The End of the Road: Nintendo Ceases Production on 2DS XL
On September 17, 2020, Nintendo officially discontinued production on the entry-level New Nintendo 2DS XL. This formal end to manufacturing capped over 3 years of availability for the portable budget console.
As part of a larger strategy shift towards full support for the red-hot Nintendo Switch, the move simultaneously spelled the demise of the entire Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
The Rise and Fall of the 2DS XL
First launched in July 2017, the New Nintendo 2DS XL sported several hardware improvements over prior models:
- Larger 4.88" and 4.18" LCD screens
- Faster processing speeds
- Built-in NFC for Amiibo support
- Sleek, hand-friendly clamshell design
| Launch MSRP | $149.99 |
|---|---|
| Units Sold | Approx. 9 million |
Occupying a compelling niche as a cheaper, 3D-less version of the 3DS XL, the 2DS XL flew off shelves thanks to hit exclusives like Pokémon Ultra Sun/Moon. As the Switch ascended, however, Nintendo began transitioning focus away from the now-aging 3DS platform.
While no exact discontinuation figures have been published, some estimates suggest that roughly 9 million total 2DS XL units were produced in the 3 years since launch.
Reading the Writing on the Wall
So what drove Nintendo‘s decision to cease 2DS XL manufacturing? Industry analysts point to a few key factors:
- The Nintendo Switch‘s unprecedented success – With over 114 million units sold, the Switch has dominated the handheld landscape
- Declining late-stage 3DS family sales – 2019 saw hardware sales dip to just 2.55 million globally
- Increasing development costs for dual platforms – Supporting older 3DS/2DS systems while pushing Switch growth made less financial sense
| FY 2019 Nintendo Handheld Sales | |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | 21.03 million |
| Nintendo 3DS | 2.55 million |
"With the incredible rise of the Switch, retaining focus on sustaining two distinct hardware lines didn‘t add up," remarked gaming industry analyst Dae Jen. "Ending 3DS production lets Nintendo consolidate resources into their new heavyweight handheld."
What It Means for Gamers
The discontinuation of the 2DS XL does not spell disaster for owners. Physical cartridges and downloaded software will remain playable. However, the shutdown of the Nintendo 3DS eShop slated for late March 2023 will severely limit digital purchases.
On the positive side, the 2DS XL enjoyed one of the strongest game libraries ever thanks to full compatibility with all 3DS and DS releases. Players have an enormous vibrant backlog to dive into for years of entertainment.
As for the future, the Switch OLED model and heavily-rumored "Switch Pro" signal Nintendo‘s intent to keep innovating in the portable console space. Gamers can expect cutting-edge new Switch iterations boasting upgraded performance and features into the foreseeable future based on strong early adoption trends.
While we bid the 2DS XL a fond farewell, the sun is still rising on Nintendo handheld gaming innovation to delight on-the-go players for generations to come.
