The Nintendo 2DS, the non-3D, cheaper alternative to the 3DS, has become even cheaper now that the previously announced price cut is in full effect, reducing the handheld's price from $100 to $80.
Launched in 2013 as a cheaper, non-3D alternative to the 3DS, the 2DS debuted at the already cheap price of $130. Since then, it saw its price cut last summer, bringing its price to $100. Now, the $20 price cut will mark the handheld's second price drop in just as many years.
Designed as an entry-level handheld in the 3DS family of systems, the 2DS is capable of playing many of the games that the 3DS does. However, it lacks the built-in NFC-reading technology like the New 3DS does, meaning that games like "Xenoblade Chronicles 3D" are unplayable. Fortunately, owners can purchase a reader accessory that is sold separately and allows this to work on the 2DS.
Aside from that, there is the obvious lack of glasses-free 3D graphics, a smaller screen than the "XL" line and the iconic 3DS hinged design. Nintendo says that the reason for this change was so smaller hands can hold it.
The price drop isn't the only incentive that Nintendo is giving prospective buyers to purchase the 2DS. To sweeten the deal, Nintendo also announced that it is bundling some of the new, cheaper 2DS units with a digital version of "Mario Kart 7" or "Yo-Kai Watch" preinstalled.
This discount makes it even easier for those who have yet to purchase any handheld within the 3DS line of products to get in on the action. Right now, $80 is all that it takes to gain access to over 500 3DS games, thousands of original DS games and hundreds of downloadable Virtual Console titles from Nintendo's back catalog. Notable games in the library include "Fire Emblem: Fates," "Super Mario 3D World," "Bravely Second" and the various Pokemon games.
Those interested in cashing in can visit the Nintendo website to learn more details and see a list of participating retailers.
The 2DS makes up the 3DS line of handhelds alongside the 3DS, 3DS XL and New 3DS, which has sold 58.85 million units in total as of March 31. However, Nintendo has yet to announce which of those sales can be attributed to the 2DS explicitly.
