The Nintendo 2DS was primarily discontinued due to a combination of evolving market demands, the launch of more advanced successor models, and initial challenges in consumer awareness and perception of the device's design.
Primary Factors Leading to Discontinuation
Nintendo's decision to discontinue the 2DS, alongside the broader Nintendo 3DS family of systems, was a strategic move reflecting changes in the portable gaming landscape and the company's own product roadmap.
Market Awareness and Perceptions
When the Nintendo 2DS first launched, it faced an uphill battle in establishing its identity. Nintendo's then-president, Satoru Iwata, acknowledged that the device suffered from a lack of awareness among potential buyers. Many consumers were either unaware of its existence or unclear about its place within Nintendo's handheld lineup.
Furthermore, initial feedback indicated that some prospective users found the 2DS to be too large and heavy for convenient portability, which was a significant concern for a handheld gaming device. Its distinctive wedge-shaped, non-clamshell design, while making it more durable, deviated from the familiar compact form factor of its 3DS counterparts.
Evolution of Nintendo's Handheld Lineup
The handheld gaming market is dynamic, with constant innovation. The 2DS was introduced as a more affordable, entry-level option in the Nintendo 3DS family, specifically lacking the stereoscopic 3D feature and the clamshell design. However, Nintendo quickly moved to introduce more powerful and refined iterations:
- New Nintendo 3DS / New Nintendo 3DS XL (2014/2015): These models offered enhanced processing power, improved 3D, additional controls (C-Stick, ZL/ZR buttons), and built-in NFC for amiibo support, making the original 2DS seem less capable by comparison.
- New Nintendo 2DS XL (2017): This later model essentially replaced the original 2DS's role. It retained the clamshell design of the 3DS, featured a larger screen (like the 3DS XL), and included the enhanced processing power and controls of the "New" line, all while omitting the 3D feature and maintaining a competitive price point. This made the original 2DS largely redundant.
Ultimately, the entire Nintendo 3DS family, including the 2DS, was phased out to make way for Nintendo's hybrid console, the Nintendo Switch, which offers both handheld and home console gaming experiences. Nintendo officially ended production of the 3DS family of systems worldwide in September 2020, marking the end of an era for its dedicated dual-screen handhelds.
Shifting Consumer Trends
The rise of mobile gaming on smartphones and tablets also played a role in the declining demand for dedicated handheld consoles. While the 2DS offered a robust library of games, the convenience and low cost (often free-to-play) of mobile games presented a significant competitive challenge.
The 2DS in Context: A Brief Overview
The Nintendo 2DS was designed as an affordable and durable entry point into the Nintendo 3DS game library.
Key Features of the Nintendo 2DS
- No Stereoscopic 3D: Unlike the 3DS, the 2DS did not display games in 3D, addressing concerns some users had about the 3D effect, especially for younger children.
- Slate Form Factor: It eschewed the traditional clamshell design of other DS and 3DS systems for a single, non-folding slate, making it very robust.
- Affordability: Launched at a lower price point than the 3DS, making it more accessible.
- Full 3DS Game Compatibility: It could play nearly all Nintendo 3DS, DS, and DSi games.
Comparison with Successors
Here's a brief comparison of the original 2DS with its spiritual successor, the New Nintendo 2DS XL, highlighting design and feature evolution:
| Feature | Nintendo 2DS (Original) | New Nintendo 2DS XL |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2013 | July 2017 |
| Form Factor | Fixed slate/wedge (non-clamshell) | Folding clamshell |
| Screen Size | Smaller (same as original 3DS) | Larger (same as New 3DS XL) |
| 3D Functionality | No | No |
| Processing Power | Standard (original 3DS spec) | Enhanced (New 3DS spec) |
| Additional Controls | No C-Stick/ZL/ZR | Yes (C-Stick, ZL/ZR buttons) |
| Target Audience | Entry-level, younger users, budget | Mainstream, premium budget-friendly |
Impact and Legacy
Despite its discontinuation, the 2DS played an important role in Nintendo's strategy. It served as a durable, budget-friendly gateway for new players, particularly younger children, to experience the vast library of Nintendo 3DS games without the 3D effect. Its robust design made it less prone to hinge damage, a common wear-and-tear issue for clamshell designs. The lessons learned from the 2DS regarding consumer perception and market evolution directly influenced the development and positioning of subsequent models like the New Nintendo 2DS XL.
The discontinuation of the 2DS, along with its 3DS counterparts, marked a significant shift in Nintendo's hardware strategy, consolidating its focus on the versatile Nintendo Switch system.
For more information on the end of the 3DS family production, you can refer to Nintendo's official announcements.
