The Video Game Critic

Thanks Segatarious for posting about the Amazon v Nintendo (in America) console feud. I missed that story and it makes a fascinating behind the scenes reading at IGN and other sites.

Well, whatever the issues Nintendo would be ahead to smooth it over, Amazon is a great partner to have, huge online retailer, and the current situation is a handicap for them...

Here are some 2DS hands on impressions. Wal Mart was selling these for a$100 on Black Thanksgiving weekend, so one was acquired for a gift.

I could not resist, so I opened it and had to get some impression of it.

The two main things I like are the new shoulder buttons and the combact/simple  design. The shoulder butons are bigger and wider, and feel more like the WiiU ones They are more comfortable, and feel more natural. I was playing Mario 3D Land and the game had extra snap on these fresh controls. The design is odd, especially the smaller touch screen below the wider display screen, but it works. It feels like a toy, but in a good way. Actually, in a great way. I like the traditional 3DS clamshell design for screen safety, but still, this feels throw back, it feels like the Gameboy again. The screen is nice and bright, I like 3D, but not having it would not be a deal breaker, especially at this price. For its normal price too, $130, can't go wrong. My overall impression is very favorable.

BTW, I looked on eshop, to test the internet wireless range (it was good) and download the new Youtube App. The Youtube App can be synced to your Youtube account (I will delete it later) and it works very well. This is worth downloading. It is free, not behind a pay wall or anything.

I like that sentence 'It feels like a Game Boy again'. I've never felt comfortable with DS controls and layout and preferred the 'original' Game Boy designs. Could be a pick up the January sales if the price is right.

Apparently Nintendo has been in a patent infringement battle with Tomita Technologies over the glasses free 3D tech in the 3DS. As of now Nintendo is paying out a modest percentage in damages on each 3DS. The 2DS does not use that technology. Had things gone horribly for Nintendo they would still have the 2DS.

My sister got me one for Christmas as a replacement for my blue DS "Phat"/Original which sadly along with 3/4 of that library got misplaced at the dentist's office.

I'm down to an iota of a library,but this thread is about the system itself,correct?

Anyway, I have played the 3DS and as much as I liked the 3D component,it did tend to do a number on the eyes and really didn't change things that much.

I quite like how the screens connect,which I think is quite nice,and none of the hinge problems the lid flippers have,although I do think I would've preferred a POWER switch and a SLEEP MODE button,said button being in obscure area.

The buttons are also nicely laid out too,and honestly I think I like how the shoulder buttons play out,even if it is an odd angle.

However it is kinda bulky,I'll concede that.

They could have at least incorporated the 'new' 3DS features into a 2DS. :/ feels too much like a grab.