Nintendo Announces 2DS

[Archem]

Yeah, it does seem like they're going too far into the kiddie pool with this version. Nintendo needs to try to repair its image with core gamers (the people who really spend money on games) and stop catering so heavily to the family/children demographic. It's not helping them as much as they think.

[drenrin2120]

Hm... Anyone think they designed it like this specifically not to lose sales on the 3DS? This'd be nice if it had the hinge and wasn't a brick. Plus, I know a lot of people didn't buy the 3DS because it was 3D. I didn't, even with the option to shut it off, I felt I was being ripped off for something I didn't even want to use.

[Dr. Ace]

What he said.

Besides, it seems like having exposed screens like that would be less childproof.  But then they'll be like, hey, buy this slip cover, it'll protect you from harm.  Plus screen protectors.  So the actual price margin will still shrink anyway and you'll end up paying about $150 anyways.  But spreading out the cost like that, it'll feel cheaper.  Feels, guys.

That's my problem with it as well. They state this design was chosen so that the hinges can't get broken, they don't exist. But instead there's a much higher chance the screen can scratch. They need to learn that children will break stuff either way, you can't fully prepare for it with devices like this. The only way to be sure it doesn't break is that parents keep an eye on their children. Otherwise, expect them to lose or destroy the object.

[zuhane]

I used to like Nintendo, but I find it increasingly hard to stick with their ridiculous decisions. Creating all these family-oriented
ideas might have helped them rake in some well-needed cash, but I think they're pushing it too much now. They're losing their
hardcore fanbase - me included. I don't want to see the 18th-remastered-edition-remake-overhaul Zelda. Just make some new games.

For a company that prides itself on innovation and originality, they're not very original at all.

[Archem]

That's my problem with it as well. They state this design was chosen so that the hinges can't get broken, they don't exist. But instead there's a much higher chance the screen can scratch. They need to learn that children will break stuff either way, you can't fully prepare for it with devices like this. The only way to be sure it doesn't break is that parents keep an eye on their children. Otherwise, expect them to lose or destroy the object.

Here's one thing I find myself questioning the validity of. Nintendo handhelds have a legacy of being tough-as-nails, and only started to show cracks in their armor (and their cases) once they got into the hinged design of the DS and 3DS. Before, the screens never really got messed up, and they were all exposed constantly. I have faith that the screens aren't in danger of becoming easily damaged.

Well, maybe the touch screen. They're not hard plastic and are meant to be touched frequently, so they might suffer some damage, but I think that the most likely source of damage is from hyperactive children stabbing and scratching with the stylus (or worse, using pens or pencils instead of the supplied and easily losable stylus).

[DragonBlaze]

So it seems that it is actually much cheaper not to have hinges because they can use one single LCD panel for both displays instead of two separate displays.

[Prpl_Mage]

Do people even use the stylus? I mostly just use my fingers like, always.

And as Archem mentioned, Nintendo consoles aren't iphones. Neither my brick Gameboy, my slightly smaller gameboy colour or the GBA got as much as a dent on their screens despite being thrown into the same bag as my keys and whatnot. Or falling to the floor or the ground. You name it. Those things were solid.

[Cerebus]

Uhm, that is true. None of my old non-flippy-floppy handhelds really suffered screen damage. My Vita and PSP's also never suffered screen damage. Still, it's one less protection.
But yeah, I suppose that if my Game Boy's screen looks fine, the 2DS's should be fine, as long as people act somewhat carefully and don't get unlucky.

I still think it's a pretty bad design, though, but oh well. We'll see where that goes.

[Dr. Ace]

Here's one thing I find myself questioning the validity of. Nintendo handhelds have a legacy of being tough-as-nails, and only started to show cracks in their armor (and their cases) once they got into the hinged design of the DS and 3DS. Before, the screens never really got messed up, and they were all exposed constantly. I have faith that the screens aren't in danger of becoming easily damaged.

Well, maybe the touch screen. They're not hard plastic and are meant to be touched frequently, so they might suffer some damage, but I think that the most likely source of damage is from hyperactive children stabbing and scratching with the stylus (or worse, using pens or pencils instead of the supplied and easily losable stylus).

Ah man, I still cringe anything someone tries to point out something on the computer using a pen. Just used the mouse for god's sake! D=

[Cerebus]

Oh and yeah, to answer Prpl_Mage's question: I do use the stylus for certain stuff, especially when more precision is required, or for when I need to use the touch screen a lot. For example, writing letters in Animal Crossing, browsing the e-store, etc. But in most case, I use my thumbs/fingers.

[Archem]

I use the stylus unless the game has large buttons on-screen. Trying to do anything other than poke a touch button always ends in disaster as the touch screen reads something odd from my fat finger sliding across it, applying varying degrees of pressure in multiple places at the same time.

It's a different kind of touch screen than smart phones use, and as such, it doesn't work as well with your finger as it does with a more precise instrument (the supplied stylus).

[desiderata]

Yeah, it does seem like they're going too far into the kiddie pool with this version.

Would you say they've... gone off the deep end?

[Archem]

While I appreciate the pun (really, I love all puns), I kind of wish they weren't so shallow about how things work in the industry.

See? I can make 'em, too.

[zuhane]

You know the phrase, "They've shot themselves in the foot there."

Is there any foot left to shoot? I'd just imagine a pile of manky flesh hanging on by a thread by this point.

[Prpl_Mage]

Still better off than Microsoft and their windows 8.