Nintendo Announces New 2DS XL Handheld System For July 28 Release

Nintendo has announced a new portable handheld system called the 2DS XL. The device appears to be an upgraded version of the original 2DS and looks just like the 3DS XL.

Unlike the original 2DS, the Nintendo 2DS XL features a clamshell design that’s similar to the 3DS. The original 2DS featured a wedge-shaped design with a smaller overall body. The new portable also features a C-Stick, Amiibo support, Z-buttons and is compatible with all of the games on the 3DS XL, according to Kotaku.

“This new addition to Nintendo’s portable hardware line demonstrates our commitment to the hand-held market,” Nintendo of America president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime said. “New Nintendo 2DS XL sports a beautiful clamshell design and offers great balance between price and performance.”

Nintendo also said that the 2DS XL features the same size screen that’s found on the 3DS XL while also being lighter. One major difference here is that the new portable won’t feature those fancy 3D effects. However, the gaming firm said that the 2DS XL will still offer the same level of power that’s on the 3DS XL.

The Nintendo 2DS XL will be released in North America on July 28 with a $149.99 price tag. This sits the portable right in the middle of the $80 original 2DS and the $200 3DS XL. The new handheld also arrives on the same launch day of “Hey! PIKMIN” and “Miitopia.”

The 2DS XL will only be available in black+blue color scheme in North America, while a white+gold combo was spotted on the Japanese website of its maker. Japan will also get the 2DS XL a little bit earlier, specifically on July 13.

In other Nintendo news, the gaming firm has confirmed that it will be in attendance at this year’s E3 conference. However, the company won’t be holding a major press conference of any sort. Nintendo of America will provide more details on what they have planned for E3 2017 “at a later date,” Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima said on his end of March FY2017 financial briefing.