Baby/Kids

Review: Nintendo 2DS (Worth the savings over the 3DS?)

The Nintendo 2DS is actually an alternative version of the Nintendo 3DS (my review of the 3ds).  It has been constructed specifically with those younger gamers in mind.  This becomes very evident when you inspect the very rugged design, non-3D screen as well as the tablet-like shape.  There has been a lot of controversy around the issue of 3D hurting a young child’s eyesight.  The 2DS is a strange looking system, but it does have a lot of benefits.


Pros:

  • Is Decently Priced
  • Is also Compatible with the 3DS Games
  • Has a Non- 3D Screen
  • Has an Improved Longer Battery Life
  • Is designed to be Durable
  • Designed with Comfort in Mind
  • Designed to be Very Lightweight
  • Includes a 4 Gig SD Card

Cons:

  • There is no need for a 3D Camera
  • Plastic material gives it a Toy-like feel
  • Has a Smaller screen size
  • Only has a Single Speaker
  • A Blue or Red Carrying case is not included
  • The Screen is very susceptible to scratching

Review: Nintendo 2DS (Worth the savings over the 3DS?) 2
Image Credit: CNET.com

Review: Nintendo 2DS (Worth the savings over the 3DS?) 3

Advantages

Reasonably Priced

The price of the Nintendo 2DS is actually a lot lower when it is compared to the Nintendo 3DS as well as the Nintendo 3DS XL.

Game Compatibility

The Nintendo 2DS plays the entire line of 3DS games and it will also be able to play those 3DS games that will be released in the future.

Non-3D Screen

Beyond the concerns of your child’s eyesight and the 3D projection, there are actually some people who just cannot perceive a 3D image or who are very susceptible to motion sickness that images that are in 3D just may trigger. This Nintendo 2DS that does not have a 3D screen is a great option for those people who fall in either of these categories. 

Longer Battery Life

The Nintendo 2DS has a battery life that lasts anywhere from 3.5 hours to 6.5 hours.  This life span is very comparable to that of the Nintendo 3DS XL.

Durability

The Nintendo 2Ds is actually one solid piece, it does not have any hinges that open and close, which in turn means that there is one less thing for a young child to break (and being a parent we know how this goes).

Comfortable Design and Very Lightweight

At first glance it just may look as if the Nintendo 2DS is a bit heavy due to the construction, but, it really is quite lightweight.  The size and shape make it very comfortable to hold as well as carry.  Although, due to the fact that it does not have any hinges and is one piece it just may take a bit of getting used to. 

4 Gigabyte SD Card is Included

The Nintendo 2DS comes with a 4 Gig SD card which is located within the system, and it should be just enough room for your child to save his or her favorite games as well as a few games that can be downloaded.


Review: Nintendo 2DS (Worth the savings over the 3DS?) 4
Image Credit: Polygon.com

Disadvantages

3D Camera

There is no point to having a 3D camera in a system that does not support the viewing of the 3D picture.

Feels like a Toy

Although the Nintendo 2DS is very comfortable to hold, it has been constructed out of a matte plastic, this material gives the whole system a look and feel of a toy.  This aspect just may turn away those older gamers. 

Screen Size is Smaller

The screen actually measures the same size as a 3DS which measures a total of 3.53 inches for the top screen and 3.02 inches for the bottom screen, but if you already own a 3DS XL this screen size just may seem a bit on the smaller side.

Carrying Case is Not Included

A carrying case is not included with the purchase of a Nintendo 2DS, although one can be purchased.

Single Speaker

The 2DS lacks the aspect of having dual speakers, so you are actually only receiving monaural sound.  This can very easily be fixed by purchasing a pair of headphones.

Susceptible to Scratches

While the table shape is huskier as well as more current, it also leaves the screen unprotected and open to being scratched more easily.


Review: Nintendo 2DS (Worth the savings over the 3DS?) 3

My Overall Thoughts on the 2DS

For the price, the Nintendo 2DS is a great buy.  The fact that it does not have a 3D screen like the 3DS and the 3DS XL if you are purchasing this for a smaller child this is the way to go.  If you do not want to spend close to 200.00 on a handheld game console but your child really wants one, keep in mind that this 2DS is compatible with the 3DS games as well. 

It may not have the bigger screen and the 3D effect but it is definitely well worth the money and they will have the same amount of entertainment as they would with the 3DS. It is definitely worth the lower price though. If you need something that is simpler, then this would be it. Without an extremely large screen or 3D capabilities, it provides kids with a way to play many different games. This is also a great way for them to keep occupied when it comes to being on those long car trips. 

Is it worth the money? Definitely. Should you purchase one for your kid? Depends on what you’re looking for and what they might be into. It can pack a lot of different pros, but depending on the age of the kid and their expectations, it might not deliver on everything that they want out of a portable gaming system.

 

Is the 2DS Worth Your Time?

Price
Fun
Ease of Use
Compatibility

Check out whether or not the 2DS is worth it to purchase, or if you should go with something else. It might be the perfect choice for you to make.

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