Nintendo 2DS Review
Nintendo 2DS
Nintendo's wedge is a smart move ahead of Christmas
Verdict
Pros
- Comfortable shoulder buttons
- 3D dropped
- Bigger catalogue of games
Cons
- Ugly design
- Cheap, plasticky feel
- Mono speaker
Key Specifications
- Review Price: £109.99
- Hinge-less display
- 3DS and 2D compatible
- Online gaming
- 2D and 3D cameras
What is the Nintendo 2DS?
Nintendo 2DS – Video Review
If you fancy a quick snapshot review, watch our video review of the Nintendo 2DS.
Nintendo 2DS – Design
Hoping to make kids step away from iPads and Android tablets, the 2DS can certainly withstand more rough and tumble than the more expensive tablets and the other 3D-toting Ninty portables.
The start and select buttons now beside the lower screen and shoulder buttons are larger and moulded into the curved, more rounded top edges of the casing.
SEE ALSO: Nintendo 2DS vs 3DS vs 3DS XL
The volume is now hidden on the left edge of the screen and povver on the right, while the stylus is hidden away in a compartment with the SD card slot just below. The headphone jack has also been moved to the bottom left and on the opposite side is a Sleep toggle. The AC adaptor is still up top but has swapped places with the game card slot. The 2DS two cameras on the back and up front are still in place.
There are some casualties though. The wireless toggle switch is gone which means you will need to go into settings to turn it off. There’s just a single mono speaker instead of the two stereo speakers flanking the side of the top screen on the 3DS and XL.
Nintendo 2DS – Games and Software
Nintendo 2DS – Performance
Where the 2DS is left lacking is in the sound department. With just one mono speaker instead of two stereo ones, the audio is loud but far from powerful. If you plug in a pair of headphones things do improve and you can still get the surround sound experience.
Should I buy the Nintendo 2DS?
Verdict
The Nintendo 2DS is is no danger of winning any design awards, but it’s the cheapest way yet to get a Pokemon or Zelda fix.
Next, read our round-up of the best games of 2013