Nintendo of America’s president views it as a starter handheld device
With Nintendo’s surprising announcement of the 2DS today, some people are wondering who exactly the device was created for. While the price point of $129 is appealing, the slate form and omission of 3D were curious changes. It turns out that Nintendo had a younger audience in mind when it designed the 2DS.
Reggie Fils-Aime, the president of Nintendo of America, told IGN that the 2DS’ target audience is “that first-time handheld gaming consumer.” Nintendo recommends that children be at least seven years of age to use the 3DS, so Fils-Aime says that the 2DS creates an opportunity for five- and six-year-olds.
“How do we approach that as one target? How do we get more people playing Nintendo games,” Fils-Aime asked rhetorically. “That helped spur the idea of the 2DS. Let’s have the consumer have access to all of these great games at a dramatically lower price point,” he continued.
Nintendo Announces 2DS [IGN]