As I'm guessing everyone who is at all interested in Nintendo and its products already knows, the Kyoto-based company announced last night that it will begin selling a new 3DS model in Europe and North America on Oct. 12--alongside a pair of games that are sure to sell a few copies in the coming months and years,
Pokémon X and
Y--for the bargain-basement price of $129.99.
Called the 2DS, this oddly designed system is shaped like a tablet--or, as others have pointed out elsewhere, a tombstone--and reportedly sports screens that are about the same size as the original 3DS. Oh, and as you may have surmised based on its name, those screens do not feature the same glasses-free 3D technology that's been the focal point of every previous piece of 3DS hardware.
As for what I think of this curious contraption: my initial reaction was something along the lines of "woof!" (that's not a good thing, in my case), followed by the kind of face I make whenever I decide to throw caution to the wind and see if my lifelong hatred of oatmeal has waned.
Chiefly responsible for that reaction, I think, is what I consider to be the system's generic, Fisher Price-esque design. I'm also not a fan of the color schemes being offered to North American buyers (the white-and-red 2DS--see below--that will be sold in Europe is a bit better, but only a bit). Also, there's the name--which seems like a potentially disastrous idea given how consumers continue to be confused by the differences between the Wii U and Wii, let alone the DS and 3DS.
All that said, I fully understand that this product is not aimed at gamers like myself. Rather, it's aimed at children and their cost-conscious (and 3D-wary) parents. Those folks very well may welcome the 2DS with open arms, especially if they spot it while searching for copies of
Pokémon X and
Y. Then again, they may reject it due to its less-portable form factor, its scratch-prone screens and its confusing name.
Those are just my opinions on the system, though; what are yours?
60 comments:
I will buy one. I'm planning to pick up both Pokemon X and Y, and I was going to be looking for a cheap (probably used) 3DS for trading back and forth as needed. The price point for this as my alt 3DS is perfect.
And there you have it, Terry--another reason for its existence! I can understand that particular sort of appeal, BTW, as I've really enjoyed having two 3DSes and two copies of New Leaf (gulp) so far. That said, I can't see myself getting one of these--unless they release a fabulously pink one, or something like that ;)
I would have liked the usual design just minus the 3D, as my son can't see 3D anyway and I don't care for it at all - but this looks plenty of inconvenient to me, it's way too large for a handheld.. and why did they get rid of the lid? I always liked how you could close every DS model before, so it's not that bad if you just throw it in your bag without putting it back in some sort of case to lessen the chance of scratches on your screen (or screen protector film.. XD)
Well, at least with the OG 3DS and 3DS XL you can decide to leave the 3D function off if you so choose. I'm guessing, though, that you'd like a 3D-less 3DS because it would cost less, Miruki? If so, I can understand that.
Anyway, I agree with you that this seems awkward. Sure, it's actually about the same size as an opened 3DS, so it's hard to call it "large," but it *is* actually large--or at least bulky--when you consider it can't be closed like other 3DSes.
I really have to wonder if Nintendo didn't discover through various means that lots of children broke their DSes and 3DSes due to the hinged lids. That would be the only explanation for me in regard to this revision's "always-open" design.
Regardless, I hope Nintendo doesn't consider such a design for future handhelds, unless those handhelds only contain one screen, as I really like the clamshell design for the same reasons you mentioned in your comment.
I dunno, when did they start casting Fisher Price toys in red and black like that? It still looks like a sporty kind of car-like color scheme, to me. If anything the white and red looks more like a kids' toy. I'm mainly just glad that they're giving another option, especially a kind of price conscious one that doesn't immediately negate the previous model.
I'm a lot less bothered by this than the WiiU news! I'm excited for the $50 price drop (Pikmin time!) but then they ruin it by also announcing a Zelda package for the same price, which means there will probably also be a Mario package for the same price, meaning if I wait I can get a game I was going to buy for $59 essentially for free instead. Even when I *want* the product they still give me reasons not to buy it! Why you gotta do this to me, Nintendo??
I didn't even know it was possible for someone to dislike oatmeal.
My biggest concern with the 2DS and Nintendo's hope that the device will meet a heretofore untapped demographic is that I don't want Nintendo's consoles to become increasingly cheap in their build quality and materials. I already find the XL much less durable and impressive a console than I'd like, and if the market responds well to an even cheaper (in every sense of the word) handheld, I worry that Nintendo's newfound indifference to build quality and good design will be reflected in the 3DS' successor.
Aside from that though, I just find the console a bit ridiculous looking, and the disparity between the screens looks rather strange when they're both on one slab. I'm also a bit worried that because the 2DS is larger and--due to its slab design--more difficult to carry around, it won't be used as often for Streetpass.
I really just can't get past the console's appearance though. It looks like some sort of crazy fan render, and while I dislike the design and am not interested in buying one, I can't wait to see more photos and videos of the device.
I know the Fisher Price comment likely seems like a low blow (and a cliched, unoriginal one at that), but I went with it because it helps describe my feelings that the system design is kind of cheap and plastic-y. The color scheme didn't really play into that at all--although I agree with you that the red-and-white 2DS looks more "toy-like" than the black ones.
I should note, BTW, that I have similar thoughts about the 3DS XL's design. Although I love my XL to pieces, that doesn't keep me from feeling its design is a step down from, say, the DS Lite or the DSi/DSi XL, all of which were far more "elegant" looking than the 3DS XL or the 2DS, IMO.
I don't know if Nintendo is going in this direction in order to differentiate the 3DS from the DS or if its doing it in order to more strongly appeal to children (their main consumer base, historically), but I really hope they once again try for some more elegant/sophisticated designs with their next handheld.
All that said, I agree with you that this system is aimed squarely at cost-conscious parents and as such *could* be a big hit with them.
As for the Wii U price-drop news: I understand where you're coming from, but I'm personally unable to associate any negative feelings with it, as this likely means I'll be getting a Wii U for Christmas. The question is, which bundle will I ask for? :)
Yep, I hate oatmeal, Matt. Always have. I've long *tried* to get myself to like it, though, but I just can't. Maybe someday?
As for the 2DS design and potentially cheap build quality: I can't help but agree with pretty much everything you've said here. I, too, dislike some of the 3DS XL's design and as such I really hope Nintendo doesn't use its success as a template when it goes to design a successor. To me, the DS Lite and the DSi are the systems Nintendo should be looking to when coming up with its next handheld.
Oh, and I agree 100 percent that the 2DS' design shines a rather harsh spotlight on the unattractive disparity between the 3DS' top and bottom screens. That's something that's always bothered me (yes, I'm weird), and this design only makes it worse/more noticeable.
So this one dosen't fold up, does everything the 3DS does, and people who have a 3DS but want to play in 2D can hit that little switch one the side.....am I missing something? Or this just a croc of nonsense?
I love 3D games, and this has me worried that they're going to abandon this great technology that they came up with, the same as happened with the PS3. It seems desperate to me, and WAY too early in the life cycle for them to be taking a step backwards like this. The closest they've ever come to doint this type of thing (that I can remember) is removing backwards compatibility from the GBA Micro that weird Canadian mini-Wii. Also, what the hell are they going to put on the game boxes now instead of "3DS"?
I think I'll wait for the Nintendo 4DS, that should be awesome.
I think the main thing to make note of Billy is that it's just $129. That's its main selling point. After that, it could be that Nintendo has found that a lot of kids broke their DSes and/or 3DSes due to the lid hinge. That's the only explanation I can come up with for the tablet-like design.
As for the lack of 3D: I think it has more to do with Nintendo wanting to shave $30 or more off the price of the system than it does with appeasing 3D-wary parents, although I'm guessing Nintendo is thinking about them, too.
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how it sells (or doesn't) after its release. I could see it selling well, selling poorly, or anywhere in-between, honestly.
I think you may be right about them ditching 3D in the future, Steve. That said, it also may signal that they're just not going to make it such a backbone of future systems--as in, the functionality will be included, but they won't trumpet it like they previously did with the 3DS.
Really, I think it'll all come down to what that tech costs when they go to make their next portable.
Also, as much as you've enjoyed playing in 3D so far, it sure seems like a lot of folks say they absolutely never use the feature (or use it rarely). If that's true for the greater population of 3DS owners, why would Nintendo want to include it in future handhelds?
Personally, I find the 3D interesting and even quite cool, but I never use it as it makes me feel as though I'm going to get a migraine (something I really hate to admit, BTW).
As for your last comment: I'm wondering the same thing myself, which is why I mentioned in the post that the name of this system really confuses me.
I sincerely hope they don't call the next system the 4DS, Sam--although I have a feeling you're joking :)
I don't think a 4D console would even be possible, maybe an arcade game could work but you don't see too many arcade games these days especially outside of Japan. I would imagine the next DS would be in HD and they'd give it the awful name of Nintendo HDS.
The hinges are typically the weakest point of any electronic device. Since children are more likely to drop/bang/hit the device, a hing-less handheld makes sense considering it's aimed at kids.
As long as the 4DS has TWO sticks for Monster Hunter. When I saw the news about the 2DS, my first thought was picturing the Circle Pad Pro design team throwing themselves out of a window. "WE GIVE UP!"
Ah, I thought so! That along with the price and release alongside Pokemon X/Y make it pretty obvious who this is aimed at, then.
Oh, I wasn't talking about it using 4D tech, whatever that would mean. I was talking about Nintendo using the name 4DS.
Also, now I'm sure the company WILL use the name HDS, which kind of makes me sad.
Oh my gosh, Terry, I didn't even think of that. You're probably right RE: the Circle Pad Pro folks. Also, yes, two sticks would be nice for the 4DS (or whatever it's called).
Actually, here's my wish list for the 3DS successor:
*Two screens
*Both screens the same size/dimensions
*3D would be OK, but not needed
*Two circle pads/analog sticks
*"HD" graphics (basically, graphics that are better than those of the 3DS)
*Backwards compatibility would be very welcome, but also not needed (for me personally)
I don't get why it's so hard for Nintendo to figure out that people want a Nintendo 3DS with a 2nd circle pad built in.
Multi-touch would also be nice too.
Oh, I'm guessing they've heard that message loud and clear this gen, Sam, but they probably aren't willing to do anything about it until they make the 3DS' successor. Or at least that's what I'm hoping...
I guess, but it's not something I personally need or even desire. I'm sure I'm in the minority in that regard, though.
It's also not a big deal to me but it would shut some people up. I've heard single-touch is better in some ways than multi-touch which is why they probably still use single-touch.
Don't worry 3D isn't going anywhere.
http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=210926
Apparently the 2DS has just one screen that's divide by plastic with the upper area having touch features deactivated.
http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=210991&sid=72ce61a6cfa80f488d526ab1587e330d
Also Nintendo should of use the time and money making this instead.
http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=210995
I fucking hate everything about this. Seriously. If Nintendo would step back and look at their recent decisions for even twelve seconds, they might get a glimpse of how ridiculous they look. I just don't get it...this wasn't needed. Not to mention it's an absolute abortion of any kind of taste of style. Ugh.
I understand only one thing about this: the price point is attractive, even if the system is not...at all.
No, really, Justin, tell us how you really feel ;)
Seriously, though, I can understand hating the design. There's no question that it's fugly--or at least there's no question that *I* think it's fugly.
I wouldn't be so quick to jump to the conclusion that this is yet another example that the brass at Nintendo have lost their minds, though. Although that may be the case in the end, I do think they have a point with this revision. It's not for you and me, it's for kids who have parents who are cost conscious and who are sick of their kids breaking their DSes and/or regular 3DSes.
In that sense, I can't agree that it "wasn't needed."
Could Nintendo have introduced, say, a 3DS Lite that looks and feels sleeker than the OG 3DS, and maybe offers better battery life? Sure. And, really, I still don't think that's out of the question sometime next year.
I see this as being a very niche product for a segment of the market that Nintendo desperately wants to attract: all of those kids who snap up Pokemon (and Mario and Mario Kart along with it).
Yep, I've read that, too, Sam. Kind of interesting when you think about it. I'm guessing they went that route because it's cheaper than buying two screens? Also, that portable GC is all kinds of wonk. Why the hell would you put the controls at the top??
I hope someone picks up that phone. Because I totally called it! Then again, who DIDN'T see Nintendo releasing another 3DS model? But no 2D? I've never been a fan of "WOW REAL 3D!!!" in games or movies, but removing the 3D from the 3DS seems kinda pointless to me. Plus, the no clam shell design seems really backwards to me.
It also be good for importers for don't care about 3D too much assuming buyers are importing games from western countries since it doesn't seem to be coming to Japan weirdly enough.
Not to mention Animal Crossing: New Leaf and the upcoming Super Smash Bros. I know the latter will probably be teen rated but that probably won't stop parents buying it for their kids.
I haven't seen enough people talk about the actual Start and Select buttons, yet. That is a big deal, honestly.
I think it's cute and I welcome a sorta tablet that has buttons and a joystick.
If I didn't already have two 3DSeseseseseses, I'd buy it for sure.
We'll see about it coming to Japan or not. I really can't see why Nintendo would keep it from that market--unless they think it would confuse things?
I see it doing it's purpose of introducing new, younger gamers (and those who are cost conscious) but if you're a hardcore gamer, you'll be turned off. I honestly consider buying one for my little sister for Christmas.
Bryan, you don't like oatmeal?!
Well, that's good to know. Not that I was all that worried myself...
Yep, you're right there. I'm sure Pokemon X/Y are going to increase sales of all of those titles, at least a bit.
Yeah, I think everyone knew a new 3DS was coming at some point, but I doubt anyone called this particular design/revision.
As for the no-clamshell design, though, I actually think that makes a lot of sense. I have to imagine a lot of kids have broken the hinges on their poor DSes and 3DSes, so a hinge-less one makes sense for them. Of course, now they're probably going to ruin the screens :|
Ah, a fan of the design emerges!
Just kidding, Alois :) Also, you're right about the actual Start/Select buttons. Very nice. I also quite like the Home button, I have to say.
That said, it's weird how Nintendo has changed the appearance/design/layout of these buttons with every iteration of the 3DS...
The only way I'd consider one is if they released one in a color I actually like, Kevin. Oh, and if it's actually comfortable to hold.
What, does everyone like oatmeal or something? I thought it was a fairly universally derided food? Anyway, NO, I don't like it! :P
I've yet to own an anythingDS and I doubt I'll start with this one. I'd probably just get a normal 3DS if I ever do buy one. There's aren't too many games tempting me though (except Animal Crossing, obviously)
It is aimed for the younger kids market, I think the design is more suited for them. Also the hinge issue that someone pointed out earlier. Unfortunatelly that is a big concern when smaller kids are playing the 3DS. Not to mention that small children are not supposed to use the 3D effect. Now parents don't have to worry.
I actually thought it looked a bit tacky at first but the more I think about it and look at it. It is a really smart move from Nintendo. It looks sturdy, and it seems like you can put it on a table and play nicely.
Still, I don't think the name is good. It's like playstation 2 would be a newer playstation 3. But I get it anyway. How about "3DS Junior" or something like that? :D It would explain who this 3ds is marketed to.
Bryan, you don't like oatmeal?!?!?!?!
ROFL @ the oatmeal comparison
I am not at all interested in this. My youngest may be - she doesn't use the 3D on my 3DS anyway, but just as Zaphod65 pointed out, she's interested in the new Pokemon title. For me personally, I love the 3D effect and really dislike the tablet-like design.
One conversation I have seen pop up in other places, and that my son and I (he has a 3DS as well) had last night was a question of whether developers will bother adding 3D, or at least put as much time and effort into it, if the 2DS starts to sell really big.
Devil Summoner Overclock comes to mind, because the game itself is strictly 2D except the intro movie. I wonder if we might not see more of that then.
When I pick up Final Fantasy XIV tomorrow you, me, and Anne go out on adventures in a LINK SHELL, my character will be called Oatmeal.
Yes, I've heard this, too. And you're right, it would probably shut up some folks, although it may make others unhappy in the process, too!
Oh, you! Honestly, who would've thought that admitting I don't like oatmeal would become nearly as big of a deal as what I had to say about the 2DS? :P
But ... but *I* don't have FF XIV yet :(
Well, the normal/original 3DS is sure to be cheap this holiday season, Simon, so you could always buy one then--with a copy of New Leaf, of course :)
I don't like the design and I think the name is not a good one, but other than that I can't really fault Nintendo for this idea, SpeLinnea. I'd do so if they pulled every other 3DS off the market to make room for it, but they aren't so I'm fine with it!
BTW, I like your idea of calling it the 3DS Junior. That said, can you imagine all the wailing that one would've caused had it happened?
I guess we'll see RE: developers dropping 3D from their 3DS games, Chalgyr. I'm sure some--or at least a few--will do that, but I'm not so sure it'll be a significant portion of 3DS developers. I guess we'll find out soon enough!
I think the same mob that called their console Wii U named this the 2DS ;)
While I don't really have any interest in it, I do understand its for kids, and for that aspect it's perfect.
Interesting factoid: it is one big screen covered in plastic (apparently easier and cheaper to manufacture that way). There is also no wifi switch (it has a software switch instead).
Yep, I've heard the same thing, Igor. Very interesting development, IMO, and likely a key factor in Nintendo deciding on the tablet-like design.
What do you mean there's no wifi switch, though? Does this mean you turn it on and off within the system's OS?
Yea its a software switch, it apparently replaces the Power Saving Mode option (perhaps the screens are in permanent power saving mode)
Interesting on both counts. Thanks for letting me know :)
I think it's a nice option for those who don't care for, or can't use the 3D effect. It doesn't look too shabby to me either, which is a nice plus, despite what many have said.
Yes, that's my big worry, too, Phillip. I guess we'll find out shortly!
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