Nintendo 2DS review: Cheaper than ever, but with a price

At this point, we're used to Nintendo releasing slightly tweaked cosmetic refinements to its portable systems pretty frequently (the latest example of the trend, the 3DS XL, came just last year). That said, the August announcement of the Nintendo 2DS was still surprising simply due to the sheer scale of Nintendo's proposed redesign. Not only is Nintendo saying goodbye to the 3D gimmick that started out as one of the 3DS' main selling points, but it's also throwing out the folding hinge design that has served its portable line so well ever since the Game Boy Advance SP.

The redesign reportedly brings with it significant cost savings on Nintendo's part, which helps drive the 2DS' price down to a very attractive $129 (compared to $169 for the 3DS and $199 for the 3DS XL). But this handheld also comes with a few annoyances that detract from the gaming experience. All in all, the 2DS is a passable entry-level device for price-conscious consumers, but the standard 3DS or 3DS XL are worth the extra money.

Mostly comfortable

As far as the internal hardware is concerned, the 2DS is identical to the 3DS that came before it, right down to the same size battery pack. Everything from the system menu to the software compatibility, screen size, and 3D camera (yes, the system takes 3D pictures, even though it can't display them natively) is exactly the same as it was in the standard 3DS, so we're not going to rehash that here.

The changes here are all to the form factor and aesthetics, and they take a little getting used to. The buttons are shifted up along the side of the system so that users can reach the extra-large shoulder buttons that are now above the top screen (as opposed to above the bottom screen's folded half, as on other DS systems). This means the 2DS' bottom corner doesn't cradle easily into the center of your palm when you hold it in your hands. Instead, the slightly rounded-but-still-too-pointy corners dig into the bottom of adult-sized palms, a bit too close to the wrists to really be comfortable.

As a result, I found myself tending to hold the 2DS a little more loosely, pressing the tops of my palms inward to support the system and using my back fingers to hold it up from behind. This is surprisingly comfortable when playing traditional games where your fingers are on the buttons and touchpad all or most of the time, especially if you hold the system down around your waist (rather than holding it perfectly vertically in front of your face).

Two small issues: you may feel a bit of a stretch in your index finger when reaching up to the L button from the d-pad on the left side (the touchpad is better positioned and more comfortable in this fashion), and it's a little more awkward reaching your thumb down and over from the face buttons to any menu items on the touchscreen in many DS and 3DS games (on older systems, you don't have to move your thumb nearly as far).

These are minor issues though, and for button-based games you tend to forget you're not holding a more standard, folding controller. The system is also perfectly usable for games that are primarily controlled by the touchscreen, being light enough that you can easily grip it loosely in one hand as the other taps away at the touchscreen.

They all look unique in their own way, but the wedge of the 2DS (bottom) really stands out amid the current portable options.

They all look unique in their own way, but the wedge of the 2DS (bottom) really stands out amid the current portable options.

Length/height comparison (tops are lined up). From top: 3DS, 3DS XL, PS Vita, 2DS.

Length/height comparison (tops are lined up). From top: 3DS, 3DS XL, PS Vita, 2DS.

Thickness/height comparison. From top: 3DS, 3DS XL, PS Vita, 2DS.

Thickness/height comparison. From top: 3DS, 3DS XL, PS Vita, 2DS.

Length/height comparison (tops are lined up). From top: 3DS, 3DS XL, PS Vita, 2DS.

Thickness/height comparison. From top: 3DS, 3DS XL, PS Vita, 2DS.

Shoulder button size comparison. Clockwise from left: 2DS, 3DS, 3DS XL.

Since the 2DS doesn't fold up to go to sleep, this handy switch puts the system into standby mode. Also note how pointy the "rounded" corner is on the system.

If anything, the 2DS screen is a little brighter than that on the standard 3DS.

The redesigned volume slider has a nice textured grip and is a bit harder to slide accidentally.

The only times the 2DS' odd design really gets uncomfortable is when playing games that try to combine touchscreen stylus tapping on one hand with face and shoulder button manipulation on the other. Titles like Kid Icarus: Uprising were never all that comfortable to play on folding 3DS units, but on the 2DS, trying to support the system and manipulate buttons with a single hand is downright painful. There aren't all that many DS or 3DS games that make use of this kind of hybrid control model, but for the ones that do, be warned.

Strong design and build quality

For a system that's serving as the "cheap" Nintendo portable, the 2DS has an impressively tight build quality to it. The lack of a hinge makes the 2DS feel a bit more solid than previous 3DS systems, and the matte plastic finish (carried over from the 3DS XL) is a nice, smudge-proof improvement over the original 3DS' metallic surface. Still, the bright side colors and stark seams make the unit look a bit toy-like next to the kind of high-end portable electronics you might be used to carrying around. The sheer size of the unit also makes playing on it look as weird as making a phone call on a phablet or using a full-size iPad to take photos.

Speaking of awkward, the 2DS' hinge-free design makes it, quite possibly, the least pocket friendly portable this side of a Sega Game Gear. While I could just barely jam the massive slate into the side pocket of my 34"x32" jeans (and into the generous pockets of my fall jacket), it stuck out awkwardly when I tried to jam it into my rear pants pockets. Things were even worse regarding the breast pocket on my shirt; I could fit a folded 3DS XL in there without a problem but could barely jam in one corner of the 2DS. Bottom line: If you're planning on carrying this around with you outside the house, you'd better have a bag or some very massive pockets.

The buttons are springy and comfortable, especially in the case of the huge shoulder buttons that wrap generously around the top corners of the system (these dwarf even the 3DS XL's shoulder buttons in size and rounded comfort). The d-pad on the 2DS actually feels a bit tighter than that on the original 3DS, though that could just be due to regular wear and tear on the older unit. Relocating the start and select buttons to the side is a nice touch, as is the enlarged Home button that now sits alone below the bottom screen. A "sleep mode" slider switch in the bottom corner takes a bit of getting used to (and isn't nearly as convenient as just folding the system up when you're done), but it works fine, unless you're trying to fumble for it in the dark.

Those missing features

I couldn't tell any difference between the screen quality or brightness between my original 3DS and the 2DS, except of course that the latter lacked the ability to provide stereoscopic 3D effects. The loss of that 3D top screen is going to vary in importance from consumer to consumer. I personally haven't engaged the 3D slider on my personal 3DS XL for months now, except for occasional quick checks when reviewing games. I know many other users similarly ignore the feature. Others still swear by the effect, tolerating a dimmer display and more sluggish frame rate for that unrivaled sense of glasses-free depth. Which camp you fall into will likely come down to personal preference (check out a 3DS store display if you haven't experienced it for yourself), but rest assured that practically every 3DS game is perfectly playable even without the stereoscopic option.

The lack of stereo speakers was a much more noticeable change for me. Music and sound effects are noticeably tinnier and thinner on the 2DS than on other 3DS units. If you primarily use headphones (or keep the sound off) when playing portable games, you won't notice any difference. For those who rely on the built-in speakers, it's an issue worth mentioning.

If you already own a 3DS, either regular or XL-sized, I can't see any reason to even consider a 2DS. The system is slightly less comfortable, slightly less portable, and has slightly reduced features when compared to the system you already have. If you've been looking for an excuse to jump into the 3DS game library, though, the 2DS is an acceptable option (especially if you're watching your budget). If you can spare the extra $70, though, I'd recommend going with the 3DS XL. It's more comfortable to hold and easier to fit in a pocket, and it makes great use of all that increased screen real estate.