Let’s go ahead and state the obvious. Nintendo’s 2DS is a weird looking console. It’s this flat gaming slab with no 3D effects, very little style, and a design that makes you feel like a ginormous toddler when you hold it. If you have one and play it in public, first you have to carry some sort of old lady purse or man bag, because there’s no way you’re comfortably fitting that in a regular purse or backpack, especially without some sort of carrying case to protect the screens. Then, you have to deal with the eyes of people judging you, like you aren’t cautious enough to be trusted with a real 3DS system.
Don’t worry, those negative connotations won’t carry as much weight anymore. While some people might still give you a few judging glares, they’ll also have to acknowledge that any 2DS owner is also fiscally responsible. Thanks to the price drop from $100 to $80, the system has become the mechanical gateway drug to the best handheld game library this generation has to offer. Or, if you ask the right person, this generation’s best game library in general.
First, that price does a lot to dispel any negative connotations surrounding the 2DS’ appearance. $80 is slightly more than an actual console game. When you consider that you’re most likely getting a 2DS bundle for that price, which comes with either Mario Kart 7 or Yo-Kai Watch pre-installed, the deal gets even better. If you’ve ever been to college or short on cash a few months, you know a good deal goes a long way in making something unappealing transform into the best thing ever.
And that library is a huge selling point. Hundreds of 3DS games have been sold in North America alone. While there are a few that won’t run properly on the 2DS, like Super Mario 3D World, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, Super Smash Brothers, and Hyrule Warriors Legends to be exact, you can’t discount the variety. It’s an assortment that’s only growing. As of right now, there are over 20 major 3DS games that have come or are coming to the system this year. That’s only ones that are already out or have definite release dates, like Fire Emblem Fates, Kirby Planet Robobot, Bravely Second, and Pokemon Sun and Moon. It doesn’t take into account additional games like the two forthcoming Dragon Quest localizations or Monster Hunter Generations .
Even the 2DS design grows on you, after a while. As an adult with normal, human-sized hands, I find it more comfortable to hold for longer durations. Your hand isn’t turning into as much of a claw as you grip onto it over the hours it takes to destroy dragons or defend Hyrule. The screens are a decent size, so you see everything easily. And, yes, I like not having to worry about that 3DS hinge breaking. I’m one of those people who had an original DS pop at the hinge and need a repair, then saw my friend’s 3DS XL snap at the upper right corner when he went to open it one day. It’s nice to have something reassuringly durable.
The 2DS isn’t going to win any beauty contests. The system is all about form over function. At $80, you can’t fault it for that. Nintendo knows what this version of the system is for and you come away knowing it will always get the job done. You can’t beat getting a handheld with a fantastic library for $79.99. Besides, think of what the eventual sale prices on that could be in the months to come. It used to go for $79.99 when the retail price was $99.99. Imagine finding a 2DS with game on sale, new, for $59.99! This little device has gotten too good to resist.