In what must be the most baffling move (and revision) by Nintendo yet, the gaming giant has announced today the Nintendo 2DS, the latest revision for the Nintendo 3DS line of systems which currently includes the original model as well as the XL.
The Nintendo 2DS is a version of the hardware that is shaped like the tablet and includes full feature parity with the other 3DS systems, except for the absence of stereoscopic 3D output, getting rid of the handheld’s signature feature; it also does not have a power saver mode.
The Nintendo 2DS retails for $129, which makes it $40 cheaper than the cheapest 3DS model, and $70 cheaper than the 3DS XL as well as the PS Vita, which just recently got a price cut. It hits stores on October 12, alongside Pokemon X and Y. Currently, only a release in North America and Europe has been announced- no Japanese release has been announced yet.
The Nintendo 2DS is aimed at the lower end of the market (effectively eliminating competition from Nintendo’s own DSi), as well as young kids, whose parents would not otherwise buy the handheld because of the health risks associated with 3D.
No news on a tablet-less Wii U Minus U yet.
[Gamespot]