New Nintendo 2DS XL - Black + Turquoise

I got the New 2DS XL (in white and orange) in April 2018. Before that, I had a DSi that I got in March 2009. It lasted me 9 years (and still works, too), and I mainly played Pokémon games on it. My primary reason for why I got my 2DS XL is because of friends. I know, it sounds corny, but I’ve been an active part of the Pokémon community on Twitch for the past year and some. With all the friends I made through it, I really felt left out, since everyone else had a 3DS system and I only had a DSi, so I could never join my friends in the fun they were having in the newer Pokémon games. So, let’s start with a few smaller things about the console that I love. - On the New 2DS XL, Nintendo added a flap over the cartridge and SD card slots. It makes swapping game cards and SD cards more of a convoluted process, I admit, but its being there pretty much eliminated the problem of a cartridge being ejected during gameplay, and significantly reduced the risk of dust buildup in the system. - The New 2DS XL has amazing stereo speakers, especially considering they’re on a mid-range handheld console from Nintendo. - The system is snappy and has the same CPU, GPU and RAM as the New 3DS XL. I’ve only noticed slowdowns in Pokémon Ultra Moon, when there were 4 Pokémon on the field at once during a battle. - The New 2DS XL allows you to connect to the system from a computer and manage the files on the SD card using a wireless network connection. The whole process is quite seamless and honestly really cool. - The New 2DS XL that I purchased (white+orange) has a unique 3D design on its lid that feels like corrugated cardboard. It’s purely for aesthetic, but I love it. - The notification LED and microphone are exactly the same size and shape, and with the front-facing camera in between, this makes the hinge perfectly symmetrical. It’s a nice attention to detail. There are a few reasons why I say the New 2DS XL is a perfect upgrade from the DSi. For one, its MSRP is the same as a DSi’s was back in 2009 ($150). For two, it can play pretty close to every game from the original DS line, and in the eShop, you can continue to purchase and download most DSiWare titles that were originally on the DSi Shop. For three, with the 3DS Transfer Tool on both the DSi Shop and in the New 2DS XL’s settings, you can transfer all your old DSiWare titles and photos from your DSi. Just be aware that you can’t transfer DSiWare save data, and once transferred, you won’t be able to play them on your DSi anymore. I believe there’s a reason the New 2DS XL has the same MSRP that the DSi used to have, and that’s because the New 2DS XL is essentially a perfect blend of the original DSi and the New 3DS XL. Heck, they even put the Home button on the New 2DS XL in the same place as the Power button on the DSi (which, on the DSi, was used to both return to the home screen and shut down the system), just for the sake of making the two consoles feel similar on a usability standpoint! And it really shows, because I was able to get the hang of using the Home button to suspend software right out of the box, thanks to my muscle memories from the DSi. Another neat little similarity between the two is that if you still have a charger for your DSi, you can continue to use that charger because the two consoles share the same connector. And as an added bonus, after receiving backlash for not including chargers with the New 3DS XL, Nintendo decided to change that by including a wall charger for the system with every 2DS XL. As a result, when I got my 2DS XL, this gave me two chargers to use (since I still had my original DSi charger): one that I keep at home and another that I use when I’m on the go. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though, and I do have a small list of complaints. Regarding the console itself, I wish Nintendo positioned the stylus holder differently, because its being positioned on the front of the system rather than on the right-hand side means the stylus is only about 2” in length. I also wish they added a battery door like they did on the DSi, because the internal nature of the New 2DS XL’s battery means that if you ever need to replace it, you’ll need to open up the entire system to access the battery bay. If you have the tools you need and have confidence in your skills with disassembling electronics, it’s a quick and easy job, and iFixit has a guide for this process, but a battery door could have made replacing the battery a lot less intimidating for those who have never opened a device before (although it’s still way easier than replacing a smartphone battery). On a software level, my only complaint has to do with adjusting screen brightness. To adjust the brightness on a 3DS, you have to visit the Home Menu’s Settings panel. This works rather nicely with many 3DS titles, since they can be suspended and resumed after adjusting the brightness. But since original DS games such as Pokémon Black Version can’t be suspended like 3DS titles can, this creates a problem. In cases like this, logically, you would have to save and quit the game to access this menu. But not all is lost, as it is possible to adjust brightness without quitting the game (all you have to do is hold Start and use up and down on the D-pad to adjust this). The process on the New 2DS XL is quite different from the DSi, where you could hold Select and use the volume buttons to adjust the brightness at any point, and the “Start + D-Pad” method only works in original DS titles, which immediately makes it feel very different from the DSi’s operation, which worked across the system, no matter what you were doing. Nintendo doesn’t exactly make it easy for the user to figure out how to adjust the brightness from within older games (I had no idea that this was even possible until I read through the system’s on-board digital manual myself), and due to how used to the DSi’s adjustment process I was, this made breaking the habit a bit hard for me. But you can’t have everything perfect after all, so kudos to them for making it possible in the first place, even if it did take me a little while to get the hang of. I’ve had my New 2DS XL for just under 3 months now as of the time this review was first published, and because of how much I’m able to do with it and how much fun its games are, I haven’t regretted my purchase of the system for a second. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading from your original DSi, or if you’re looking to buy your first DS system, you really can’t go wrong with the New 2DS XL. Sure, it loses a few features from the New 3DS XL, but it’s far more capable than the DSi (although that’s a given, considering the DSi was replaced by the 3DS line). The system is designed very well, making it easy on your hands when holding it for long periods of time. The folding design makes the system extremely portable (I can easily fit it into one of my pockets). The New 2DS XL is essentially what the DSi would be if it was released in 2018, and I can definitely see myself using the New 2DS XL for another 9 years, just like I did with my DSi. And for those who made it to the end of this long-winded review, I have a few lifehacks and bits of advice for current and future New 2DS XL owners: - There is a free YouTube app available on the Nintendo eShop, but I’ve noticed that using the system’s Internet Browser to watch YouTube videos actually gets you a better experience. - When playing videos using the system’s internet browser, you can use the C-Stick to adjust playback speed in weird and fun ways. - If you had a wrist strap or accessory charm on your DSi, there is no way to attach it to the New 2DS XL, since the console lacks the accessory loop that the DSi had. I learned this the hard way. - I recommend switching out the 4GB microSD card that comes with the system for a larger one. I use a 32GB microSDHC card in mine, and it does the job just fine. - All versions of the New 2DS XL come with a black stylus. If you want a stylus that matches your system color more, or if you want a stylus that stands out more on a dark surface, you can purchase those separately. Just make sure they’re compatible with the New 2DS XL. - The New 2DS XL has several regional codes (also known as region-locks). Systems purchased in and formatted for each region will only work with eShop games and cartridges that match the system’s regional code. A New 2DS XL from the United States will be unable to play a 3DS game cartridge that came from Japan. I hope you found my review helpful and that it allows you to make a more informed purchase. And to those who choose to buy a New 2DS XL, I hope you get countless hours of enjoyment out of it! *Be advised: in my second photo, my New 2DS XL has “Project Mirai: DX” in its game card slot. This game is not included with any New 2DS XL system available in the United States, and was purchased separately after I got the console.

I got mine for about $370 from seller Delaware as New quality, and thought it would only be the console. Well, it came with Mario Kart 7 preinstalled even though I was trying to avoid it since I have a physical copy, but the system gladly ignored the download version once I had transferred over data from my old 2DS and it saw that I had a cartridge for the game. From seller Delaware, buying New meant a North-American region locked system (what I needed!) new in an unopened box, with Mario Kart 7 included in the deal. (Your mileage may vary with other sellers and this last point). Regarding the New 2DS XL as a system and its overall product design, I have some things of my own to say as someone who once owned a Pink DS Lite and later the original 2DS: - I understand where people are coming from regarding how the system’s closing hinge feels, but I feel like I can adapt to it well. There’s a point in opening where there’s slight resistance before the system is “open flat”, but that serves a purpose from the other direction: once the system is open flat, that resistance point keeps it there against gravity or awkward angles, so you won’t deal with a DS slowly sagging shut if you happen to be lying in bed or otherwise laying down. Compared to my old DS Lite, it does have its pros and cons, but I think I prefer it over the hinge from my childhood. My biggest struggle was that I was used to the quickness of the sleep switch on my old 2DS when I needed to briefly look away from the game, and I need to retrain my instincts to use a game’s built-in “pause” instead. Though, considering the much better portability of this “foldable” system compared to my old 2DS, needing to change my habits for this is well worth it. - I can see why people are complaining about the speakers being largely blocked by their palms when holding the system, but I also think some people may just… grip the system differently than others. With how I grip it, the corners of the console rest more against the center of my palm rather than being surrounded completely. If I accidentally muffle the sound with my hands, it’s rarely and barely. - The complaints about the size of the built-in stylus are fully justified. This thing is tiny and I would rather use the spare styluses I’ve had since the days of my DS lite. When using it for a touchscreen-navigation-based game like Wind Waker or Spore Creatures DS, my hand ends up so close to the screen I can barely see half of it! Some cases I’ve seen for the system come with an XL stylus about the size of a real-life pen, and I might recommend looking at those instead. - The bigger screen is amazing. I never knew what I was missing for all these years! Even my old DS games scale up to fill the screen as much as they can while still keeping aspect ratio, and I swear it brings them new life in a way. Playing D-Pad based games from the old DS days with the circle pad also feels amazing, though I have yet to play any games that require the C-Stick exclusive to the New systems. - Although I still have to get used to the process of opening it and stop feeling like I’m about to damage it, having the SD card and game cartridges lock in BEHIND a closed sort of “flap” is ingenious. There were a few times as a kid or even an adult where I accidentally bumped the edge of the game cartridge that was being used by my DS Lite or 2DS at the time, and lost a fair bit of game progress as it ejected. (I swear I didn’t mean to, Resetti!) With this setup, there’s no chance of that. - I think my personal complaint with the system is an odd one - while my palm doesn’t cover the speakers much, it DOES tend to cover the lights on the system’s edge, including the power light that turns red to warn you of low battery. I wish that either a) there was a specific light on the upper pane of the system that would turn on and shine red when the battery got low, so you were guaranteed to see it (like my old 2DS), or b) those lights were located at one end of the hinge, like the old DS Lite and similar systems.

I had was a DS Lite back in the day, on which I played probably more of the available catalog (NDS and GBA) than I have on any other console. After a couple years it ended up in a drawer, and eventually I gave it to a friend whose DS had broken. I felt I'd gotten more than my money's worth on the system and I'd moved on to other things. I skipped the entire 3DS generation - I'm one of those people who gets sick if I watch a 3D movie for too long, so as the 3D effect was an early driver of the system, I just passed. When the 2DS came out I was interested - the form factor looked nice to play - despite loving the DS Lite I wasn't 100% a fan of the clam shell design, but I also didn't like that it wasn't going to fit into my pockets. Couldn't have it both ways. When the New 2DS XL was announced, it was the first time in a long time that I wanted a new console on day one. Normally I wait a long while before picking up a new system, waiting for reviews, etc, to see if the platform has a future that excites me. But as we're probably getting closer to the end of the 3DS era, I looked at it from a different perspective, looking back at ecosystem already available. I've recently begun getting back into portable consoles, and I like having access to as many generations as possible. I'd sold my GBA when I bought the DS Lite back in the day, but I was craving some classic Game Boy action, so I splurged on a custom, backlit modded, GBA so I could play GB/GBC/GBA games from my childhood. I've been steadily collecting and playing though all of the games that I didn't get to as a kid. What sold me on the New 2DS XL was perfect combination of ecosystem and hardware. I love the look and feel of it. I like that it's thinner than normal 3DSs. I love that I'm not wasting any power on the 3D I'll never use. Most importantly, I love having a single device that bridges the entire ecosystem of portable Nintendo games post Game Boy. DS/DSi/3DS/N3DS - I have access to all of them. There aren't a lot of games that need or are enhanced by the "New" processor, but I like not having to sacrifice that along with the 3D. I go back and forth on the screen size - sometimes I'm very grateful for the XL, sometimes I wish the system could be a little more pocketable like my GBA. I also don't like that the battery isn't easily replaceable - as I'm planning on having just one system, and playing from a large backcatalog over a long time, I accept that I'm probably going to have to replace the battery a few years from now. In fact, the only thing that stopped me from literally buying the console on day one was my wait for a teardown video to see what replacing the battery would look like. It looks like a little hassle, but easily in my comfort zone. Ultimately, I've never owned an NES, SNES, or N64 - but I love that I still have access to ports of their best games via my GBA and now my 2DS. I love that I can finally go back and replay some of the DS games I enjoyed, and also try the games I passed the first time around. I'm also really loving the 3DS catalog - I'm buying everything digital because these days I avoid carts if I can - and I find it very hard to not take advantage of the sales and rewards in the eShop to build up my 3DS library. I'm not sure about the value to people who are already invested in the 3DS ecosystem and already have a console - but for me, the New 2DS XL is perfect.

The New 2DS XL is a success in just about every way, and I would go as far as calling it the definitive version of Nintendo's handheld for those who can do without support for 3D. Outside the lack of 3D the console sports a sleeker, and lighter design compared to that of the New 3DS XL, while offering the same large, and beautiful screens. Here's a quick break down of the Pros and Cons! Pros: A smaller, and lighter footprint making it even more ideal for taking your adventures alongside you Offers the same faster processor found in the New 3DS XL for a zippier all around experience, and support for a wider range of games Screens are over 80% larger compared to the original 2DS Now supports micro SD cards with no need to remove the back cover, as the most recent iteration of the 3DS required. They have also provided a port cover which offers a nice visual continuity for both the game cartridge, and micro sd slots New c stick, and back triggers for expanded control options Feels well made, and sits at a fair price point Charger comes included ------ Cons: Included stylus is incredibly small Bottom speaker placement not ideal, and it may be possible to muffle the sound depending on how you hold the system, of course headphones are also still an option for those wanting the best possible audio experience Game images, and pictures can only be viewed in 2D, but whether this is actually seen as a con is entirely subjective as many do not feel they need the feature anyways ------ So thats about it for the ups and downs if you may be considering a purchase, I love mine and look forward to enjoying gaming on it in the near future! The new two-tone design offers a subtle, and clean sense of style which has left me very pleased with my investment, and if you are a fan of Nintendo, and handheld gaming in general I think you will be too =)

I am absolutely in love with my new 2DS XL. I’m a 32 year old man reliving his childhood with the old school Zelda games. Currently playing Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons soon to follow. I am keeping my fingers crossed they re-release Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask on the Switch this year before I end up purchasing them for the DS. To be honest I am not a fan of how Nintendo has select re-released games on the Switch and the DS line. If able without hacking I would have loved to play these games on my Switch, but Nintendo has to keep the DS line alive somehow right? Anyways, I love it. It feels cheap compared to a Switch but I love it. Get one if you’re into older games that can’t be played on the Switch. You won’t regret it.

One major complaint I have is the fact I got a used one when I most definitely requested for a new one. It came in a plastic bag with bubble wrap around it without its original box. Was very frustrating at first because I was planning to trade it with my friend since she got the black one (when it first came out) and actually wanted the white one. I was going to return it because I got a used one, but after checking everything it had no scratches, everything functioned properly, responded, and it had screen protectors. Overall, the product looked new, which is why I let it slide since it had no problems; however, a different problem occurred. Apparently, the previous owner never factory resetted their 2ds and it had a pin. So trying to factory reset it without a pin was super difficult. After much research, I realized I was able to get a master key to unlock the 2ds and was able to factory reset it. Was so frustrated after a while, mainly because of not getting a brand new one but also the fact that I am trying so hard for something that was a mistake on the seller. Anyway, after resolving the issue myself with resetting I told my friend if she was okay with a used one or else I would have returned it, but she was happy with it. The reason why I gave it 5 stars is because the product itself is great. It is super lightweight, battery lasts just as long as my 3dsxl and basically has everything I like in the 3ds (but of course without 3d but I do not use that anyway). But if I had to rate the seller, or whoever sent that used 2ds at full price for a used one then I would have rated .5/5 for sure.

Just writing a short review here that I intend to update in six months and a year to let you guys know how the device has performed. I purchased this 2DS XL to replace my Nintendo DS Lite that broke about two years ago. During that two year period I didn't game at all, but I wanted to get something I could play Pokemon on. I knew I wanted something from the DS family again, particularly because the Nintendo shop has all of the old Pokemon games! FIRST IMPRESSIONS: So far this has been a great device. -It looks and feels great--the white and orange were less "kiddy" looking than the blue/black model. -The battery has been generous. I play a lot and leave it on sleep a lot and it hasn't drained too quickly. -The hinge is a bit loose--don't be too alarmed about this. After some googling it seems that this is how the 2DS XL is made and it's probably made to improve durability of the product. It doesn't shake or move at all while you're playing and it's not something you notice. -Screens are big, bright, and beautiful! -Complaints about speakers being average/mediocre are accurate; the speakers certainly are adequate, but they're not great and at max volume there's even a bit of vibration in the device. However, this is immaterial for my situation because I either use earbuds or go with no sound. -Stylus is too small. I don't use the stylus usually so it's not a big deal, but it does stink that Nintendo couldn't make this entire package perfect by finding a way to include an adequately sized stylus. I know some of you will likely need to use a stylus for other games that I don't play, and you're probably going to be frustrated by the need to have a third party stylus or one of your old ones. The 2DS is a big door stop goofy looking thing. The 3DS XL isn't for me because (1) I'm not into the 3D gimmick and (2) the buttons and sliders and and all that are too much for me. This 2DS XL was a perfect balance for me and I'm glad they released something like this for in between gamers like me, who want an adequate Nintendo DS but do not want the little kid one or the expensive 3D one. I had the original Nintendo DS when it came out and then a Nintendo DS Lite; this 2DS XL feels like those devices moreso than the 3DS ones.

I originally got the original Nintendo 3DS when I was in 6th grade, and had it for many years. Now that I'm a Senior, my old system had a lot of issues. Not to mention the absolutely abysmal screen that was really impossible to see, or use. Especially the bottom screen. I bought the 2DS XL due to its size, and price. Plus, I desperately needed an upgrade and was looking forward to its larger screen. So how does it hold up to my expectations? Positives: 1. The screen size is absolutely amazing, especially for someone with bigger hands. Everything on screen is easy to read. 2. The volume adjuster is much more stiff and sturdy than past DS Models. If this is your first purchase and you're wondering: Why is this a good thing? Well, the volume adjuster is on the left hand side of the lower screen. When you're holding the DS, your hand could sometimes cause the volume button to slip. Which, I'm sure you agree, is rather annoying! Luckily, this is no longer a problem. 3. The system power button is also more difficult to accidentally press, making those accidental turn offs really statistically unlikely now. 4. You can play both regular DS, and 3DS games on this system. This isn't really a positive as much as it is a feature but I felt it was important to note. Negatives: 1. If you have the system close to you, you can see these annoying little horizontal lines across both screens. This was startling to me when I first booted up my system, but it became less apparent after a few hours of game play. 2. The buttons on this system feel cheap. They're plastic. While this does feel annoying, and makes the overall 2DS feel light and fragile, it actually makes game play feel less demanding on your fingers. If you don't like this feeling, or are worried about giving this system to a young child, I'd opt for the non-XL version of the 2DS instead. 3. The UI Resolution for System Menus doesn't support the size of this DS. In other words, Nintendo hasn't updated their UI to be compatible for the 2DS, aesthetically. This doesn't mean the system is unusable, but its definitely noticeable that the resolution is incorrect on most menus. Nintendo may update this in the future (As I wrote this on 9/21/2017). It is also important to note that this issue does not occur in games, its just the menu interface on the 2DS system. 4. The battery only lasts about 4 hours when fully charged. This is pretty annoying for a modern hand held console. 5. The charger that comes with the DS isnt USB compatible. This is more so a personal pet peeve because I like to charge my DS on my laptop and PC, and my 3DS came with this utility. So if you want to charge your system on a computer, you'll have to buy an adapter. Overall I think the 2DS makes for a great gift for older children(and adults!), and an upgrade from older systems. The cheap price is absolutely worth it.

I can't compare this to the older 3DS models but I love this thing so far. The build quality, battery life, and overall ergonomics seem really great. I got I'd say bigger hands and this thing feels fairly comfortable, my left hand gets a little cramped after extended play time, but it's not too bad. I didn't want the "wedge" 2DS model so this was well worth the wait and a good decision by Nintendo overall. So far I've played the Hatsune Miku game and Monster Hunter Ultimate 4. Being a PC gamer most of my adult life, I've been really impressed with how this console performs and plays these games. Sure, the graphics aren't AMAZING, but for a portable handheld it's a very relaxing way to play. It's also worth mentioning that since they sacrifice graphics, you get games with stellar gameplay and content. I can already tell I'm gonna get potentially hundreds of hours out of both Monster Hunter and Miku, both have tons of replay value and are just really fun to play (I've never played any other of the games in the series, so I can't compare). I'd say at this point this console alone for 3DS games has a solid 20+ exclusive titles to play, as well as an enormous DS library available (many of which are exclusive, never been ported, etc). Lots of remakes of DS games are coming out this year and next, some of the best games ever made in the past 10 years easily. Overall I'd highly recommend this console, it's an amazing companion to have as a PC gamer to change it up.

Tive o 3DS de lançamento e depois adquiri este 2DS. Nunca utilizei muito o recurso do 3D, em que pese eu reconheça que no New 3DS a melhora do recurso foi brutal. Custando cerca de 300-400 reais mais barato que o New 3DS, o New 2DS se tornou a melhor opção para a família, para quem não utiliza o recurso 3D (e, devo dizer, vários jogos da biblioteca não têm suporte para o recurso). Por isso, recomendo para quem ainda não tem o console, como uma opção mais barata e que não perde em praticamente nada para a versão mais completa. Design bonito, produto durável, bateria para 4-5h de jogo e biblioteca incrível. Uma pena que a Nintendo vá descontinuar os lançamentos em 2019.

The box was in a sorry state when it arrived, the inside is safe. I've held a 3DS XL before and now i've held this one, it feels very fragile and plastic-y. It looks pretty and works as you'd expect, however the speakers are really bad so plug in that aux (located inconveniently at the bottom). The pen is fine, the screens are fine, i'm happy i got this regardless.

Ótimo console, muito bonito e confortável de se jogar, com uma biblioteca de jogos invejável. Os únicos problemas que ressaltaria são que a resolução da tela nos consoles XL estica um pouco, a caneta stylus é muito pequena e a posição do ajuste de volume no console é um pouco mal pensada (fica no canto esquerdo, eventualmente minha mão altera o volume sem intenção)

Super awesome that’s all i have to say.