After releasing the console-handheld gaming system called the Nintendo Switch, the Japanese gaming company officially unveiled a new version of their popular handheld device dubbed the New Nintendo 2DS XL.
The new version of the budget-friendly entry-level edition of the Nintendo 3DS will come with a number of hardware upgrades, as well as second analog nub also featured in the New Nintendo 3DS XL. This will allow players to play more technical games without 3D support. This means that the New 2DS XL will be sold for a fraction of the cost of the Nintendo 3DS.
In an interview with Time, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé explains the difference between the New 2DS and the 3DS editions. According to the company executive, there is a difference on the visual content of the two handheld console devices that caters to the needs of different players.
"The Nintendo 2DS really focused on that entry level gamer, the four-, five-, six-year old that is just getting into gaming, but wants to play 'Mario Kart,' wants to have a 'Super Mario Bros.' experience, wants to play 'Pokémon,'" Fils-Aimé states. "And we feel with Nintendo 3DS XL at $199 that it's a fully-featured product, that it is, if you will, the Cadillac of handheld gaming. And then we heard from consumers, 'Boy, I wish there was something in between.'"
Nintendo also said that the upcoming 2DS XL will come with a built-in amiibo reader that can be found on the lower screen. This will allow the device to support amiibo features in compatible games.
Other New Nintendo 2DS XL features include enhanced controls brought by the C Stick and the improved ZL and ZR buttons.
The New Nintendo 2DS XL will be released in the market for only $149.99 starting July 28, Friday.
