Nintendo New 2DS XL Arrives In June

Nintendo's handhelds aren't dead quite yet.

The newest version of Nintendo's 3DS portable, the New 2DS XL, arrives on June 28, 2017 with a $150 price tag. Like the New 3DS XL, the New 2DS XL has all of the latest 3DS features, including a small, second analog stick (which Nintendo calls the "C-Stick"), Amiibo support, and a more powerful processor. Like the standard 2DS, the New 2DS XL won't have the 3DS' glasses-free 3D screen.

The arrival of the New 2DS XL confirms that Nintendo isn't giving up on the handheld space, at least not right away. Given that the company's latest console, the Switch, doubles as a portable, many analysts assumed that the 3DS line was on its way out. Nintendo executives, however, remain adamant that the company will support the 3DS and its spin-offs going forward.

The original 3DS launched in 2011, replacing the dual-screened DS handheld almost immediately. While the device's big selling point was its 3D screen, which let users enjoy stereoscopic 3D effects without wearing glasses or other accessories, over time that's become one of the 3DS' least important features. In other words, if you pick up a New 2DS XL, you're not missing anything.

In 2014, Nintendo released the New 3DS and the New 3DS XL, revamped versions of the 3DS that contained extra features and more computing power. While all 3DS games can be played on the New 3DS systems, games like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and Super Nintendo Virtual Console titles will only run on New 3DS systems (so they'll work just fine on the New 2DS XL, too).

While the Switch is currently Nintendo's hottest product (at least until the Super Nintendo Classic Edition arrives), if you haven't picked up a 3DS yet, the New 2DS XL is worth a look. There are tons of great games in the 3DS library—these are some of our favorites.