Nintendo officially announced today that they will drop the price of the 2DS to $80 starting May 20th. New 2DS models will also come with pre-downloaded copy of Mario Kart 7. This is the second price drop for the console, the first price drop was from $130 to $100 in August 2015.
The 2DS is a model of the 3DS that doesn’t have the 3D and doesn’t fold. Nintendo has always advertised the 2DS as a more durable 3DS for younger kids, but this price drop makes it a great option for anyone on a budget. Also, considering that you get Mario Kart 7 with the console, you’re basically paying for a great handheld console for slightly more than a newly released Triple-A game.
It’s great that Nintendo is also emphasizing their line of Nintendo Select games, as these are great cheap additions to the 3DS library. Especially a game like Ocarina of Time 3D, which was originally hard to find and pretty pricey. And honestly, no games really use the 3D effect anymore, so you are not losing much if you get the 2DS. Also, if you want to get on the new Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon this fall, the 2DS is a great way to go.
You’ll notice at the end of the trailer that Nintendo also has a new slogan, “There’s no play like it.” It’s similar to when Nintendo advertised the Gamecube with “The Nintendo Difference.” It’s a slogan that emphasizes Nintendo’s uniqueness as a game developer, one that focuses on fun gameplay rather than cutting-edge graphics.
If this seems like a big ad for the 2DS, it kind of is because I own a 2DS. The 2DS was designed for a younger audience, but if you have larger hands and are broke, I highly suggest getting the 2DS Trigger Grips. These grips give you a much better hold for the 2DS, and work great for big and small hands. These grips are especially good for intense action games like Super Smash Bros. or Resident Evil Revelations.
This price drop could also be a sign for future price drops on other Nintendo consoles. With the NX along the horizon and Nintendo focusing on mobile, it wouldn’t be crazy to expect a Wii U or a New 3DS price drop in the future.