Nintendo 2DS - The Best of Two Worlds

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you will undoubtedly know that I harbour a love of all things tech. I have always been so intrigued by the latest gadgets and the newest technology. Whether it was using an electronic typewriter in the early 1990's or learning how to create a simple math program with endless loops of QBasic coding, I thrive on information technology. Then there was the Internet. Its widespread use proved to be a dramatic change in the way we learned, communicated, created and played. Just think how many gamers across the globe rejoiced once they discovered the benefits of playing interactive online games with one another, customizing avatars and downloading the newest games. And then came the handheld gaming system that brought it all together in one portable device. Think Gameboy, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS and now the newest Nintendo 2DS which offers the best of two worlds.

Do you have a future gamer on your holiday shopping list but are looking to buy something a little more affordable? Then look no further than the Nintendo 2DS handheld gaming system. Younger children will love the Nintendo 2DS since it was designed with small hands in mind. And parents will love knowing that it is much more durable. While this "entry-level" unit does not have 3D capability, it still allows you to play both Nintendo DS and 3DS games in 2D since it is backward compatible with the games you already own.

The Nintendo 2DS systems offer a wide range of built-in features and applications, so you can start having fun right away. Stream videos, download new games, take on friends with wireless play, and much more. The Nintendo 2DS includes a power adapter, a stylus pen, and AR cards that work with the Nintendo 2DS built-in camera application to bring you augmented-reality games. My son really enjoyed these games and I like that it gets him moving around since you have to access the games from different vantage points. There is also a 4GB SD card so you can save photos and data.

Nintendo 2DS Features

Nintendo 3DS Camera - Take 3D photos and record 3D videos with the built-in cameras and software, viewable in 2D on your system. (Using an SD Card, you can view this 3D data on a Nintendo 3DS/Nintendo 3DS XL system.)
Face Raiders - Play a game where your face and your friends’ faces become game characters.
Nintendo 3DS Sound - Listen to music or record sounds.
Activity Log - Check the play times of your software or the steps you have walked while carrying your system with you.
Mii Maker - Create Mii characters as alter egos for you and your family and friends.
Nintendo Zone Viewer - Access free and exclusive content at Nintendo Zone location via wireless connectivity for multiplayer and co-op play.
StreetPass Mii Plaza - A place where Mii characters can gather via StreetPass and other types of communication.
Download Play - With a single copy of Download Play-compatible software, you can play multiplayer games with other system users.
Nintendo eShop -View information, special offers and videos about software, or download new games to play on your system.
System Settings - Configure your system’s Internet settings, Parental Controls for managing the system's content, and other settings.
Health and Safety Information - Review important health and safety information concerning the use of the system.

Nintendo 2DS in Crystal Blue

The Nintendo 2DS is available in red and blue, and they just launched the Crystal Red and Crystal Blue versions earlier this month. The unit retails for $129.99 but you can find the Crystal Red and Crystal Blue Nintendo 2DS at Walmart for $99 and individual games cost as little as $29.99. Given the wallet-friendly price point, its compatibility with DS and 3DS games and the myriad of fun and entertaining possibilities, the Nintendo 2DS is a definite must-have this holiday season for gamers both young and young-at-heart.

Win a Nintendo 2DS Bundle!

To help spread some holiday cheer this year, Nintendo is offering up a special Nintendo 2DS bundle for one lucky reader of Toronto Teacher Mom. It includes:

1 (one) Red Nintendo 2DS
1 (one) copy of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

To be eligible to win, please complete the Rafflecopter form below. Open to Canadian residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.