Nintendo announced today that its new entry-level handheld, the Nintendo 2DS, will be available in Red or Blue on Oct. 12 at a suggested retail price of $129.99.
Nintendo 2DS plays the entire library of packaged and downloadable games for Nintendo 3DS only in 2D. The system features a distinctive fixed, slate-type form factor, and optional carrying cases will be available in Red or Blue at launch at a suggested retail price of $12.99.
Nintendo 2DS maintains many of the same hardware features as Nintendo 3DS: dual screens, game-play controls and touch-screen features. The system also has backward compatibility with the existing library of more than 2,000 Nintendo DS games, as well as access to wireless connectivity features and Nintendo eShop.
Currently, Nintendo 3DS retails for $169.99 and 3DS XL retails for $199.99. During 3DS's first year in market, Nintendo was adamant that the handheld's third dimension was a key feature that would drive unique gameplay mechanics. Looks like the company has finally given up on that.