11.17.0-50, as of May 22, 2023; 17 months ago (2023-05-22)
Dimensions
Body
Open Width: 6.4 in (16 cm)[3] Height: 6.3 in (16 cm) Depth: 0.8 in (2.0 cm) Folded Width: 3.4 in (8.6 cm)[3] Height: 6.3 in (16 cm) Depth: 0.8 in (2.0 cm)
The New Nintendo 2DS XL (branded as New Nintendo 2DS LL[a] in Japan) is a handheld game console produced by Nintendo. It is the sixth and final system in the Nintendo 3DS family of handheld consoles, and was released in Australia and New Zealand on 15 June 2017,[5] in Japan and South Korea on 13 July 2017,[6] and in North America and Europe on 28 July 2017.[7]
Serving as a companion to the Nintendo 2DS, the New Nintendo 2DS XL is based on the hardware of the New Nintendo 3DS, but with no autostereoscopic 3D display, its microphone and camera moved to the hinge, and speakers moved to the lower half of the device. As with the New Nintendo 3DS, it has an updated processor, an analog pointing stick known as the C-Stick, and additional shoulder triggers, and near-field communications (NFC) support for Amiibo for use in compatible games.[8][9] According to Nintendo Support, the battery of the console lasts 3.5 to 5.5 hours when playing 3DS games, 7 to 9 hours when playing DS games, and around 3 days when in sleep mode.[10]
The New 2DS XL received positive reviews, with critics noting that it combined traits of the 2DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL into a more ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing device over the slate-shaped 2DS, but noting slight regressions in display and speaker quality.
History
Nintendo has presented versions of the console in black with blue accents for the North American market, and white with orange-gold accents for the Japanese, South Korean and PAL region market,[11][12][6] as well as a Japan-exclusive Dragon Quest XI limited edition.[13] Later, the White + Orange variant came to North America, as well as Lavender + White, Black + Green (both Japan-exclusive) as well as Poké Ball and Pikachu variants to coincide with the launch of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (the former also coming to that region).
A month later, in August, Nintendo announced a new version of the console in purple with silver accents, which would release in September 2018. Additionally, Nintendo confirmed that all future shipments of the Black + Blue, White + Orange and Purple + Silver models would come with a pre-installed copy of Mario Kart 7.[16]
As of 17 September 2020, the New 2DS XL and all other remaining models in the 3DS family have been discontinued by Nintendo.[17]
Hardware
Like the 2DS, the New 2DS XL lacks 3D functionality but otherwise has similar hardware to the New Nintendo 3DS. This includes a more powerful processor than the 2DS, an analog pointing stick, additional shoulder buttons, and built-in support for Amiibo use. Unlike the New 3DS, the New 2DS XL has its microphone and camera on the hinge, with its speakers located on the lower half of the device.[8][9] It is able to play video games that only it and the New 3DS model and its variants are able to play, including Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, Fire Emblem Warriors, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System digital re-releases.[18]
Design
The New Nintendo 2DS XL has rounded edges on both the top half of the console and the bottom half of the console. There is a corrugated design on the top of all standard edition consoles, with a corner being solid, with the Nintendo logo on it. The accent colour of the console is present on the buttons, the border on the lid, the power button, and the volume control.
To access the microSD card, and the Game Card, there is a dustcover, similar to the SD card slot on past Nintendo 3DS, 2DS, and DSi models, that opens to show both slots. This way of getting to the Game Card on a DS system is unique to the New Nintendo 2DS XL. This is more convenient for those who only play digital games, as the Game Card slot is protected by the cover.
On the middle of the bottom half, the side facing the user has a small black oval that houses a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a small stylus that can be taken in and out of the system for safekeeping.
The system software of the New Nintendo 2DS XL is otherwise identical to that of the New Nintendo 3DS, remaining compatible with all games released for the 3DS (in two-dimensional mode only), DSi (including games with 3DS enhancements), DS (excluding those requiring the Game Boy Advance cartridge slot), and New Nintendo 3DS (such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and Fire Emblem Warriors), and offering online features such as Nintendo Network for multiplayer and online gaming, Nintendo eShop for downloading and purchasing games, DSiWare, and demos, and SpotPass and StreetPass.[7]
Reception
IGN considered the New 2DS XL to be an improvement over the "ugly doorstop-like" 2DS, praising its incorporation of features from the New 3DS XL into a device with a thinner and more "comfortable" form factor. Other changes were noted, such as using flaps to protect the game and SD card slots (the latter also removing the need to use tools to access it), and better-feeling shoulder buttons than the New 3DS XL. Regressions were also noted, however, such as its screens having a "washed out" appearance and lacking contrast, the top screen having a mirror-like coat that diminished viewing angles, the speakers sounding "muffled", and the short length of the included stylus. The New 2DS XL was recommended for users who did not need 3D but still wanted to play the platform's exclusive titles.[8]
TechRadar was similarly positive, but also noting that the hinge now protruded from the back of the device (thus making it look less streamlined when closed), its battery life was "underwhelming", and the timing of its launch was at odds with the release of Nintendo Switch.[9]
^ abcLambrechts, Stephen (26 February 2019). "New Nintendo 2DS XL review". TechRadar. Archived from the original on 12 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
