The Nintendo 3DS is a very popular handheld game console that was first launched in Japan on February 26, 2011, and worldwide in March 2011. This game console becomes more popular because of its backward compatibility with older Nintendo DS video games. Nintendo has popular models like 2DS and 3DS XL. Nintendo 3DS XL is the larger version of 3DS and it was first released in Japan and Europe in July 2012. The Nintendo 2DS is the newer of these three models and it was first released in October 2013. But this model lacks autostereoscopic (3D) functionality. Keep reading the article as below I have explained and compared these models so that you can easily decide which one would be best for you.
The Detailed Comparison Of Nintendo 2DS, 3DS, And 3DS XL
Price
Among 2DS, 3DS, and 3DS XL; 2DS is much cheaper. You can buy a 2DS console for around £99.99 or £129.99 bundled with a case and a game. The price of 3DS and 3DS XL is also reasonable. Due to the introduction of the new 3DS and new 3DS XL, you can get an old Ice White 3DS for £79. But the new 3DS will cost you around £149. The new model of 3DS XL will cost you around £179.99 and it will cost you £209.99 if you buy it with a game.
Screens
All these consoles come with two screens: a top, non-touch display, and a lower touch screen. Both the 2DS and 3DS have the same size screens. You will get a 3.53-inch display up top and a slightly smaller 3.02-inch touch screen below. The Nintendo 3DS XL and New 3DS XL have much larger screens. The 3DS XL comes with a 4.88-inch display. 4.88-inch displays. The resolution for the top screens on all devices is 400 x 240. The 3DS and 3DS XL have stereoscopic, glasses-free 3D screens. The 2DS has 2-D glass and there is no stereoscopic available for the 2DS.
The 3DS and 3DS XL have 3D top screens, but the 2DS has no 3D whatsoever. Both the 3DS and 3DS XL have little sliders on the side of their screens so you can choose to have the 3DS effect. You can also turn it off if you want. The autostereoscopic 3D features a glasses-free technology that requires you to keep your head still. Sometimes it causes eye discomfort and headaches so Nintendo produce the 2DS version without the stereoscopic 3D feature. Both 3DS and 3DS XL have used enhanced 3D technology and there is a front-facing camera available that will keep track of the head and eye movement for a better 3D effect.
Design And Portability
The 2DS has increased durability but it lacks portability. The 3DS and 3DS XL are both significantly smaller than the 2DS when they are closed. The 3DS has a height of 74mm, the 3DS XL is 93mm and the 2DS is 127 mm high. So you may find it difficult to stash away the 2DS in a bag or fit in most pockets. The New 3DS is 80.6mm high and the New 3DS XL is 93.5mm high so they are also portable. The 3DS and 3DS XL have clamshell-style so you will get better protection for the screen. The 2DS doesn’t have any clamshell design so it will be much more vulnerable in this respect. The 3DS XL is the heaviest of all these models and it weighs 336g. The 3DS weighs 235g and the 2DS weighs 260g. So it is clear that the 3DS is the lightest of these three handheld consoles. On the other hand, the new 3DS weighs 253g, and the new 3DS XL is 329g. Here are the full details:
1. 2DS – Width: 144mm; Height: 127mm; Depth: 20.3mm
2. 3DS – Width: 134mm; Height: 74mm; Depth: 21mm (closed)
3. 3DS XL – Width: 156mm; Height: 93mm; Depth: 22mm (closed)
4. New 3DS – Width: 142mm; Height: 80.6mm; Depth: 21.6mm (closed)
5. New 3DS XL – Width: 160mm; Height: 93.5mm; Depth: 21.5mm (closed)
Battery Life
All these three consoles have different battery life. The 3DS XL can provide a battery life of 3.5 hours to 6.5 hours. The battery of 3DS lasts for 3-5 hours and the battery of 2DS lasts between 3.5 and 5.5 hours. So the 3DS has the lowest battery life among these three consoles. But you have to consider that the 3D function uses extra power so consoles with 3d function will consume more power. The new 3DS and 3DS XL have more battery life compared to their older models thanks to the new auto-brightness feature of these two models. The New 3DS XL has the longest battery life at 3.5 hours with 3D turned on and 7 hours with the 3D turned off. On the other hand, the new 3DS offers the same 3.5 hours of 3D playtime but you will get 6 hours of battery life when 3d feature is turned off.
Games
There are no game support issues with the Nintendo 2DS, in fact, all 3DS games will work with the 2DS. The best part is all these console models will work fine with all DS games. The 3D is an optional feature for every 3DS game and all three consoles have the same processor and the same array of sensors so you don’t have to worry about game compatibility. All these consoles have a motion sensor, a gyroscope, and a microphone. So you can expect the same performance, more or less from these consoles. However, the new 3DS and 3DS XL models have enhanced processors compared to the older models. So you can expect better loading time for games, download speeds, and general menu navigation.
Sound Quality
One of the most significant differences between these three consoles is sound quality. The 3DS and 3DS XL have stereo speakers while the 2DS has a single speaker. So you can expect better sound quality from the 3DS and 3DS XL. Moreover, the stereo speakers are more effective as they fire directly at your ears, from each side of the screen. The 2DS has a speaker to the left of the screen. However, if you are using a headphone then it won’t be a major problem because the 2DS has a 3.5mm jack socket. But if you use a mono speaker then you will have a less immersive experience. The new 3DS and the new 3DS XL come with a speaker that produces crisper and cleaner sound as well as a touch louder at full volume. So there are some effective changes in the sound quality in these new consoles.
Final Thought
The 2DS will be a good choice if you won’t be too concerned with the lack of 3D or playing the latest games. Moreover, 2DS is more durable compared to the other two models that we have talked about in this article. But if you are a pro game and can invest more money then my recommendation is 3DS and 3DS XL. But if you want the ultimate 3D experience then the new 3DS and 3DS XL will be the best choice. The enhanced 3D and new features make the new 3DS and new 3DS XL the best in the market.
FAQ
What’s The Difference Between The Nintendo 2DS And The 3DS?
The Nintendo 2DS and 3DS are two handheld gaming consoles that were released by Nintendo in the last decade. The 2DS and 3DS both run on the same hardware and use a wireless connection to play games. The biggest difference between the two consoles is that the Nintendo 2DS does not have a clamshell design, meaning it features a single screen as opposed to a top-down one.
The 3DS is a more expensive option, but it has a variety of different features that are not found in the 2DS. For example, the 3DS can take pictures, read e-books, access social media sites, play videos and games, while you can’t do any of these things with the 2DS.
What’s The Difference Between The Nintendo 2DS XL And The 3DS XL?
The Nintendo 2DS XL and the 3DS XL are both handheld consoles made by Nintendo, but they have some major differences. The 2DS XL does not have a 3D display, so it comes in at a lower price point. It also doesn’t fold shut like the 3DS XL does for portability so it doesn’t offer the same robust protection to the screen or controls.
How Do I Know Which 3DS I Have?
In order to know which 3DS model you have, you must first look at the back of the console. It will either have a circle with a dot in the middle of a circle around a letter. If your 3DS has a circle with a dot in it, you have a 3DS XL. If your 3DS has a circle around a letter, then you have either an original Nintendo 3DS or a New Nintendo 3DS XL.