The Video Game Critic

I think a reason they took the hinges out is because, like with Flip-Phones, hinges detract from the child-friendly design. Sure, screen technology has improved greatly but the point is; the less mechanical parts, the better.

We need a hard cover for this, or something.

Question, and I'm going to ask this as calmly as possible.


HOW IN HELL ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO EARN PLAY COINS IF YOU CAN'T CLOSE THE DAMN SYSTEM!?!?!?!?!

[QUOTE=Edward]Who wants a "2ds" that can't close? .[/QUOTE]

Picture a 5 year old holding a 3DS.  Now picture them dropping it on the steps, face down, while open. 

Picture a 4 year old playing a Dora DS game.  Pretty heavy, oddly weighted device there.  Well, that's okay, they lay it on the table, and the nice wedge shape design keeps everything right where it should be. 

It isn't about anyone of us wanting one,  it's about it being better for kids. 

This is also the reason for the price point.  The IGN guys said that when they were shown the device by Reggie whatshisname, he specifically said it was for kids under 7.  Those were his words.  That IS the market the thing is designed for.  You are not part of that market.  If you have kids, they might be. 

Its a bastard tablet. If it was designed to be a tablet through and through, it would look o.k. But they kept the clamshell screen sizes and positions.

But it is a bastard tablet with very fine software.....

I am so happy Nintendo is getting back into the basement level with prices again....Atari is right on about the durability thing, huge factor when buying these for kids. Also makes it an easy pick up for local mulitplayer, etc.

For kids this is a good design.  Just about every young child that I know who owns a DS has broken the hinges on the thing.  Also, with the 3D effect supposedly not being good for young developing eyes, having it be 2D-only makes sense.

I think mechanical parts aren't going to be used in future Nintendo handhelds, this is a pretty big step up for American markets at least.

I can understand Nintendo wanting to appeal to a younger crowd.  However, this thing will have the big clunkyness of a tablet, with out a tablet's huge impressive screen.   My guess is that parents who are worried about kids handling a 3ds, will just buy a tablet instead.  After all, they will be intrigued by the educational features of it.  Im sorry, this thing seems huge and clunky, and parents will probably see better options for younger kids.  I just dont see this thing selling.

From what I understand the 3DS is actually doing surprisingly well.  Apparently those who thought the iPad and $1 apps were going to destroy the portable market were incorrect.

I guess this 2DS is an effort to future expand their market presence.  I don't see it as being a runaway hit, but I don't think it will hurt.