Nintendo unveiled its Nintendo 2DS yesterday, leading many people to take to their social network of choice to ask their followers and fans if yesterday was April 1st. No – yesterday was not April 1st and the Nintendo 2DS is a real product that will be made available on October 12, and according to Nintendo, if you’re reading this, it’s highly likely this device isn’t for you.
Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime spoke with CNBC about the Nintendo 2DS, saying it was geared towards “very young kids.” Reggie Fils-Aime goes on to explain who the Nintendo 2DS came to be. “What we did here was we focused in on a key consumer segment, the consumer that right now for the standard 3DS, $170 is a bit of a higher price point,” Fils-Aime said. “So this device with that slate-like form factor, it fits that consumer and also by taking out the 3D feature it allows us to target very young kids: five, six, seven years old.”
The Nintendo 2DS’ $129.99 price point certainly helps for parents considering this handheld for their young children, and the lack of 3D will also keep their still-developing peepers from getting all messed up. Unfortunately, its slate style makes it a complete eye sore to me personally, although I can see why this form would make it even more durable when used by small children.