PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe key differences are 3D, screen size, design and game compatibility. The Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL offer glasses-free 3D; the original 2DS and New Nintendo 2DS XL play 3DS games in 2D. The New 2DS XL adds a clamshell body, larger screen and New Nintendo 3DS features, while the original 2DS has a distinct non-folding shape. All four systems are discontinued, so a purchase today is usually a used-console decision.
At a glance: how the four systems differ
| Model | 3D | Main distinction | Storage card | Nintendo’s estimated battery life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo 2DS | No | Original non-folding design; smaller screens than XL models | SD or SDHC, up to 32 GB | 3.5–5.5 hours for 3DS software; 5–9 hours for DS software |
| New Nintendo 2DS XL | No | Clamshell design, 4.88-inch upper screen, C Stick, ZL/ZR buttons, NFC and New Nintendo 3DS enhancements | microSD or microSDHC, up to 32 GB | 3.5–6.5 hours for 3DS software; 5–9 hours for DS software |
| Nintendo 3DS | Yes | Compact clamshell with glasses-free 3D | SD or SDHC, up to 32 GB | 3–5 hours for 3DS software; 5–8 hours for DS software |
| Nintendo 3DS XL | Yes | Larger-screen clamshell with glasses-free 3D | SD or SDHC, up to 32 GB | 3.5–5.5 hours for 3DS software; 6–10 hours for DS software |
Battery figures are Nintendo’s estimates, not guarantees for an individual console. Nintendo says runtime varies with the game, screen brightness, wireless activity and ambient temperature. Card formats and capacity limits are from Nintendo’s compatible SD and microSD guidance; battery ranges are from Nintendo Support’s battery-duration guidance.
2DS vs 3DS: is the 3D effect worth choosing?
The Nintendo 3DS has a depth slider that controls the upper screen’s glasses-free stereoscopic 3D effect. The original 2DS has no stereoscopic 3D; it runs 3DS games in 2D. The New Nintendo 2DS XL also displays 3DS games in 2D. Nintendo notes that the 3D effect on the original 3DS family is sensitive to viewing angle, so it is not simply a larger or sharper picture. See Nintendo’s explanation of how the 3DS 3D feature works.
Choose a 3DS model if you specifically want the depth effect. If you expect to play with 3D turned off—or prefer a 2D screen—the 2DS options can still play 3DS software, subject to the New 3DS compatibility distinction below.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Pre-installed with Mario kart 7
- The clamshell-design system will be available in an elegant black plus turquoise colour, white plus orange, lime plus green, white plus lavender and will use the same size large screen found on Nintendo 3DS X-large systems
- The system is light but still packs the same power as Nintendo 3DS X-large and has built-in NFC support for amigo cards and figures (sold separately); it can play the massive library of quality Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS games in 2D
- Nintendo systems are the only dedicated video game systems where people can find their favourite characters and game franchises, such as Mario, Peach, Yoshi, Kirby, Pokemon, Fire Emblem, Mario Kart, Smash Bros, Animal Crossing and the legend of Zelda
- There are over a thousand games in the Nintendo 3DS game library and more are always on the way, including three that launch on the same day as Nintendo 2DS X-large
What does “XL” change?
XL means a larger display, not a different generation of games. Nintendo says the 3DS XL screens are around 90% larger than the screens on the Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo 2DS. The New Nintendo 2DS XL has a 4.88-inch upper screen, according to Nintendo UK’s product page. Larger screens make games easier to see, while standard-size systems are more compact.
New Nintendo 2DS XL vs original 2DS
The New Nintendo 2DS XL is a folding handheld with a larger screen, C Stick, ZL and ZR buttons, NFC support and the enhanced processing associated with New Nintendo 3DS systems. The original 2DS has a smaller, non-clamshell form and lacks those New-system additions.
Rank #2
That distinction affects game compatibility: the New 2DS XL can run New Nintendo 3DS titles, while the original 2DS cannot. Nintendo gives Super Nintendo Virtual Console games as an example of New 3DS software. Nintendo’s product description says the New 2DS XL “plays all Nintendo 3DS games in 2D” (Nintendo UK).
Which games work on these systems?
All four are part of the 3DS family and play Nintendo 3DS software, with New Nintendo 3DS exclusives requiring the New 2DS XL among these four. Most Nintendo DS games also work on 3DS-family systems, but titles that rely on the original DS’s GBA Game Pak slot are an exception. DS and DSiWare software displays in 2D. Check a particular game’s compatibility if it is the main reason you are buying; Nintendo outlines the DS-game caveat in its 3DS DS-game compatibility guidance.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
![Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316whGNkIZL._SL160_.jpg)
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The resulting product includes all relevant accessories, comes
- 3D Entertainment Without Glasses- Nintendo 3DS games have incredible graphics, and you can turn down the 3D effect to any level, or turn it off completely at any time with the build-in 3D depth slider to play games in crisp, clear 2D
- Two Screens- A widescreen display on the top screen shows 800x240 pixel resolution, allocating 400*pixles for each eye to create the 3D effect. The bottom LCD touch screen operates at a resolution of 320*240
- 3D Photos, Plus More- Nintendo 3DS comes built-in with the ability to take photos in 3D. Capture eye popping images of your friends and family, have fun with filters like the Merge lens, or even use the system's AR technology and included AR Cards
Storage cards: SD or microSD?
The original 2DS, Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL use SD cards; the New Nintendo 2DS XL uses microSD cards. Nintendo’s compatibility guidance lists SDHC and microSDHC cards up to 32 GB and does not list SDXC or microSDXC as compatible. Match the card type to the exact console model rather than assuming all four take the same card.
Battery life and battery access
Nintendo’s estimates vary by software type and model, as shown above. Actual runtime on a second-hand system can differ with age and condition as well as the usage factors Nintendo names. The New Nintendo 2DS XL battery is not accessible to the user; Nintendo’s battery-access instructions differ across other models, so consult the manual or support instructions for the exact system rather than assuming the covers or screws are interchangeable. See Nintendo’s battery-duration guidance and Nintendo’s 3DS-family battery access instructions.
Rank #4
![Nintendo New 2DS XL - White + Orange (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mKuPtFdaL._SL160_.jpg)
- Gamers of all ages can play in style with the New Nintendo 2DS XL system. It gives you the power of the New Nintendo 3DS XL system in a streamlined
- Colorful accents add style, while the sleek clamshell design makes it comfortable to hold. A fast processor offers short loading times
- The C Stick brings enhanced controls (like intuitive camera control) to compatible games, while ZL and ZR buttons give you plenty of options
- You can play all Nintendo 3DSand most Nintendo DS games in 2D on this system. Compared to Nintendo 2DS systems
Which model should you choose?
- Choose Nintendo 3DS XL if you want the 3D effect and the largest screens among these four models.
- Choose Nintendo 3DS if you want glasses-free 3D in a more compact system.
- Choose New Nintendo 2DS XL if you want a large clamshell system, New 3DS game compatibility and the newer controls, but do not need 3D.
- Choose Nintendo 2DS if 3D is unnecessary and you prefer its original non-folding design.
Buying one used: what to check
Nintendo says manufacturing of the 3DS family has ended; its New Nintendo 2DS XL and Nintendo 3DS XL product pages state that production has ended. Used listings can vary, so verify the exact model and inspect or ask about:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Colorful accents add style, while the sleek clamshell design makes it comfortable to hold and helps to keep screens safe from scratches when closed.
- A fast processor offers short loading times, so you can start playing in a snap. And it's all in a lightweight, play-anywhere package.
- The C Stick brings enhanced controls (like intuitive camera control) to compatible games, while ZL and ZR buttons give you plenty of options.
- Tap an amiibo figure to the near-field communication (NFC) reader on the lower screen to enjoy amiibo features in compatible games.
- You can play all Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS and most Nintendo DS games in 2D on this system.
- Both screens for scratches, dead pixels or discoloration.
- Hinge condition on clamshell models, along with buttons, circle pad and controls.
- Battery condition and whether the console holds a charge.
- Whether a compatible charger and stylus are included.
- Whether the listing identifies the precise model, especially the New Nintendo 2DS XL versus original 2DS.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
