Nintendo announces New 2DS XL for $149.99

Out of nowhere, Nintendo has announced another 3DS hardware revision: the New 2DS XL. As the name suggests, this takes features from the New 3DS, like the C-stick, Amiibo-compatible NFC reader, and extra processing power, while removing the display’s 3D functionality.

But the design is nothing like the wedge-shaped original 2DS — it’s a traditional DS-style clamshell. And, while the screens are the same size as found in the 3DS XL, the 2DS XL appears to be smaller and sleeker.

If you don’t care about the 3D screen, then, this could be the best 3DS yet. It’ll be available on July 28th for $149.99 in the US, $50 less than the New 3DS XL and $70 more than the 2DS. That same day Nintendo will also release Hey Pikmin! and Miitopia for the system. The New 2DS XL will be released slightly earlier in Japan, selling for 14,980 yen on July 13th.

All of this goes to prove that the 3DS isn’t dead just yet. In yesterday’s earnings report Nintendo revealed that it sold over 7 million units of the portable system in the last fiscal year and expects to sell 6 million more this year. The Switch, Nintendo’s new portable-home hybrid console, is forecast to sell 10 million in the same period, but at $299.99 Nintendo needs to keep the 3DS series around to occupy lower price points.