Nintendo 2DS XL Review: The Good, Bad & Ugly.

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(ThyBlackMan.com) The New Nintendo 2DS XL does everything a more expensive 3DS XL can do. Other than the third dimension display, you can get everything from Nintendo’s new console by paying a price of US$149.99. If you are someone who loves 3D gaming and has left the 2D era far behind, paying 50 dollars more and getting a 3DS XL is the right choice. If you are fed up of eyewear and need an improved and smartly designed version of the 2DS, and to some extent the 3DS & 3DS XL, the new 2DS XL is the device you need to buy this time.

Nintendo’s console names are really strange. Except for the Nintendo Switch, almost every other console by Nintendo has a confusing name. Of course, nobody cares about the name and this is not something that affects the new Nintendo 2DS XL in any way, here’s what the new console is and how good, bad or ugly it is in terms of performance, user experience, design, and hardware.

One major feature the new Nintendo 2DS XL is missing is the 3D graphics. This is only a deal breaker if you are a 3D fan, but these days, even Nintendo doesn’t care about bringing 3D content. The company, in the last two years, has released many new games and its own classic games including Pokemon and the latest additions Miitopia and Hey! PIKMIN are in 2D. The company is actively marketing the 3DS XL console so we can’t say whether the world of 3D games on handheld devices is shrinking or not, but if you are not a 3D technology fan, the 2DS XL is way better than the 3DS XL in many ways.

You won’t see any significant drop in the console’s weight, but yes, it is lighter than the 3DS XL. When the 3DS XL weighs 11.6 ounces, the new Nintendo 2DS XL is 9.2 ounces. The good thing is that Nintendo has changed a lot in terms of the design. The changes don’t appear to be very significant when you see it, but you can feel them when you hold the device. Nintendo has brought the speakers at the bottom and some more components from the upper part. It means that the device has become more stable in hand, and it is also more convenient while playing the game. This approach has also introduced a new problem in terms of usability. Now when the speaker is at the bottom part from where you’ll be holding the device, the speaker will create a little buzzing sensation due to the game music and in-game noise.

You can play all Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS, and most DS games on the new device. The C Stick improves control and the ZL and ZR Buttons are more functional now. A good thing about the new 2DS XL system is that its microSD and cartridge slots are placed very strategically.

There are some drawbacks too. The most annoying thing is the small-sized stylus. With the new Nintendo 2DS XL, you get a very small stylus which is quite a strange decision by Nintendo. Other than this, nothing is there to worry about in the console. Why stylus is a problem because the device has a specific stylus holder on it. While you can buy a new bigger stylus, but the thing is you will have to keep the size into consideration.

The device is really good, but there seems no obvious reason for adults to buy this console. It is not too costly and also comes with some good perks, but it is still for kids and has no significant reason to be in 2017. Buying a 2DS XL is only for those who want to go back into the past and enjoy 2D games where you can’t do much. Overall, the device is good, and buying one is a good decision if you really feel the urge.

Staff Writer; Corey Shaw

Have any Tech Tips? News? Hit up our Tech Guru at; CoreyS@ThyBlackMan.com