Nintendo is ready to stake their claim in the gaming landscape for the Fall 2013 season. One of the ways this popular Japanese gaming company is accomplishing this is by announcing the upcoming release of a new handheld – the 2DS. Along with the announcement of this new portable gaming machine, Nintendo made a few reveals regarding its Wii U and the slate of games arriving for its systems.
Here’s the five fast facts you need to know about Nintendo’s new handheld and their other announcements.
1. The 2DS is a Rendition of the 3DS
Nintendo’s 2DS handheld isn’t “new,” per say. This piece of hardware strips away the 3D graphical component of the Nintendo 3DS handheld. The 2DS device appears as a long slate-like device that doesn’t fold like its 3DS predecessor. Nintendo released a video trailer that explains what the 2DS is capable of.
2. It Will Retail for $129.99 and Release on October 12, 2013
Nintendo’s 2DS device is being marketed as an “entry-level” handheld gaming machine for younger gamers. The lower price point is proof of Nintendo’s focus on gaining even more younger gamers for its machines and video game content. The 2DS happens to be coming out on the same day as Pokemon X and Y.
3. The 2DS Can Play A Ton of Past, Present and Future Nintendo Handheld Titles
Nintendo’s 2DS can not only play all 3DS releases, but its also compatible with DS titles (more than 2,000 games).
4. The Wii U Received a Price Drop
Nintendo also announced some news regarding the Wii U’s price drop – the Deluxe, Black 32GB edition of the console will cost $299.99 starting September 20, 2013. Also, a Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD Wii U bundle will be releasing on the same day. The game will release on its own on October 4, 2013. The bundle will include a 32GB custom Wind Waker Wii U, a downloadable version of the game and a download code for The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia.
5. Nintendo Announced the Release Dates of Several Wii U and 3DS Games
Game Informer summarized the video game release date information for Nintendo’s Wii U and 3DS:
Wii U
– The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD: Launches Sept. 20 (downloadable) and Oct. 4 (packaged) at a suggested retail price of $49.99.
– Wii Party U: Launches Oct. 25 bundled with a Wii Remote Plus controller and stand at a suggested retail price of $49.99.
– Super Mario 3D World: Launches Nov. 22 at a suggested retail price of $59.99.
– Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: Launches Dec. 6 at a suggested retail price of $49.99.
– Wii Fit U: Launches this holiday season. Further details, including launch date, pricing, and bundling information, will be revealed at a later date.
– Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games: Launches this holiday season. Further details, including launch date and pricing, will be revealed at a later date.
– Rayman Legends (Sept. 3)
– Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure (Sept. 24)
– Just Dance 2014 (Oct. 8)
– Skylanders SWAP Force (Oct. 13)
– Lego Marvel Super Heroes (Oct. 22)
– Sonic Lost World (Oct. 22)
– Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag (Oct. 29)
– Call of Duty: Ghosts (Nov. 5)
– Watch Dogs (Nov. 19)Nintendo 3DS
– The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds: Launches Nov. 22 at a suggested retail price of $39.99.
– Mario Party: Island Tour: Launches Nov. 22 at a suggested retail price of $39.99.
– Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure (Sept. 24)
– LEGO Marvel Super Heroes: Universe in Peril (Oct. 22)
– Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (Oct. 25)
– Skylanders SWAP Force (Oct. 13)
– Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON’T KNOW! (Nov. 19)
– Sonic Lost World (Oct. 22)
