Nintendo 2DS Announces Release Date Amid Negative Reactions: Is Nintendo Conceding The 3D Market?
Nintendo has recently announced the release date for their newest handheld console, the Nintendo 2DS. The unveiling was met with criticism towards the design and the loss of features (instead of adding new ones). Observers note that this is a result of consumers' ambivalence towards 3D in general forcing Nintendo to take a new direction.
In an interview with IGN, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime explained: "Imagine a standard 3DS laid all the way flat, and with the depth slider all the way down. Everything else is there in the system."
He also explains the target market: "And so with the Nintendo 3DS, we were clear to parents that, 'hey, we recommend that your children be seven and older to utilize this device.' So clearly that creates an opportunity for five-year-olds, six-year-olds, that first-time handheld gaming consumer."
Yet, tech and gadget columnists still turned on the backlash. TechCrunch called the design "Hideous" and Tiny Cartridge kept asking "if it was a joke."
The Twitter reactions exploded. The new design has inspired sarcasm like this:
"Ricky, why are you crying?" "Mom, the 3DS fell into my pocket again!" "There's gotta be a better way!" [Nintendo 2DS logo,fade to black]
— Justin McElroy (@JustinMcElroy) August 28, 2013
Nintendo did not officially abandon its 3D line, but this might be a step towards that reaction. 3D in general has taken a hit on all fronts. While 3D TVs have had brisk sales, most consumers confess that they don't really utilize the feature. For instance, BBC has placed its 3D programming on indefinite hold, and ESPN is shutting it down at the end of 2013.
However, on the gaming front, Sony and Microsoft have released more powerful consoles. Nintendo's step in the other direction might indicate the proverbial white flag in that arms race, and their pursuit of a new market altogether.