The Shrine

Basically a 3DS without the 3D that still plays DS/3DS games, will cost less as well.

Basically it's like turning the 2D slider all the way down.

Yeah $130 and it doesn't fold. People like me who don't want to shell out for a 3DS is what it should appeal to.. but I don't like how it looks. I'll just keep holding out for when I feel like dropping the cash for a 3DS. If I'm going to hold something that resembles a tablet I might as well buy a tablet. That rectangular object just doesn't appeal to me.

Guys, this is a kid's system, period. What they found is that the 3DS is actually attracting an older audience and they wanna try and get back some of the kiddie audience that have always supported their handhelds. It's no coincidence it's coming out the same day as Pokemon X/Y

I'm seriously considering just jumping onto Craigslist for a 3DS XL. There are quite a few of them out there with games for around $130. As long as they are in good shape, I figure why not?

And it's only $30 cheaper? Who would buy this? Even parents are like: "I'm not that cheap."

The 3DS is actually $179.99, the 3DSXL is $199.99 the 2DS is $129.99, so it's $50 cheaper then 3DS and $70 cheaper then the XL.

Okay, that's a bit better, but it's like the 360 Core system. Friends don't let friends buy the Core system.

Sine, you shouldn't be considering the version meant for kids anyway =P

It's cheaper, more durable (what hinges are there to break?), fits better in kids' hands, plays any game made for a system with "DS" in the name......what's not to understand?

Exactly. They basicly came out and said right out that it was intended for young children who might break the hinge or that shouldn't see 3d images. Espically with Pokemon coming out, putting out a cheap, $130, durable version of the system that parents wont have to be as worried about their kids breaking is a great idea. I personally will never pick one up, as I am happy with my 3DS XL, but I am not the target demographic for the device.

Making it not shut and protect the screen seems like the worst thing to do to a device for kids.

Growing up, the only portables we did have were ones with exposed screens. Except for the original Game and Watch.

I haven't heard much with hinge breaking on the 3DS, but it was an epidemic on the DS Lite. Even mine broke after getting knocked from a coffee table; not to mention they have a tendency to open up when dropped. The main purpose of the folding is not so much protection - although it can protect from keys if you're the type of person who puts it in your keys pocket - but rather to increase portability of the device.

I am sure they would have put it through the sorts of durability tests that would show whether or not it is strong enough to withstand angry kid controller throwers... I mean, just look at the thing, it is an ugly beast-like strong as a tank sort of a handheld.

SineSwiper wrote:Making it not shut and protect the screen seems like the worst thing to do to a device for kids.

Like every handheld Nintendo ever released up to the GBA SP (even the original GBA didn't close)? Did that seem to stop kids from buy them or absolutely destroying them? I don't recall anyone ever talking about how fragile the GB, GBP, GBC, GBA, or GBA Micro were (or Game Gear or Turbo Express for that matter). PSP? Well, that's a different animal