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[Lambtron]

As mentioned, should have been one big ( touch ) screen. Doesn't hinder 3DS compatibility ( per se ), but introduces a world of potential.

It is one big touch screen.

Curiously, the 2DS is even more of a tablet-style system than it appears at first glance, as it actually features a single large screen in its center, not two separate ones. As one of their cost-cutting design measures, Nintendo reduced the number of screens in the system from two to one, and the appearance of separate screens is merely simulated by the way the case masks out the extraneous portions. This means the entire screen is by necessity a touchscreen, with the upper screen protected by a layer of plastic that sits above it. While this makes no difference for the system's normal functions -- after all, neither the system's firmware or its software would recognize the hidden, inactive zones of the screen or the upper portion's touch capabilities, even if you exposed those portions -- I'm curious to see what hardware modders manage to do with the system.

I understand why they kept the case covering those areas of the screen that aren't going to be used. Nothing would display there and people couldn't really interact with them like they would expect to.

That being said, a new system with a vertically oriented screen like that would be awesome.

 

[Regiruler]

So does Streetpass not work with this thing since you can't close it?

It has a sleep mode switch that replicates closing it.
And you get streetpass anyway while you are playing a 3DS game.

 

[Buddha Beam]

I honestly thought this was a joke when I read it.

Even with the failure of the Wii U, THIS is what finally makes me feel like Nintendo is rudderless and desperate. This is like "throw shit at the wall and hope it sticks" territory.

Maybe this is Nintendo's first baby steps into tablet territory is all I can think, since it's apparently 1 large screen. like a test case of something. That has to be it. It makes no sense otherwise.

 

[megabytecr]

This device makes a lot of sense:

- Tablet design to play into the booming tablet market, less intimidating for children/familes that are only used to tablets.
- Unessential features (3D, stereo sound) cut to drive production cost down, so it can be sold to children/families for cheap.
- Sell alongside Pokemon for mass casual appeal.
- No vulnerable hinges kids can easily damage.
- No second stick because that would be stupid. This is a budget 3DS, not an upgrade.
- No 3DS brand to avoid "why can't this [3DS Lite] not play 3D? I want my money back!" questions.

The only two things I can't wrap my head around are

- It's designed to cut production costs as much as possible, yet there's still a 3D camera in there?
- Pokemon is a system seller, it's gonna sell a shit ton of 3DSs anyway. If I was Nintendo, I wouldn't want to give them a cheap option.

If you are not a kid/don't have kids/already have a 3DS (XL) you are not supposed to be interested in this device. You are not the target audience.

Just re-posting this as people don't get it.

For 7 year old and younger.

Also before saying it is ugly I would give it the benefit of the doubt in terms of ergonomics. I cannot play more than 1hour on my 3DSXL before feeling discomfort.

 

[RPGCrazied]

Uh uh.

Game. Set. Match. As I said before, it wouldn't be so bad if you could close it. But that looks unnecessarily big.

 

[jabuseika]

From ONM UK

Wow, no more thumbs on touchscreen I guess.

 

[JetBlackPanda]

I wish they would have put the shoulder buttons on the back ala the Wii U gamepad.

well if we are making wishes.

they should have taken the camera out made it one screen with a virtual bezel and allow it to be used a a Wii U gamepad controller.

 

[YianGaruga]

I haven't followed all of the discussion, but what about the 2DS makes it "for kids"? Just the price and marketing?

 

[Elija2]

As mentioned, should have been one big ( touch ) screen. Doesn't hinder 3DS compatibility ( per se ), but introduces a world of potential.

But the top and bottom screens aren't the same dimensions. It would look weird stretching the bottom screen or shrinking the top screen.

Honestly I'd have a lot less problems with the 2DS if it was still a clamshell design. If you thought the XL was too big for your pocket, look at this monstrosity.

 

[georly]

Streetpass doesn't require sleep mode and this has sleep mode anyway.


That seems like an awfully esoteric problem that could be better solved with an update considering how cut to the bone this is meant to be.

Play coins require sleep mode though, and i don't see many people carrying this around in their pockets. Really hurts play coins. Shake Shake!

 

[G-Fex]

This can't be quoted enough

 

[morikaze]

Nintendo hasn't made me WTF like this for a good while, refreshing

 

[Trouble]

You just don't get it. This is designed for young children. They have giant hands.

oh....wait...

Mostly I'm thinking games that put extra buttons on the screen. Moving your thumb from the physical buttons to the touchscreen will be really awkward.

 

[Fracas]

I want a 3DS badly, but only having 1 shitty speaker, normal 3DS sized screens, and costing only what, $30 less than a base model makes me completely uninterested.

 

[which1spink]

That would kinda perfect if this is region free.

I honestly don't understand. Is there some application of two cameras outside out taking 3D images?

Dunno. I think they just kept the camera array so they don't have to change to logic boards, SDKs and firmware.

 

[Alienous]

Well, I hope that the children have the money to buy it for themselves, then.

Spoiler

In all seriousness, if this is a marketing disaster like the Wii U, it won't sell very well

 

[Twinduct]

Any minute now some dude is going to burst through the door and yell 'IT'S NOT MEANT FOR YOU' before beating them to death with an old Kid Icarus stand.

Tellytubbies
"DON'T JUDGE! DON'T YOU DARE JUDGE!"

Bananas in Pajamas
"OMG DON'T JUDGE!"

 

[FZZ]

Uh uh.

Welp. I still stand by my point.

But you slayed me with that pic, good job.

 

[Freezie KO]

Well... if this is the only way to hit $129 with pokemon for the holidays, then I guess it's something. More brand confusion though from Nintendo.

 

[Zee-Row]

Streetpass doesn't require sleep mode and this has sleep mode anyway.
.

Not all games , some games disable streetpass while a game is playing.

 

[Twilight Gap]

I'm confused - is a product designed for kids suddenly supposed to have poor ergonomics?

 

[Timeaisis]

Pretty much.

 

[firehawk12]

Oh, here's another thing. Will there be a Circle Pad Pro for this thing? lol

 

[MisterHero]

They probably already have a 3DS/xl too, making the reaction even funnier

 

[dLMN8R]

I haven't followed all of the discussion, but what about the 2DS makes it "for kids"?

This:

This device makes a lot of sense:

- Tablet design to play into the booming tablet market, less intimidating for children/familes that are only used to tablets.
- Unessential features (3D, stereo sound) cut to drive production cost down, so it can be sold to children/families for cheap.
- Sell alongside Pokemon for mass casual appeal.
- No vulnerable hinges kids can easily damage.
- No second stick because that would be stupid. This is a budget 3DS, not an upgrade.
- No 3DS brand to avoid "why can't this [3DS Lite] not play 3D? I want my money back!" questions.

The only two things I can't wrap my head around are

- It's designed to cut production costs as much as possible, yet there's still a 3D camera in there?
- Pokemon is a system seller, it's gonna sell a shit ton of 3DSs anyway. If I was Nintendo, I wouldn't want to give them a cheap option.

If you are not a kid/don't have kids/already have a 3DS (XL) you are not supposed to be interested in this device. You are not the target audience.

The main thing people are overlooking is that while $130 is a lot cheaper for customers than the existing 3DS, the costs for Nintendo are probably a shitload cheaper too. Means an even bigger profit margin for each device sold.

This thing will sell like crazy this holiday, especially with Pokemon.

 

[Trey]

Any minute now some dude is going to burst through the door and yell 'IT'S NOT MEANT FOR YOU' before beating them to death with an old Kid Icarus stand.

It's designed for people who don't already own a 3DS, whether it is because of the 3D or the price. People of all ages can enjoy the device.

The 2DS is basically meant for anyone who buys it.

Spoiler

In all seriousness, if this is a marketing disaster like the Wii U, it won't sell very well

It's the cheapest way to play the newest Pokemon game.

 

[fahr]

Aesthetics aside, I'm in love with this approach. Remove the 3d to make it cheaper. And the lack of clamshell makes this look WAY more comfortable to play. It's not top heavy like the clamshell design. Looks very solid in construction. I'm on board. Amusingly enough, the target market is for 5-7 year olds, which makes me feel weird because I feel like its almost perfect for me.

The only thing I don't like is that it wont fit in my pocket, but neither does the 3ds xl so oh well.

 

[Kamina]

Uh uh.

What the flying fuck? These things are huge! How will a kid be able to hold them properly, let alone reach the touchpad?

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

I'm confused - is a product designed for kids suddenly supposed to have poor ergonomics?

Your avatar is an N64 controller, come on now.

 

[JetBlackPanda]

Oh, here's another thing. Will there be a Circle Pad Pro for this thing? lol

no.

 

[Diablohead]

Still only a 3.5 hour battery? come on nintendo...

 

[TechnicPuppet]

48 pages. Amazing

 

[zewone]

Anywhere I can preorder?

 

[Acosta]

As mentioned, should have been one big ( touch ) screen. Doesn't hinder 3DS compatibility ( per se ), but introduces a world of potential.

That would have made too much sense (and yes, resolution problems yadda, yadda).

Love the mockup and the fact you put Ikaruga on it, I would buy this I think.

 

[Guevara]

It is one big touch screen.

I understand why they kept the case covering those areas of the screen that aren't going to be used. Nothing would display there and people couldn't really interact with them like they would expect to.

That being said, a new system with a vertically oriented screen like that would be awesome.

Weeeeeird. I can't believe that's cheaper than two smaller screens?

Someone send one to Ben Heck immediately.

 

[Silvawuff]

That thing is so, so ugly. It's also so, so smart of Nintendo from a business standpoint to launch this with Pokémon X/Y.

 

[steveovig]

It's a good price and I think it's a good idea but damn that thing is ugly. It looks uncomfortable too. Why did they leave out the fold out design?

 

[idwl]

Its so ugly! But i want it. Should releasee it for 99 dollars. Would have been my 3rd 3ds

 

[Ledsen]

After all those comments of consoles looking like a Fisher Price toy this one actually looks like a Fisher Price toy.

I've been meaning to 'upgrade' my original 3DS and honestly if this is comfortable i'll probably buy it, as i NEVER use 3D.

It IS a Fisher price toy. It's for kids.

 

[ArkkAngel007]

Guys, I'm sorry. I wrote last year that Nintendo should iterate their handheld hardware every year, and I've promoted that idea here on GAF in recent threads. Here's what I said in July of last year...

Apparently I didn't realize the influence I had, and now this has happened.

I promise that I'll be more careful with my suggestions in the future.

(In all seriousness, I expected them to build a premium model and push the lower models down. I'm interested to see how real consumers react to the opportunity to buy a 2DS. I'm absolutely horrified at the prospects of how they will market software for this... the stores will have 3DS and 2DS branding? *shudder* Seems like the NDS to 3DS problem all over again, just like the Wii to Wii U...)

It's not a brand new system, just a different iteration of the 3DS. Like the DSLite and DSi to the DS.

The marketing I have no confidence in though. They couldn't do it with the Wii U, and now they have a 3DS with a different name for no goddamn reason aside from that they removed the 3D. I have a feeling that Nintendo marketing believes that they are so clever with that title and that it deserves no further explanation in the market.

 

[vagabondarts]

Still only a 3.5 hour battery? come on nintendo...

Unbelievable.

There's no excuse for that

 

[Oppo]

I will admit, if they had made it look like the PSP go, and have the second screen simply reveal on slide, that would be really cool.

You could use it in either mode. Great for playing older games

 

[Sho_Nuff82]

No dual analog. This freaking company.

 

[Twilight Gap]

Your avatar is an N64 controller, come on now.

It's the Dreamcast controller, which was also awkward for smaller hands.

Still isn't the point.

 

[outunderthestars]

What the flying fuck? These things are huge! How will a kid be able to hold them properly, let alone reach the touchpad?

That is what is getting lost in this.

Nintendo's PR can't say "turns out people don't give a flying fuck about the core feature we built out product around so we removed it in order to hit a cheaper price point." so instead they spin it as "it's for kids!" while ignoring the obvious issues of size, ergonomics, or the actual imagery used in their marketing mix.

 

[massoluk]

From ONM UK

So it's even smaller than original 3DS.

No dual analog. This freaking company.

What are you people smoking? Why should budget version have something normal versions don't have?

 

[Acerac]

Well, everyone said they were waiting for the new redesign before they jumped in on the 3ds. Here you go guys. Enjoy...

 

[Tripon]

No dual analog. This freaking company.

We are not getting dual analog until the next the successor of the 3ds.

 

[imBask]

It's the Dreamcast controller, which was also awkward for smaller hands.

Still isn't the point.

no it was awkward for any size of hands

worst controler, best console

 

[Anth0ny]

Am I the only one who feels the circle pad and buttons being on the same level as the top screen is an awful design choice? Looks so damn uncomfortable.