You’d think that most of Nintendo’s focus would be on the
Switch at the moment, but even a new
console launch isn’t stopping Nintendo from refining its
existing platforms. Late last night, Nintendo introduced the New 2DS XL, keeping
with the confusing naming convention it’s used for the 3DS. In
order to dispel some of that confusion, here are five things
you need to know about Nintendo’s latest handheld.
1. It’s an upgraded version of the 2DS
That the New 2DS XL is an upgraded version of the standard 2DS
might be obvious when you see the clamshell design of this new
device, but there are under-the-hood improvements present as
well. The New 2DS XL actually features the same improved
processor found in the New 3DS XL. This means that you’ll be
able to play games that were once exclusive to the New 3DS and
should also enjoy better frame rate stability in standard 3DS
games — just don’t be surprised to see frame rate issues
persist in some games like Pokemon Sun and Moon, regardless of
how good the processor is.
2. The displays are much larger…
Nintendo has been releasing these XL variants for years,
starting with the original DS. Not only do these models give
you a larger in device in general — making them good for people
with large hands — but they also offer a bump up in screen
size. With the New 2DS XL, that size increase is significant,
with Nintendo saying that its screens are 82% larger than those
on the standard 2DS.
3. … but resolution stays the same.
While larger screens are always nice, don’t expect an increase
in resolution to go along with them. Nintendo hasn’t given
specific screen resolutions yet, but if history is any
indication, we probably can’t expect any change in resolution
as we jump from the 2DS to the New 2DS XL. That may not be an
issue for a lot of gamers, though games may not look quite as
sharp as a result.
4. It finally has built-in amiibo support
One annoyance with the original 2DS is that it didn’t have
built-in amiibo support. If you wanted to use amiibo with your
games, you’d need to pick up a separate NFC reader to scan them
that way. With the New 2DS XL, that isn’t a concern anymore,
and you’ll be able to use your collection of amiibo without any
add-on accessories.
5. It’s launching alongside two games
The New 2DS XL won’t be out until July, but when launch day
rolls around, it’ll be releasing with two new games by its
side. The first is HEY! Pikmin, a new 2D
side-scrolling Pikmin adventure that seems to break
with a lot of the series’ established conventions. The second
is Miitopia, which casts your created Miis in a
lighthearted RPG adventure and allows you to use Miis created
in Miitomo and Tomodachi Life.
Wrap-Up
At $149.99 ($50 less than the New 3DS XL), the New 2DS XL seems
to be the best choice for someone looking to tap into the
massive 3DS library. Unless you absolutely need 3D
functionality — which these days is more of a gimmick that just
drains your battery faster — the New 2DS XL should be the model
you pick up. It’ll be here in just a few short months, as
Nintendo has given it a release date of July 28.
What do you think? Will the New 2DS XL become the go-to device
for someone who’s new to the 3DS scene, or do you think the New
3DS will continue to be the big seller? Head down to the
comments section and let us know!
