2DSXL an easy choice.
 

b3b0p

Member
I don't know about EU, but 3DS XL is only $20 more I the US refurbished directly from Nintendo. Same condition as new and same warranty.

If price is concern, that's what I would get. Homebrew it and you have the best portable homebrew since the PSP.
 
So never?

I wonder if that could be possible some day. I mean, set the screen vertical, let it use half the screen for the top screen, and the bottom half for the bottom screen. Use joycons as buttons?

But I think getting a cheap 3ds or 2ds is not a bad idea now. Tons of great games.

edit:
If I didn't already have a new 3ds xl, I'd get a new 2ds xl. Looks good and I never use the 3d.

Wow, not even a 3DS thread is safe from "I want it on the Switch".

OP: Get a 2DS XL, 2DS is alright imo. I've got "medium" sized hands and the XL feels okay too me.

Get the one with the bigger screen.


This wont happen.

Agree with this. Get the new one. It would be a shame to have bought the old one and limit yourself in case you might want to play the games that are only compatible with the new one. The new 2DS XL in black/blue looks pretty sleek.


See you in 2020, maybe.

mXyupD1.gif


Switch owners still salty.
Damn, forgot about the two screens...

Still wanna play the 3DS versions of OoT and MM at 720p resolution (240p x 3).
 

BiggNife

Member
I think the vanilla 2DS would be fine if you just want to play 3DS games for the cheapest possible price.

If you're willing to pay a little extra for some exclusives and a classier looking console, the N2DSXL definitely seems worth the extra $70. But that's entirely up to you.
 

AHA-Lambda

Member
In the UK they were selling 2DS for £65 with Mario Kart. That's less than half the price of a 2DS XL without a game.

Yeah...

Tbh, the price factor is just so high and appealing for a system that plays 99% of the same library, that I'll probably just get the OG 2DS
 
The 2DS is a fine device especially for the cost. Of course almost any other 3DS family system would be better (even the old 3DS due to being more portable and not having exposed screens) but if you just want to be able to get in to the library and play the games then it is hard to beat. The device feels sturdy, is actually quite comfortable for long gaming sessions (I've not had issues playing for 2+ hours in a sitting and my hands are on the larger side) and it fits in the pocket of my favorite pants pretty okay. The sleep switch feels solid to use, and the biggest con I've found is the exposed cartridge slot which I've covered with a bit of black electrical tape.

I got a 2DS earlier this year, before the 2DS XL was announced and honestly, while the differences and QoL features sound quite nice the only time I've really wished I had the superior hardware iss for Xenoblade Chronicles 3D.

If you can afford the 2DS XL and want the extra features, then that's going to be a really good way of getting aboard, but the 2DS does quite well for the price. It just depends on whether the premium is worth it for you. If it were me though I think I would've jumped for the XL, but that extra premium would've been something I'd hesitate quite a lot on.
 

br3wnor

Member
You can only play SNES VC games on the XL version. So there's that.

Yeah, that’s a pretty big bonus. Funny this thread popped up today because I’ve been really on the fence about wanting to jump into a DS. I’m gonna get a Switch this fall/winter and ideally would just wait for 3DS games to come out on VC but I have a feeling that will be years away (if ever) and while $150 is a tough pill to swallow, there’s just too many good 3DS games to ignore at this point, and I’m really feeling the itch of the new Metroid in September.

The legs of the 3DS are pretty amazing and I think w/ the Switch you’re not going to see a DS replacement for some time and they’ll still churn out quality games on the device, making ownership inevitable if you’re a Nintendo fan.
 
You get what you pay for, and the lower price of the 2DS is due to it being a lower quality product.

Just get the New 2DS XL, or better yet- New 3DS XL
 

NOLA_Gaffer

Banned
Yeah...

Tbh, the price factor is just so high and appealing for a system that plays 99% of the same library, that I'll probably just get the OG 2DS

That's probably the way to go. If you build up enough of a 3DS software library that you then decide you want to go for a "premium" model, then go for the XL.
 
2DS looks incredibly uncomfortable and cumbersome. Get the XL
It's not more uncomfortable than the normal 3ds IMO.
@op: Go into a store and compare the XL and normal version. Maybe look out for a nice n3ds bundle. The games look better/sharper on the smaller screens and the smaller versions are more portable. Got my Monster Hunter 4 3ds new for 150€ a few months ago.
 

Novocaine

Member
Is there a reason you weren't interested in a 3DS? The regular size "new" 3DS is pretty comfortable to hold. I found the XL kind of cumbersome after a while though.

Also is there a way to suspend software on the 2DS like closing the clamshell on a 3DS?


Edit: Get Picross 3D Round 2
 
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