So, which is better, 3DS or 2DS?

[D4rkDragon]

But it has more power(as no hinge) thus less lags....

You do realize that what you're saying doesn't make any sense at all ?
Hinges doesn't have an impact on the system's performance or even on the battery! For both of them, the CPU, the RAM and the GPU remains the same, an ARM CPU with two cores (exception being the N3DS with 4 cores) @ 268MHz, a 4/6MB VRAM PICA200 GPU and 128MB of RAM (unsure actually, I think that only 64MB are available, as the 3DS' OS takes up half of it).

Now for the technical thing, I hardly see how can hinges affect the performance of the system since they're just used for the clam shell and to hide some of the wires. It's true that the 3D (the 3D functionality, not 3D games) might cause lag on some games because it's not some already rendered thing, since it's real-time 3D rendering, meaning that it takes maybe 0.5/1.5% of the CPU's power, and I'm generous. So, unless you have a solid argument, when it comes to hardware, 2DS = 3DS < N3DS.

Back to subject, I think I'll go with the 3DS. I'm not a 2DS hater (as those two paragraphs might let you think), but there are many varieties of well-designed 3DS around (yes, limited edition ones) that are really cool, and as many pointed out, what's good with the 3DS is that you have the clam shell (and automatic Sleep Mode), meaning it fits in your pockets. And, though it might be more of a gimmick, you also get the 3D feature, which is, even though some games don't use it properly, nice or well-made for other games; while the 2DS doesn't fit in your pocket, doesn't have an automatic Sleep Mode, isn't really convenient for StreetPass, and you get deprived of the 3DS' selling feature: the 3D.

So, sorry if that sounds boring and long to read, but even though the 3DS is more expensive than 2DS, it is worth it, and you'll be enjoying every single piece you'll have spent on it.

 

[ShinyLatios]

You do realize that what you're saying doesn't make any sense at all ?
Hinges doesn't have an impact on the system's performance or even on the battery! For both of them, the CPU, the RAM and the GPU remains the same, an ARM CPU with two cores (exception being the N3DS with 4 cores) @ 268MHz, a 4/6MB VRAM PICA200 GPU and 128MB of RAM (unsure actually, I think that only 64MB are available, as the 3DS' OS takes up half of it).

Now for the technical thing, I hardly see how can hinges affect the performance of the system since they're just used for the clam shell and to hide some of the wires. It's true that the 3D (the 3D functionality, not 3D games) might cause lag on some games because it's not some already rendered thing, since it's real-time 3D rendering, meaning that it takes maybe 0.5/1.5% of the CPU's power, and I'm generous. So, unless you have a solid argument, when it comes to hardware, 2DS = 3DS < N3DS.

Back to subject, I think I'll go with the 3DS. I'm not a 2DS hater (as those two paragraphs might let you think), but there are many varieties of well-designed 3DS around (yes, limited edition ones) that are really cool, and as many pointed out, what's good with the 3DS is that you have the clam shell (and automatic Sleep Mode), meaning it fits in your pockets. And, though it might be more of a gimmick, you also get the 3D feature, which is, even though some games don't use it properly, nice or well-made for other games; while the 2DS doesn't fit in your pocket, doesn't have an automatic Sleep Mode, isn't really convenient for StreetPass, and you get deprived of the 3DS' selling feature: the 3D.

So, sorry if that sounds boring and long to read, but even though the 3DS is more expensive than 2DS, it is worth it, and you'll be enjoying every single piece you'll have spent on it.

The hinges, while they don't affect the performance, can have an impact of your experience with the system itself. Life happens and for all you know, eventually the hinges might come off or weaken or etc. It's an issue that's been seen with with original DS and I believe the 3DS could suffer a similar issue as well. That's not to say I hate the 3DS, I just see this as a potential issue it could have.

2DS however is a great alternative given that the layout is pretty similar to the original GameBoy Advance, and imo it's not the end of the world that it doesn't have 3D. Many times you won't necessarily have 3D on or the game might not even use it that much (I'm looking at you 6th gen Pokemon).

 

[Freey4]

The 3ds would be my choice as the 2ds does not stand out to me much. It felt small and ... well I don't know.

 

[Squishydile]

I honestly have to go with 3ds just because I've had a nyko battery pack on it since I bought it and the battery lasts longer than a 2ds to which I compared it to. Thats not saying without it would be better but because of it being out longer there is more hardware out for the 3ds. Plus I love a compact handheld. If I'm going to be playing on the go then usually I'm going to put it in my pocket and with the 2ds it just wasnt working out.

 

[Robbie]

You do realize that what you're saying doesn't make any sense at all ?
Hinges doesn't have an impact on the system's performance or even on the battery! For both of them, the CPU, the RAM and the GPU remains the same, an ARM CPU with two cores (exception being the N3DS with 4 cores) @ 268MHz, a 4/6MB VRAM PICA200 GPU and 128MB of RAM (unsure actually, I think that only 64MB are available, as the 3DS' OS takes up half of it).

Now for the technical thing, I hardly see how can hinges affect the performance of the system since they're just used for the clam shell and to hide some of the wires. It's true that the 3D (the 3D functionality, not 3D games) might cause lag on some games because it's not some already rendered thing, since it's real-time 3D rendering, meaning that it takes maybe 0.5/1.5% of the CPU's power, and I'm generous. So, unless you have a solid argument, when it comes to hardware, 2DS = 3DS < N3DS.

Back to subject, I think I'll go with the 3DS. I'm not a 2DS hater (as those two paragraphs might let you think), but there are many varieties of well-designed 3DS around (yes, limited edition ones) that are really cool, and as many pointed out, what's good with the 3DS is that you have the clam shell (and automatic Sleep Mode), meaning it fits in your pockets. And, though it might be more of a gimmick, you also get the 3D feature, which is, even though some games don't use it properly, nice or well-made for other games; while the 2DS doesn't fit in your pocket, doesn't have an automatic Sleep Mode, isn't really convenient for StreetPass, and you get deprived of the 3DS' selling feature: the 3D.

So, sorry if that sounds boring and long to read, but even though the 3DS is more expensive than 2DS, it is worth it, and you'll be enjoying every single piece you'll have spent on it.

I heard that somewhere..... guess I was wrong...

 

[Chief]

The hinges, while they don't affect the performance, can have an impact of your experience with the system itself. Life happens and for all you know, eventually the hinges might come off or weaken or etc. It's an issue that's been seen with with original DS and I believe the 3DS could suffer a similar issue as well. That's not to say I hate the 3DS, I just see this as a potential issue it could have.

2DS however is a great alternative given that the layout is pretty similar to the original GameBoy Advance, and imo it's not the end of the world that it doesn't have 3D. Many times you won't necessarily have 3D on or the game might not even use it that much (I'm looking at you 6th gen Pokemon).

That was well-said. The old wear-and-tear. Nintendo could and should build a strong hinge if they continue the DS look.

 

[ShinyLatios]

That was well-said. The old wear-and-tear. Nintendo could and should build a strong hinge if they continue the DS look.

I feel like strong hinges would be a bit hard to make given the type of look they're going for. I mean, there's a lot of weight on the top half of the screen for the two hinges to take, and then there's the whole shaking the system when you're angry thing (thus making it go a bit haywire with the hinges). Best they could probably do is mitigate the problem, I'm not sure they could eliminate it entirely

 

[Robbie]

I feel like strong hinges would be a bit hard to make given the type of look they're going for. I mean, there's a lot of weight on the top half of the screen for the two hinges to take, and then there's the whole shaking the system when you're angry thing (thus making it go a bit haywire with the hinges). Best they could probably do is mitigate the problem, I'm not sure they could eliminate it entirely

They made the future hinges loose to prevent what happened with the "LITE"

They had tightened the LITE ones and this happened^

 

[ShinyLatios]

They made the future hinges loose to prevent what happened with the "LITE"

They had tightened the LITE ones and this happened^

Ah, didn't know that one. I think it's still possible for the hinges to break on the LITE though, even though the odds of the hinges breaking are a lot less. I'd suggest reading this http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/661226-pokemon-black-version-2/67782332

 

[Chief]

I feel like strong hinges would be a bit hard to make given the type of look they're going for. I mean, there's a lot of weight on the top half of the screen for the two hinges to take, and then there's the whole shaking the system when you're angry thing (thus making it go a bit haywire with the hinges). Best they could probably do is mitigate the problem, I'm not sure they could eliminate it entirely

Nothing lasts forever so frequent use would eventually wear it out. However, it can be built stronger, at least to the point where our problem is resolved. We'll have to see what their next-generation handheld system will bring. They might go with a totally different look in the future.

 

[ShinyLatios]

Nothing lasts forever so frequent use would eventually wear it out. However, it can be built stronger, at least to the point where our problem is resolved. We'll have to see what their next-generation handheld system will bring. They might go with a totally different look in the future.

Whether they go for a totally different look in the future is something we'll have to wait and see on I suppose. And while nothing lasts forever, it shows that the tablet kind of system like the 2DS is possibly able to last a bit longer than the 3DS with that. That said, I don't think the hinge on the GBA SP was ever an issue, so it seems that it's just a DS thing with that.

 

[Robbie]

Only the LITE one.They tried to tighten it and this happened.The old ones and the newer ones were made a bit loose so did not have this prob.

 

[rickyq]

ok im going to do the full review.
lets start with the 2ds. To begin with we all know the price, the price for the 2ds is $129.00 but with taxes would be $137.87, that's way cheaper than the 3ds that's $170.00 (plus taxes) in addition to that if you get the best buy edition you get Mario kart 7 free for the same price as$129.00 ( plus taxes). A drawback of the 2ds is the lack of 3d that's why its called 2ds. (You can play 3ds games and Ds games just like the 3ds) another drawback of the 2ds is that it does not bend as the 3ds, so is not as portable as the 3ds.
The 2ds stylus is made of plastic, the 3ds stylus is made from a material sort of metallic. (If you want to have a metalic stylus go to Wal-Mart and get one for like $7.00.
On the other hand the 3ds has much more features than the 2ds. The 3ds is able to bend has the feature to play in 3d, but the draw back for the 3ds is the battery life. If you like to play in 3d the battery life is about 1 hour to 2 hours. The3ds and 2ds have the Same apps just if you are wondering. A drawback of the 3ds is very sensitive on the upper screen if you bend it to much, it can break. So if you want a resistant, cheap, durable portable game the 2ds is the right thing for you. Now if you want a portable (more) 3d gaming console nice stylus the 3ds is right for you.
Thanks for I put a lot of work on this so, thanks.

 

[CJ]

The 2ds was actually made for kids below 7and to the people to whom the 3d hurts their eyes. I actually like the 3d but the reason I hate the 2ds because it doesn't have that hinge in it. This reduces the portability and it doesn't go in my pocket.

 

[Hayleia]

The 3ds is able to bend has the feature to play in 3d, but the draw back for the 3ds is the battery life. If you like to play in 3d the battery life is about 1 hour to 2 hours.

Probably true for the regular 3DS, but the XL has a far better range. I once played Fantasy Life for one day during those holidays (and when I say that I played for one day, I don't mean one day with a lot of long pauses when going outsides with friends and all, I mean one day doing only this except eating sometimes), without charging it once.

 

[the great]

3ds! First of all, the 3d is just awesome! If by chance 3d hurts your eyes, still buy a 3ds. It looks WAY cooler and it is foldable, so it is more portable. Im not saying that the 2ds is bad, im just saying that the 3ds is much better.