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Nintendo announces a new handheld. The 2DS plays all DS and 3DS games, offers a robust design at a low price.

Following their tradition of improving the DS hardware every couple of years, Nintendo have just announced a new version of the 3DS. The 2DS is a low cost version of the 3DS and 3DS XL but without the 3D feature or clam shell design.

As you can see this is something of a radical step for Nintendo and is drawing mixed comments from gaming enthusiasts. For families, and those who don't already own the 3DS, this is a cost effective way to access a new generation of 3DS games.

If you've not followed these devices closely the last few years a little history may help clarify. First there was the DS that offered new touch screen games. This was updated as the DS Lite, DSi and DS XL all of which could play the same games. Then came the 3DS that offered improved visuals, interactions and 3D. This was updated as the 3DS XL that could also play the 3DS games.

The 2DS can play both the original DS games (as the 3DS/3DS XL could) as well as all the new 3DS games, simply without the 3D feature. This means that the device can be offered at a more cost effective price at retail. For all the confusing nomenclature , the 2DS is an exciting development for family gamers.

Nintendo 2DSNintendo 2DS

Families will appreciate the removal of hinges and a more robust design on the 2DS. This form factor focuses the playing hold toward the top screen where the action is, as well as removing the weak points if the unit is dropped by younger players. Also, without the 3D feature players of any age can use the device -- the 3DS needed parental controls setting on the 3D option if players of six or younger were going to be using it.

2DS battery life looks to be similar to the other 3DS devices, offering a little more than the original 3DS and a little less than the 3DS XL. It will be interesting to see if the device comes with a holster for charging, something my family has used a lot on the original 3DS.

Screen size is the same as the original 3DS, a little smaller than the 3DS XL. This keeps the unit of a size that is portable although larger in overall size as it doesn't fold in the middle. There seems to be a little less space between the top and bottom screens, which may make aiming across screens in games like Yoshi's Island a little trickier.

The unit is to be released on October 12th alongside Pokemon X and Pokemon Y in the UK at is currently listed for £109.

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Andrew Robertson
Andy Robertson is the editor of AskAboutGames and has written for national press and broadcast about video games and families for over 15 years. He has just published the Taming Gaming book with its Family Video Game Database.