Nintendo 2DS Announced, Coming October 12th For $129

Nintendo recently unveiled another entry to the 3DS family but not with an additional right circle pad or HD graphics that people long wanted. Instead, it comes a bit less in features, no 3D. Nintendo calls this new handheld console the 2DS.

Unlike the regular 3DS and the 3DS XL, the 2DS has a flat design and takes away the hinges, the clam shell design has gone away.

The 2DS screens have the same dimensions as the regular 3DS which means it has a 3.53 inch top screen and 3.02 inch lower screen when measured diagonally. The only difference is that the upper screen doesn't display 3D graphics.

In order to put the 2DS in sleep mode, a sleep switch has been provided. The WiFi switch will have to be triggered on/off via software as there's no physical switch provided. The 2DS weighs 25g heavier than a regular 3DS at 260g, and only have monaural audio (see it only has one speaker on the upper-left).

For $129 you'll get the same overall features as a 3DS such as two cameras, a speaker, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a 4GB SD Card. The software content also remains intact. Two colors will be available initially: black + blue and white + red.

As for the reason for this very bold move for Nintendo, it's all about the other market. Nintendo wants to increase their install base in a form of a cheaper, entry-level handheld system.

The Nintendo 2DS will be released on October 12th in North America, Europe, and Australia.

So what do you think of the Nintendo 2DS? If you already own a 3DS, are you willing to buy a new one?