Surprise! The New 2DS XL is out in July and it's kind of lovely

Just when you thought you already had enough attractive handheld consoles, Ninty does it again and of course it's ridiculously easy on the eyes. The brand new, err New 2DS XL is a slick design with all of the fun of the 3DS but without that expensive extra dimension and it's out on July 28. Going back to a clamshell design to accommodate the bigger 3DS XL sized screens, it comes with amiibo support and the C-stick currently only found on the New Nintendo 3DS. The New 2DS XL also comes in two fetching colours - black and turquoise and 'oh god can I have it right now' white and orange - and only weighs a slimline 260g. Has all the New confused you yet?

Power wise, it matches the New 3DS XL and, as ever, the New 2DS XL will be able to play all 3DS games. If you've been looking for an excuse to play Pokemon Sun and Moon, now's definitely the time. In other seriously good news, unlike other recent 3DS consoles, you'll get a AC adaptor in the box and the price is looking promising. While no UK cost has been revealed, the US is at a reasonable $150. The New 2DS XL will launch alongside a new style Pikmin game, Hey! Pikmin and everyone's favourite mind testing medical professional is back in Dr Kawashima’s Devilish Brain Training: Can you stay focused?

Planning on taking the plunge? Check out the best 3DS games to find out what to pick up alongside the New 2DS XL. 

Louise Blain

Louise Blain is a journalist and broadcaster specialising in gaming, technology, and entertainment. She is the presenter of BBC Radio 3’s monthly Sound of Gaming show and has a weekly consumer tech slot on BBC Radio Scotland. She can also be found on BBC Radio 4, BBC Five Live, Netflix UK's YouTube Channel, and on The Evolution of Horror podcast. As well as her work on GamesRadar, Louise writes for NME, T3, and TechRadar. When she’s not working, you can probably find her watching horror movies or playing an Assassin’s Creed game and getting distracted by Photo Mode. 

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