In 2017, Nintendo released an unassuming budget handheld that seemed destined for a short shelf life. And yet over 5 years later, the versatile 2DS XL remains widely available at major retailers. It‘s a testament not only to the system‘s accessibility and value, but enduring charm delivering premium gaming experiences on the go.
As a passionate Nintendo fan since the Game Boy era, I‘ve had the privilege of following this entire handheld lineage unfold. And while newer Switch models capture headlines today, the 2DS XL has aged so gracefully that it remains a worthwhile proposition. Between timeless Nintendo-crafted games and an active modding community expanding capabilities, owners can extract years of enjoyment from the system.
Whether experiencing iconic franchises for the first time or returning for a nostalgic trip, the 2DS XL really does encapsulate the joy of Nintendo gaming. So strap yourself in as we examine why Nintendo‘s budget powerhouse is absolutely still worth grabbing in 2023.
Still Solid – How The 2DS XL Stacks Up Years Later
Launching at $149.99 back in 2017, the 2DS XL delivered streamlined access to Nintendo‘s 3DS gaming ecosystems at a bargain price point. Stripping back premium finishings while retaining versatile dual screens, the cost-cutting was subtle yet meaningful. But how has build quality actually held up over 5 years of use?
Remarkably well it turns out. The plastic exterior remains durably rigid, encasing a solid internal framework surviving regular portable use. Buttons and thumbstick retain a precise snap, while the clamshell hinge still smoothly clicks open to reveal the dual displays inside.
That spacious top 4.88 inch IPS screen remains a vibrant highlight. 400 x 240 resolution is underwhelming in an era of 4K smartphone displays, yet Colors pop beautifully accentuating Nintendo‘s charming art styles. Between sweeping Zelda vistas and vibrant Mario worlds, games shine with no better portable showcase than the 2DS XL‘s displays.
This resilient hardware serves as foundation for all software experiences to come. And backwards compatibility with all existing 3DS and DS libraries means that catalog is vast…
Unparalleled Software Support
A diverse software library spanning over 1500 titles across a decade cements the 2DS XL‘s enduring appeal…
While new physical copies will become challenging to source, second hand circulation persists. Not to mention the system‘s flexible region-free software support granting affordable import access. This established ecosystem won‘t disappear overnight, ensuring years of upcoming gameplay potential.
Simply put, iconic Nintendo franchises crafted specifically for these dual screen handhelds have never been matched on other systems. The pedigree speaks for itself – from Mario platforming mastery in 3D Land, to showstopping Mario Kart 7 multiplayer showdowns. Harvest Moon spiritual successor Story of Seasons makes its triumphant handheld return, while Animal Crossing: New Leaf constitutes past-gen best life simulation.
Capcom‘s Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate conveys top-tier action RPG hunting expeditions. Pretenders have come and gone but nothing topples Pokémon‘s endless depth perfecting turn-based creature battles, most recently culminating with Ultra Sun/Moon. How about losing oneself amidst stereoscopic 3D wonders wandering atmospheric fantasy adventure Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
The list goes on. 92% Metacritic darling Shovel Knight, HD Super Nintendo remake snippets in Super Mario World 3D, deluxe Kirby Triple Deluxe platforming. Square Enix ATB brilliance with Bravely Default. Sega‘s underappreciated RPG opus 7th Dragon III Code VFD and so much more. Once overlooked but now treasured.
This is the joy of diving back into past generations – discovering underappreciated gems matching or surpassing many modern releases. The 2DS XL offers a misconduct into this rich treasure trove, while benefiting from added longevity through community support.
Preservation Through Homebrew
Beyond official channels, vibrant homebrew communities have sprung up rallying to circumvent corporate restrictions by any means necessary. And for systems like the 2DS XL, this has effectively granted immortality…
Custom Firmware (CFW) modifications open Pandora‘s Box expanding capabilities – from overclocking for higher frame rates to installing fan-made ports and unofficial game translations never before playable on Nintendo hardware.
CFW options enable wireless transfer modules for easy backup of game save data, extensive custom theme support, eShop access through title file archives, alongside usability conveniences like screenshot capture. Homebrew browsers grant means to easily install these mods all from the 2DS XL itself.
For digital preservationists, the greater holy grail has been salvaging Nintendo‘s entire first-party eShop library before it‘s lost indefinitely. Databases storing installable encrypted game file images already safeguard hundreds of titles. As studios shutter and servers wind down, such community efforts ensure games persist playable where companies have failed. 3DS homebrew thus introduces endless tinkering possibilities or simply unlocks perpetual uninhibited access to Nintendo’s greatest handheld hits.
The Complete All-Round Package
Returning to original hardware years later often unveils glaring deficiencies absent rose-tinted nostalgia. Performance hiccups, hideously jagged graphics, clunky UIs – relics rightly left in the past.
Remarkably the 2DS XL suffers no such degradations – rather the opposite in fact. Its ergonomic lightweight clamshell form factor remains perfect for gaming sessions on the go, while 400 x 240 resolution still accurately conveys visual detail critical for Nintendo titles dependent on twitch reflexes and precision platforming.
CPU speed bumps over launch models near-eliminate slowdown amidst modern software demands. Battery duration persists around the original 4-5 hour estimates off a single charge. Those generously sized dual displays continue showcasing Nintendo’s acclaimed handheld game design at their most vibrant.
In short, the 2DS XL was built so thoughtfully that it fulfils its portable gaming duties just as reliably today as half a decade ago. A remarkable feat cementing its position as the premier budget gateway into Nintendo’s unparalled 3DS libraries for just $149.99.
2D Greatness
Beyond housing Nintendo’s 3D gaming catalog, the expanded ‘2’ branding highlights backwards compatibility with Nintendo DS libraries too. And make no mistake – experiencing this esteemed lineage on 2DS XL hardware represents the definitive way to enjoy them in 2023.
While lacking the 3D display tech which never represented a substantial leap anyway, the 2DS XL compensates with added processing grunt absent on earlier models. Navigating DS menus leads to smooth 60FPS gameplay absent jagged edges or hints of slowdown. The 2DS XL brings a polished vitality to both Nintendo’s DS and 3DS ecosystems then – the full spectrum of their creative brilliance.
And that library depth is staggering. Revelling once more in rare alternate takes on familiar franchises, experiencing 2D prowess par excellence, and appreciating experimental curios a console generation on. Nintendo magic flourishes on their handhelds often eclipsing home console counterparts, perfect for addictive pick-up-and-play gameplay on commutes or breaks.
Castlevania portrait predecessors gave way to the DS‘ first attempt manifesting Igavania greatness through new 3D planes – the too oft overlooked Dawn of Sorrow. 2D Zelda returned crashing the Phillips CD-i stain aside to phenomenal effect in The Minish Cap. Mario Kart DS and New Super Mario Bros proved Nintendo’s greatest franchises lose nothing transitioning into then-unprecedented 3D polygons. While rhythm heaven fever defined infectious cheer.
And ambient delights like Electroplankton or quintessential Advance Wars strategy steadily built the DS catalog into an unassailable hallmark. Before the 3DS stormed onward unleashing Super Mario 3D Land, Kid Icarus Uprising and Bravely Default – each magnificently optimized for dual screen greatness.
Budget Powerhouse
6 years into its lifecycle without supply constraints or price hikes, the New Nintendo 2DS XL almost feels like an unofficial Switch Lite predecessor at times. Feature rich, accessibly priced and housing some of Nintendo’s finest achievements.
It outmuscled Sony’s overdesigned Vita, defiantly outlasting contemporaries enroute to becoming Nintendo’s highest selling handheld model ever at over 25 million units. Selling today at its $149 launch price remains quite the value then considering inflation.
The New 2DS XL currently occupies a curious position as the most powerful handheld possible below $200 – no small feat when even bargain competitors currently lack its premium fit and finish. Compared against brand new competitors like the Analogue Pocket retailing for $220+ with only FPGA support for select legacy game formats, and the 2DS XL value proposition strengthens further still.
All indicators point towards Nintendo keeping these new 2DS models widely available at least through 2023 too. So rather than phasing out stock, units keep shuffling out across global storefronts and online retailers. Meaning bargain hunters have ample opportunity to grab well-cared units second hand for potentially under $100. An incredible bargain granting portable access to some of Nintendo’s finest achievements.
For younger gamers too young to have experienced the very start of Nintendo’s handheld 3D revolution a decade ago, no better chance exists to make up for lost time. And what better place to begin than the superlative software catalogue curated across the DS and 3DS platforms.
The Verdict – An Essential Nintendo Handheld
When a system entering its 7th year on the market continues shining as brilliantly as ever, you take notice. The Nintendo 2DS XL remains a triumph then – accessible, high value and housing some of Nintendo‘s greatest creations.
It effortlessly conveys premium gaming experiences that modern smartphone distractions simply cannot replicate. There is an irreplaceable magic with dedicated systems boasting bespoke world class game design impossible otherwise. And the New 2DS XL encapsulates this handheld ethos so beautifully – flexible, feature rich, great feeling.
It helps too that dual screen gaming suits Nintendo so innately. Interface elements recede onto the lower touch display keeping top screen gameplay as clean and vibrant as possible. Uncluttered HUD minimalism helping foster deeper immersion into imaginative Nintendo universes rendered so impossibly lush and lively on that gorgeous widescreen display.
Everything about the 2DS XL experience just clicks together beautifully then as an ergonomic showcase celebrating Nintendo’s illustrious handheld pedigree. There is no greater accompaniment on daily commutes or weekends lazing anywhere portable play permits.
As third parties wind down support and the sun sets on the 3DS family definitive era, no better chance remains to experience genuinely timeless creations spanning this entire handheld generation. And the versatile budget-friendly 2DS XL is perfectly positioned to convey these creative pinnacles for accessibility and value.
So don’t hesitate – seize the moment and enjoy Nintendo’s finest on the go. The 2DS XL hardware and software library endure wonderfully and shall continue doing so for years yet. But you’ll wish you’d embarked on these journeys far sooner – there are near endless discoveries ahead.