Nintendo 2DS XL News: Specs, Launch Date, & Price

Nintendo has unveiled another family member of 3DS family called 2DS XL, following the footsteps of 3DS XL launched in February 2015.

The new Nintendo 2DS XL borrows the 3DS XL’s screen size which is 4.88-inch x 4.18-inch. Its weight is 9.2 ounces, which is 26 percent lighter compared to 3DS XL, and it is about a quarter-inch thinner. It features widescreen LCD display with 400 x 240 pixel resolution.

Nintendo’s new handheld game device has an improved design compared to 3DS. Currently, it features smaller design and there is a microSD card slot that has been moved to alongside the cartridge. Nintendo 2DS XL will come with a charger. The battery life range from 3.5 and 6.5 hours depending on activities like screen brightness, use of touch screen, software and wireless usage.

The 2DS XL has an improved hardware as well. It has 512MB of built-in storage and a better processor. It is powered by 804MHz quad-core and 134MHz single-core chipset, with 268MHz of graphics processing as found in the 3DS XL. Another key upgrade is that the 2DS XL comes with NFC technology embedded into the bottom screen so players can use amiibo with the console. 

In terms of features, Nintendo 2DS XL face buttons (A,B,X, Y), joystick, ZL/ZR, and C stick are placed the same across the board. However, the speakers on the 2DS XL have been moved below the lower screen. The stylus is at the front edge of the device, next to the 3.5mm headphone jack. The front-edge of the Nintendo 2DS XL also houses the power key and StreetPass LED.

The Nintendo 2DS XL is available in four color variations including Black/Turquoise and White/Orange. There is a possibility Nintendo will launch more editions at a later date. Upon launching this summer, two games will be released alongside 2DS XL and it includes “Hey! Pikmin” and “Miitopia”.

The Nintendo 2DS XL will cost $149.99 when released on June 28.