New Nintendo 2DS XL

Nintendo presented the "Black/Turquoise" version of the console for the North American market, and the "White/Orange" version of the console for the Japanese, South Korean and PAL region market, as well as a Japan-exclusive Dragon Quest XI limited edition. Later, the "White/Orange" variant came to North America, as well as "Lavender/White", "Black/Green" (both Japan-exclusive) as well as Poké Ball and Pikachu variants to coincide with the launch of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (the former also coming to that region). In July 2018, a "Hylian Shield" variant was released as a GameStop exclusive in North America, bundled with a pre-installed copy of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. This came alongside an Animal Crossing: New Leaf variant for Europe and Japan, and red/black Mario Kart 7 and Minecraft Creeper styles exclusive to Europe. The Minecraft Creeper variant was also sold in Australia, and Japan. A month later, in August, Nintendo announced a new version of the console, "Purple/Silver", which would release in September 2018. Additionally, Nintendo confirmed that all future shipments of the "Black/Turquoise", "White/Orange" and "Purple/Silver" models would come with a pre-installed copy of Mario Kart 7. As of 17 September 2020, the New Nintendo 2DS XL and all other remaining models in the Nintendo 3DS family have been discontinued by Nintendo. == Hardware ==

Like the Nintendo 2DS, the New Nintendo 2DS XL lacks 3D functionality but otherwise has similar hardware to the New Nintendo 3DS. This includes a more powerful processor than the Nintendo 2DS, an analog pointing stick, additional shoulder buttons, and built-in support for Amiibo use. Unlike the New Nintendo 3DS, the New Nintendo 2DS XL has its microphone and camera on the hinge, with its speakers located on the lower half of the device. == Design ==

The New Nintendo 2DS XL has rounded edges on both the top half of the console and the bottom half of the console. There is a corrugated design on the top of all standard edition consoles, with a corner being solid, with the Nintendo logo on it. The accent colour of the console is present on the buttons, the border on the lid, the power button, and the volume control. To access the microSD card, and the Game Card, there is a dustcover, similar to the SD card slot on past Nintendo 3DS, 2DS, and DSi models, that opens to show both slots. This way of getting to the Game Card on a Nintendo DS system is unique to the New Nintendo 2DS XL. This is more convenient for those who only play digital games, as the Game Card slot is protected by the cover. On the middle of the bottom half, the side facing the user has a small black oval that houses a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a small stylus that can be taken in and out of the system for safekeeping. == Software and services ==

The system software of the New Nintendo 2DS XL is otherwise identical to that of the New Nintendo 3DS, remaining compatible with all games released for the Nintendo 3DS (in two-dimensional mode only), Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DS, and New Nintendo 3DS (such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and Fire Emblem Warriors), and offering online features such as Nintendo Network for multiplayer and online gaming, Nintendo eShop for downloading and purchasing games, DSiWare, and demos, and SpotPass and StreetPass. == Reception ==

IGN considered the New Nintendo 2DS XL to be an improvement over the "ugly doorstop-like" Nintendo 2DS, praising its incorporation of features from the New Nintendo 3DS XL into a device with a thinner and more "comfortable" form factor. Other changes were noted, such as using flaps to protect the game and SD card slots (the latter also removing the need to use tools to access it), and better-feeling shoulder buttons than the New Nintendo 3DS XL. Regressions were also noted, however, such as its screens having a "washed out" appearance and lacking contrast, the top screen having a mirror-like coat that diminished viewing angles, the speakers sounding "muffled", and the short length of the included stylus. The New Nintendo 2DS XL was recommended for users who did not need 3D but still wanted to play the platform's exclusive titles. TechRadar was similarly positive, but also noting that the hinge now protruded from the back of the device (thus making it look less streamlined when closed), its battery life was "underwhelming", and the timing of its launch was at odds with the release of Nintendo Switch. == Notes ==