Even with the monstrous success of the Nintendo Switch , Nintendo's 3DS handhelds are as alive and well as ever. The company just refined the popular portable once more with the $149 New Nintendo 2DS XL, which retains the best features of the New 3DS XL while ditching the 3D functionality in favor...

Sleek; compact design; Fantastic game library; Fairly affordable; More user-friendly than New 3DS XL

Software feels clunky and dated; Bulky hinge

In a move that might have come as a surprise following the strong launch of the Nintendo Switch , arguably its most powerful handheld console, Nintendo is back with yet another new handheld in the Nintendo 3DS family of handhelds.

Great build quality; Attractive design; Big screens; Massive back catalogue of games; Amiibo support

Short stylus; Not the longest battery life; Screen isn't the brightest

The Nintendo Switch exists, and is a fantastic gaming system that you can, in a pinch, play in a bar, a car, or on the train. Phones exist too, and the games on them are better than ever. So why the hell should you own anything else Because games.

It's a perfect blend of price and games

The hinge feels a little cheap

Nintendo love to tinker with their handheld console hardware, releasing several iterations of each during a console's lifespan. However, they've taken that predilection to new heights during the 3DS era, not just revising the console, but exploring different ways to get it to reach more people.

The best 3DS clamshell design yet; "New" 3DS model power and features; Huge library of great games; Comes with a charger

Loses 3D effect; Wobbly hinge; Still merely OK battery life; Poor for gaming in sunny conditions

Most of the conversation around Nintendo right now is understandably focused on the Switch , which has had a terrific launch and continues to be difficult to find in stores. And while the Switch is clearly the successor to the failed Wii U, its hybrid nature means that it should ultimately replace...

Sleek new design; Reasonable price; Tons of great games

No 3D; Screens are still bad; Archaic data management

This product is awesome and I am very happy with it.

The is an obvious upgrade over the ugly doorstop-like 2DS, and is a joy to play on. The hardware updates are welcome, and the processor is quick even when dealing with the most notoriously slow-loading games.

Announced nearly four years ago, the Nintendo 2DS has been Nintendo's entry level solution for consumers who desire to enter its handheld ecosystem at the lowest price possible.

Visually appealing design; A slim profile that doesn't compromise screen size; Better ergonomics than other 2DS/3DS devices; AC adapter included

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When considered on its own, or when compared with other 3DS devices, the New 2DS XL is fantastic. It packs all of the New 3DS features into a well-designed package with a very attractive price tag.

Inexpensive; Functional, comfortable design; Supports library of thousands of DS and 3DS games spanning over a decade

Screen is very grainy and low-resolution next to the Switch; Feels redundant

The Nintendo New 2DS XL sacrifices the mostly superfluous 3D for a handsome re-design that stands head and shoulders above the rest of the 3DS/2DS family. And like its counterpart, it includes an improved processor and the ability to play SNES games.