The 2DS XL is Nintendo's latest iteration on the long-running 3DS family - and we think it might be the best yet. Here's our review of the New Nintendo 2DS XL.

With the Switch , Nintendo seems to have a bona fide hit on its hands: It's still all but impossible to find in stores, and a promising new slate of games shown at the E3 gaming show has only ramped up interest.

The New Nintendo 2DS XL is basically a 3DS XL, minus the 3D, with a slightly improved design; It gives you access to a huge library of great games, including past DS, NES and SNES classics

The tiny stylus is very awkward to use; There's little new here for anyone who already has a 3DS in their bag

Nintendo is sticking to its slightly odd naming system with the (deep breath) New Nintendo 2DS XL , but the name does at least make sense: this is new, it's from Nintendo, it's got 2D screens, and they're bigger than they used to be.

There's no doubt that the future of Nintendo looks rosy or, at least, rosier than it did a couple of years ago. The Switch has proven a tremendous success, the decision to recreate former console glories in miniature form has also gone down rather well, and there's an all-new Mario 3D platformer on...

Smallest and lightest "XL" handheld yet; feels great in the hand; cartridge slot now has a flap to keep games and microSD card safe; two nice colour schemes

No 3D (but even that's not necessarily a bad thing); stylus is much shorter and a little unwieldy

3DS, Nintendo , cert: 3 ★★★ Unusually, given its background, the Pikmin series is one of Nintendo's rare underachievers. It was created by Mario and Zelda mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto , and shares the same charm and brilliance, just not the same success.

I think if you've never owned a Nintendo 3DS handheld or are in need of a new one, the New 2DS XL is the way to go. At $150, the handheld is a reasonably priced way to get access to the whole 3DS library of games, which is absolutely loaded with excellent titles.

Lightweight and compact; buttons are responsive; enormous library of superb games available

New stylus is a little too short; battery life is just OK; speakers can end up covered by hands during gameplay; 3DS platform in general starting to show its age; still uses cumbersome friend codes for online services

The New Nintendo 2DS XL is the best 3DS handheld you can buy.

2DS with a clamshell design; Affordable; Works great with all 3DS games; Nice console design; SD and cartridge slots are accessible but protected

Hinge is wobbly; Doesn't add any substantial new features

The New Nintendo 2DS XL is a stylish refinement on a now well-established formula and whilst stereoscopic 3D is an appreciated feature, this console proves that it's by no means essential.

Huge game library; Attractive design; Affordable

Of all the devices in the DS line (and there's an excessive amount), this is one Nintendo's best models yet, trailing only slightly behind the more expensive New 3DS XL. It's light, durable, comfortable, and a joy to game on.

In Nintendo's seemingly never-ending mission to keep the DS line fresh, they have unveiled and released the latest DS variant – the New Nintendo 2DS XL . In terms of dedicated handheld gaming devices, the 3DS line is essentially uncontested.

2 Damn Sexy; Smaller & Lighter than New Nintendo 3DS XL; Cheaper than New Nintendo 3DS XL

No 3D Functionality; Small stylus; Awkward flap blocking Game Cards; C-Stick still sucks