Just by looking at the names, you might have guessed some of the differences between the Nintendo 3DS, the 2DS, and the New 2DS XL. But when it comes to the various iterations – Nintendo 3DS vs 2DS vs 2DS XL – there is actually more to it than just size and 3D compatibility.
What are the differences between the Nintendo 3DS, the 2DS, and the New 2DS XL?
Nintendo 3DS
- Original 3DS console (also comes in larger “XL” model)
- Stereoscopic, glasses-free 3D display
- Clamshell design
- Stereo speaker output
- SD Card and SDHC Card compatibility up to 2GB and 32GB respectively
Nintendo 2DS
- Revised budget model without 3D support
- Wedge design
- Mono speaker output (stereo with headphones)
- SD Card and SDHC Card compatibility up to 2GB and 32GB respectively
New Nintendo 2DS XL
- Similar to New Nintendo 3DS – just without 3D support
- Clamshell design
- Some games are exclusive to the New 3DS/New 2DS XL
- Access to SNES Virtual Console
- Stereo speaker output
- microSD Card and microSDHC Card compatibility up to 2GB and 32GB respectively
While those are the major differences between each of the 3DS and various 2DS models, which is the best? Which is right for you? Well, that might depend on your own personal gaming preferences, and certain gaming needs might make one model more desirable than the other. At the end of the day, each iteration has its own set of pros and cons that you might want to consider.
Nintendo 3DS
Pros
- Stereoscopic, glasses-free 3D display
- The clamshell design protects the screen against scratches and makes the console more portable
Cons
- Hinge is prone to wearing down over time
Overview: If you're a fan of (or interested in) the glasses-free, stereoscopic 3D display, then the 3DS is the console for you. You can adjust the 3D slider to give the console more or less of a 3D effect, and it actually works as well as advertised. That being said, if you're really interested in 3D, we recommend the 3DS XL or New 3DS XL as the larger screens allow for more viewing angles in order to take full advantage of the display.
Still, even aside from the 3D effects, the 3DS features a clamshell design – a design Nintendo has used regularly since the Game Boy Advance SP. This style of handheld protects the screen against scratches and makes the console itself more portable. Still, this design is somewhat of a double-edged sword considering the hinge that connects the console is prone to wearing down. Again, this is more of a problem with the original 3DS. Later models have improved upon the architecture of the original console, making it more durable.
Bottom Line: If you want 3D in your 3DS, then the original model and the XL are perfectly fine options (with the New 3DS arguably being the best option). Otherwise, there are definitely merits to opting for one of the 2D versions.
Nintendo 2DS
Pros
- The cheapest model in the 3DS family of consoles
- Extremely durable design
Cons
- Wedge design isn't quite as portable or aesthetically pleasing as the clamshell
- Lacks processing power of the New 2DS XL and also key features like additional C-Stick and SNES Virtual Console support
- No 3D
Overview: At $79.99 MSRP, the 2DS is the cheapest entry into the 3DS family of consoles. That being said, it's becoming increasingly rarer to find a sealed 2DS in stores these days. In fact, the whole line of 3DS consoles is almost entirely removed from most retailers at this point.
Other than price, the 2DS has durability going for it. But while the 2DS' wedge design is great for durability, it's not quite as good when it comes to portability (or looking great). Still, aesthetics is somewhat of a personal preference sort of thing, so its durability goes in the ‘win' column.
Still, with a budget price, come a few downgrades. For starters, the 2DS obviously doesn't feature stereoscopic, glasses-free 3D. If you weren't interested in this feature, to begin with, this shouldn't come as a major blow – but it is unfortunate as the 3DS has the option to turn 3D off anyways. (But if you're looking to compare the different 3D-capable Nintendo 3DS handhelds, check out our comparison of the 3DS, 3DS XL, and New 3DS models.)
Assuming you're fine with the lack of 3D, there are still a couple of other missing features that sting a little bit. For example, the New 2DS XL features a second analog control called the “C-Stick” for additional control options and added processing power that gives the handheld access to New 3DS titles like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and SNES Virtual Console.
Bottom Line: Especially at the right price, the 2DS is a perfect console for younger gamers with its durable design. For those who won't miss the added features, the Nintendo 2DS is the perfect little console to get into the 3DS' (and DS') library of games.
New Nintendo 2DS XL
Pros
- Additional control with C-Stick
- Access to SNES Virtual Console
- Upgraded processor
- Built-in NFC
- Some titles are exclusive to the New 3DS / New 2DS
Cons
- Most expensive model
Overview: If the 2DS is the budget model, then the New 2DS XL is the premium, full-featured console. Aside from 3D functionality, it has everything you could possibly want in a 3DS console (which still feels weird to say). The C-Stick offers more functionality, while the upgraded processor gives gamers access to exclusive New 3DS games as well as the Super Nintendo Virtual Console library of titles. The beefed-up processor also allows for much faster download speeds and a more responsive UI in general.
Additionally, the New 2DS XL has built-in Near Field Communication (NFC) for Amiibo support. As with the New 3DS, Amiibo figures are sold separately from New 2DS consoles, but they offer unique gameplay experiences and unlockables with certain games.
Lastly, the “XL” moniker, of course, comes with a larger display – and no drop-off in battery performance either. While battery life remains fairly constant across all three of the models, the screen on the New 2DS XL is 90% larger than the 3DS and 2DS.
Yes, New 2DS consoles come in at considerably more than the standard 2DS consoles – but the still reasonable price tag makes sense when considering all of the additional features.
Bottom Line: If you want actual 3D support in your 3DS, obviously neither 2DS model is right for you. But if you just want to experience the great catalog of games the console has to offer and have no desire to turn the 3D feature on, then there is no better option than the New Nintendo 2DS XL.