Nintendo New Nintendo 2DS XLFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 8 mentions across 1 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment100%
PROS 100%

Rank based on 8 mentions across 1 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a cheaper 3DS with a bundled charger
  • You never use or care about the 3D effect
  • You want a lighter, more ergonomic handheld for long sessions

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You already own a New 3DS XL
  • You specifically want the 3D display feature
  • You need SNES eShop downloads exclusive to New 3DS models

What users complain about

No cons data available.

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Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Nintendo 2DS
Affordable priceExtremely durable buildComfortable ergonomicsNo 3D functionalityNon-foldable slab designSingle speaker only
Nintendo 2DS
Affordable price
Extremely durable build
Comfortable ergonomics
No 3D functionality
Non-foldable slab design
Single speaker only
2Mid
Nintendo 3DS
StreetPass and social featuresCustomization and personalityHuge legacy game libraryScarcity and rising pricesBattery aging and data riskConfusing naming and missing features
Nintendo 3DS
StreetPass and social features
Customization and personality
Huge legacy game library
Scarcity and rising prices
Battery aging and data risk
Confusing naming and missing features
3Mid
Sony PSP
Huge, beloved game libraryConsole-quality graphicsStrong homebrew and emulation scenePSP Go ergonomics and dock scarcityDead pixel issuesLater slim models had inferior build/finish
Sony PSP
Huge, beloved game library
Console-quality graphics
Strong homebrew and emulation scene
PSP Go ergonomics and dock scarcity
Dead pixel issues
Later slim models had inferior build/finish
4Budget
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Strong nostalgia and emotional attachmentClever hardware engineeringColorization of original Game Boy gamesMuted, dim screenInconsistent early third-party graphicsShort console lifespan
Nintendo Game Boy Color
Strong nostalgia and emotional attachment
Clever hardware engineering
Colorization of original Game Boy games
Muted, dim screen
Inconsistent early third-party graphics
Short console lifespan
5Mid
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
Deep nostalgia factorStrong game library tie-inDesirable special editionsFragile under rough useHard to find and pricey nowAccessory and game scarcity for rare shells
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP
Deep nostalgia factor
Strong game library tie-in
Desirable special editions
Fragile under rough use
Hard to find and pricey now
Accessory and game scarcity for rare shells
6
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Exceptional game libraryStrong nostalgic valueImpressive pseudo-3D and graphics capabilityPoor screen visibilityDifficult sound chipPerceived shortage of good games at launch
Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Exceptional game library
Strong nostalgic value
Impressive pseudo-3D and graphics capability
Poor screen visibility
Difficult sound chip
Perceived shortage of good games at launch
7Budget
Nintendo DSi
Flipnote Studio creative legacyEasy to mod/hackBeloved DSiWare libraryNo GBA slotGBA emulation still buggyDSiWare transfer data loss
Nintendo DSi
Flipnote Studio creative legacy
Easy to mod/hack
Beloved DSiWare library
No GBA slot
GBA emulation still buggy
DSiWare transfer data loss
8Budget
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Sharper, clearer screen
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket
Sharper, clearer screen
9Mid
Anbernic RG503
Vibrant OLED screen
Anbernic RG503
Vibrant OLED screen
10Mid
Lenovo Legion Go S
SteamOS Experience
Lenovo Legion Go S
SteamOS Experience
You are here
11Budget
Nintendo New Nintendo 2DS XL
Lighter, more comfortable design
Nintendo New Nintendo 2DS XL
Lighter, more comfortable design

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Owners love the lighter, ergonomic design over the New 3DS XL. Many commenters specifically chose the 2DS XL for its lighter weight and better weight distribution, saying it reduced hand cramping and fatigue during long or overhead play sessions. The ridged texture and folding shape were called more comfortable to grip, and the flatter, lettered buttons reduced thumb slipping compared to the New 3DS XL's design.

The combined cartridge/SD slot with dust flap is a standout feature. Multiple users called the cartridge flap the best design choice, since it prevents accidental cartridge ejection, dust ingress, and eliminates the need to remove a back plate for microSD access. This was repeatedly highlighted as a major convenience over other 3DS models, especially for those doing homebrew or frequently swapping storage.

Dropping 3D for a lower price was welcomed by most buyers. Many commenters said they never used the 3D feature, found it eye-straining or gimmicky, and were happy to save roughly $50-60 while still getting a bundled charger and pre-installed game. This made the console feel like strong value at about $150, especially for newcomers or those replacing an aging original 3DS or DS Lite.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?