Nintendo made a surprise announcement while most people on this side of the planet were already asleep or just about to. The gaming company introduced the new Nintendo 2DS XL, its latest in the line of handheld consoles.
The Nintendo 2DS XL is a newer and bigger version of the 2DS. It has a couple of large displays. The top display measures 4.88 inches while the bottom screen is 4.18 inches. It comes with a clamshell design and is lighter than the 3DS XL making it more portable. The Guardian reported that the Nintendo 2DS XL will have integrated NFC support for amiibo cards and figures.
Nintendo of America chief Regie Fils-Aime explained that the new hardware is proof that the company is serious about its commitment to the hand-held market. The announcement comes two months after the legendary gaming company released the Nintendo Switch. The Switch was welcomed with open arms by the gaming community and in fact had what is described the most successful launches in recent memory. To date, around 3 million units are said to have been sold since it was released.
With the sudden introduction of the Nintendo 2DS XL, it is unlikely that it will get the same reception as the Switch. This is mainly because Nintendo already has the Switch to cater to gamers who value portability. Many pundits will be questioning why Nintendo did not just allow 2DS and 3DS games to be played in the Switch. Additionally, the company did not promote the 2DS XL the same way it did with the Switch. It is, however, banking on the younger generation to patronize the new handheld.
Forbes believed this move may be more in tune with Japan particularly the huge the 3DS market in the Asian nation. Home console sales in Japan have been stagnant for quite some time now but the 3DS was a huge hit when it came out. Maybe Nintendo figured that a new version of the beloved handheld may be just what the doctor ordered to remain significant in the Japanese market. Furthermore, the announcement was made at around 9:45 PM in the U.S. which is around 10:45 PM over at Japan.
The Nintendo 2DS XL will come in two color combinations -- white and orange or black and turquoise. It will sell for $149 in the U.S. starting July 28.
