The 2DS

So Nintendo just announced a price drop for the WiiU (now $50 cheaper), which is could considering the XB1 and PS4 are gonna be released during holiday season, and a console widely regarded as the weakest of the trio being priced this high will not be beneficial to Nintendo.

But enough about that. They also announced the Nintendo 2DS!

The 2DS is a flat handheld, no longer sporting the clam-shell design that the DS, DSi, 3DS, 3DSXL had. It plays all DS/DSi games and all 3DS games, but you can't enable the 3D features on the 2DS like you can on the 3DS.

Ever since they announce this 3DS alternative, I see a lot of butthurt coming from the internet. I'm here to try to not sound bias by presenting a few counter to the arguments going on online.

1. There's no hinges in this console like the 3DS. Instead, it's flat, and it's ugly as hell.

I do agree that the design of the 2DS is rather odd (it looks like a piece of toast to me), but you have to consider why they designed this console -it's for kids 7 and under (or around that age group).

One of the things that make the DS/3DS/GBASP flawed is the hinges, it breaks rather easily, especially in the hands of a child. It is especially flimsy in the DS era, and it's a sad sight to see children crying when their DS/3DS snapped and they can't play. The hinges are also one of the main reasons why parents are hesitant on getting the 3DS as they fear of it breaking (and not be able to get a refund, or something).

The 2DS is much sturdier and would be able to withstand mishandling by children, and it will most definitely get the support of parents.

Also, if you think that you're not a 'clumsy person' and would most likely take care of your 3DS well, you have to know that sometimes, shit happens and your 3DS breaks.

2. It's so big and bulky.

So is the 3DSXL, Vita, and whatever tablet you use. Most of the time when you carry a 3DS or a Vita, unless you have a really big pocket, you would keep the handheld in your bag, like you do with your tablet. So just do the same for the 2DS, what's the difference? Also, the 2DS isn't really that big if you compare it to your tablet, and it is very likely to be able to be handled by a 7-year old, let alone a grown man.

3. Why pay for a handheld that doesn't have 3D when you can already turn off your 3D anytime on the 3DS.

Simple, it's a cheaper alternative for people who wanna get a 3DS but can't afford it. It's not only priced at a low low price of $129.99, but it's also released on the same day as Pokemon X & Y, a kid-friendly mega-franchise. Imagine a parent walking in and getting both a 2DS and a copy of Pokemon for only $170, which is the price of a 3DS during the price cut. Isn't that a good deal?

4. No additional circle-pad pro/ Mono-audio

Again, the targeted user of this console are kids who aren't likely gonna play a lot of games that require an additional circle pad like Kid Icarus: Uprising or Monster Hunter 3: Ultimate. However, it's kinda sad that you can't use the CPP like you can on the 3DS/3DSXL, but I'm pretty sure they'll develop one soon.

Regarding the mono-audio, again, target user. They aren't likely gonna be able to differentiate mono and stereo. Plus, you can still use stereo when you plug in your earphones, and if you're the type of person who likes to listen to your 3DS game's music, you would most likely be listening through a headphone instead of listening through the speakers.

I guess that's all the problems I can address for now (and all I can think of). I am aware that the name '2DS' will cause a hell lot of confusion in the game shops when parents ask them why aren't there any 2DS games. But if you think about it, calling it a 3DS isn't a suitable name too, since it's not 3D enabled. They can't just call it the '3DS Flat (with no 3D)', so I do hope that the confusion in the name won't be too bad.

One thing cool about the 2DS was from what I observed. I noticed that it was flat, meaning like a tablet, and I thought to myself 'Nintendo is trying to compete with the tablet using industry, with the 2DS being flat like a tablet, but with buttons, and more suitable for slightly hardcore gaming'. A few hours later after that thought, they revealed that the 2DS is actually one screened, where the borders between them is just there to avoid confusion and all. The top screen is actually a touch screen like the bottom screen, only covered in some thick plastic, meaning....

The 2DS is a 3DS tablet with buttons, and no 3D. Wow!

To end this 2DS post, here's a message to all butthurt gamers.

The 2DS is not meant for you and may not be meant for you. I know it's sad to not be able to buy a 3DS without the 3D unless you buy a 2DS, hopefully they'll create a new 2DS next time. Also, I think that the 2DS won't be a failure like the GameBoy Micro, but it won't be as successful as the 3DS. So, just deal with it, or I'll hunt you down with my axe.