Rant: My 2Cents on the 2DS

If you haven't been on the internet today and didn't hear some of the big announcements today, let's recap: A price-cut for the Deluxe Wii U (now $299.99), Wind-Waker HD bundles, and the most eyebrow raising announcement - The Nintendo 2DS.

Like most things being introduced right now (Ben Affleck as BatMan for one), the internet has been cringing at the announcement of this version of the ever popular Nintendo 3DS. This new system is designed to play all 3DS games (and DS games) and is functionally the same system except for one dimension - The 2DS lacks the ability to render the top screen in 3D.  “Imagine a standard 3DS laid all the way flat, and with the depth slider all the way down,” writes Reggie Fils-Aime

Nintendo has stated that this system is a "entry-level handheld system" and is directing it towards the younger audiences, hence its October 12, 2013 release for $129.99 - the same day as Pokémon X and Y.

Rant Time!

For every positive comment that I've seen on this topic today, there have been 10 condemning this handheld to a fate worse than the Virtual Boy. And to that I say: Relax! It's not like the 3DS is being discontinued in favor of this.

Sure, it's not an amazing step forward for Nintendo. Sure, most people would rather have had something more progressive rather than "regressive". But how can this be something deserving of such negativity? People are going to buy it, but that doesn't mean that 3DS sales are gunna drop, nor does it mean that Nintendo is expecting this to replace the 3DS because it won't.

Marketing

Nintendo is dominating the handheld sector of video games. No news there. So then why is another entree into the family; one that is not necessarily a "Must Have" but is perfect for those who can't readily afford to jump headfirst into the next generation of handhelds. I will come clean and admit that I'm one of them.

As for the whole marketing-towards-children aspect, I think that's only a selling point for it. Nintendo always suggests not letting children under 6 use the 3D mode, but i feel this is very attractive to people of all ages.

Hardware

So the 2DS is flat; it doesn't close like a clamshell. And considering that this has been staple since the GBA SP, it's certainly an interesting decision. But what about scratches? Yes, the face is exposed to the environment. But considering that Nintendo is pushing this towards younger generations, it's quite plausible that the choice for so much plastic will make the device cosmetically stronger. Same with the screens. But then again, you should see my little brother's DS Lite. The thing closes and its touch screen is still scraped up.

And speaking of his DS Lite, you should see it's hinge. The thing is barely held together by internal wires. And that's what is good about the slate design - there's no worry for breakage of the hinge. And I'm on my second DS Lite because of such an tragic injury.

Rest In Peace

The new button placement would make a transition to this system a little peculiar, but it kinda reminds me of the layout of the original GameBoy Advance.

Going Forward

It's your choice; buy it or don't. I just can't see why this piece is getting so much garbage thrown its way. Many people don't care for the 3D graphics and some games just don't require them the way that others do. So if you'll excuse me, I'll be checking this system out when it hits the shelves and if I'm playing my Pokémon X and Y against you and we have different systems....oh wait, you're never gunna know :)