With the end of the Nintendo 3DS’ lifespan coming soon, Nintendo gives the portable a fitting swansong. Enter the New 2DS XL, possibly the last iteration of the console. In simple terms, it’s a New 3DS XL without the 3D effect, making it a successor to the 2DS. However, it’s not that simple.
The New 2DS XL gets some ergonomic improvements in terms of size and general build. Not only that, but it inherits the extra features of the New 3DS. Namely, these include the C-stick, AmiiboNFC reader, and extra processing power. This means that it will play New 3DS exclusives like the SNES Virtual Console and Xenoblade Chronicles 3D.
In terms of design, though, it diverges entirely from the original 2DS. It follows the classic clamshell design, with the cameras reportedly now placed on a stronger middle hinge and on the back of the bottom half of the 2DS. This final form of the 3DS will retail for USD 149.99 (around PHP 7,500) and releases outside of Japan on July 28.