Nintendo Switch may be the fastest-selling game console the company has ever produced, but the new 2DS XL is dubbed as the best handheld hardware it has built since the original DS in 2004. However, the Japanese gaming giant shook things up when they announced the new version of its very popular portable DS console would be coming to stores on 28 July. Judging by previews, it looks like the new model would be something that hardcore and casual gamers would most like.
However, before you can decide if the latest DS console is best for you, an overall comparison among the DS lineup would be useful. Let's take a look at how the new DS console fare among the other current versions of DS by comparing their specs, design, and price. By looking at their differences, you can decide which handheld system would suit you best.
The existing Nintendo DS versions are currently the 2 DS, 2 DS XL, 3 DS, and 3 DS XL. Let's first compare their design in which the company has essentially kept the clamshell structure that allows it to fold to protect the two screens at the top and bottom. However, the original 2 DS has a more solid frame than a foldable body since it was originally built for young kids who tend to drop things more often.
Next, let's take a look at the screens in which all DS have two --- a top, larger, non-touch display and a lower smaller touchscreen. According to the Pocket-Lint, the 2DS and 3DS have top screens measuring 3.53-inches, while the 2DS XL and 3DS XL are both built with larger 4.88-inch displays.The top screens on all devices have a resolution of 400 x 240.
When it comes to internal hardware, only the 2 DS has an earlier version of the hardware, while 2 DS XL, 3 DS, and 3 DS XL all have updated versions, running on an 804MHz quad-core + 134MHz single-core processing chipset, and a cool 268MHz of graphics processing. When it comes to pricing, the 2 DS is $116 or £74.99; 3 DS is £159.99; 3 DS Xl is $243.99 or £169, and 2 DS XL is $149.99. According to The Verge, in essence, the new 2 DS XL has a closer resemblance to the new 3 DS XL than to any other DS consoles, boasting the same faster and powerful processor, a full set of Nintendo’s L, R, ZL, and ZR shoulder buttons, and a C stick.
