I have been wanting this system ever since the trailer launched in April 2017. I got the 2ds I'm Christmas 2013, the year it launched instead of getting the 3ds xl that I wanted. I was completely satisfied with it for being an upgrade to my original 3ds.

It’s hard to see who the New 2DS XL will appeal to. For those really wanting the absolute best, the New 3DS XL offers a significantly better display and feels much more of a premium device. The cash-conscious gamer, meanwhile, already has the standard 2DS. So the New 2DS XL sits between them in no man’s land. The hammer blow, though, is the Switch. It was only a few months ago that Nintendo released its hybrid console and it’s crystal clear that almost all of the company's focus is going towards producing games for that new platform, leaving the 2DS and 3DS out in the cold. Don’t get me wrong, the New 2DS XL is still a well-made device that would have been a portable champion three years ago. But in 2017? It just feels redundant.

Clamshell design a massive improvement on door-wedge 2DS; New processor offers more grunt; Handy little C-Stick;

Rough-around-the-edges display; Plasticky build; Limited games on the horizon ;

Clamshell design a massive improvement on door-wedge 2DS; New processor offers more grunt; Handy little C-Stick;

Rough-around-the-edges display; Plasticky build; Limited games on the horizon ;

In his book Console Wars , Blake Harris reveals a mantra that video game industry insiders spouted in the '80s: "the name of the game is the game." Translation: If you don't have awesome games on offer, there's no point in trying. Early adopters know the struggle.

The plastic clamshell is equally well-suited for kids and klutzy adults; Amazing back catalog of games, super affordable; Plus, you get an AC adapter

Low-res screens; The toothpick stylus is hilariously tiny; Mediocre battery life for a modern gadget; Not as sexy or exciting as a Switch

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

We're used to Nintendo's crazy ideas now. A mushroom-guzzling Italian? Sounds great. Motion-controlled bowling? Sure. Scales that can be used in a video game? Weird, but OK.

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

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 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.

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.