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"Nintendo shocked everyone last week when it announced the 2DS \u2014 a budget version of its popular handheld aimed at kids that does away with some features for the sake of price.\nThe console isn't coming out until Oct. 12, and Nintendo said it would make the media rounds later in September. So we were surprised to find two strapped to a Nintendo employee at PAX in Seattle over the weekend.\nSee also: Nintendo Stock Highest in 2 Years Thanks to 'Animal Crossing'\nThe Nintendo 2DS is a flat version of the normally clamshell shaped handheld, and all the buttons have been repositioned to accommodate that. It still features two screens, like the 3DS, but without that system's stereoscopic, glasses-less 3D that was one of the much-touted features when the handheld launched.\nI got about five minutes to hold it, and my initial impressions were much more positive than I would have guessed. First off, the system is sturdy. It's clearly designed with children in mind \u2014 it felt like a brick in my hands. That's probably a good thing for kids \u2014 or clumsy adults \u2014 prone to dropping things. The whole setup is much thinner and lighter than you'd expect, and definitely lighter than the 3DS currently on the market. \nAll of the system's front buttons have been repositioned so that smaller hands can still reach them and the two triggers, which are placed on the top ridge of the 2DS console. The buttons worked just about as well as they do on the 3DS, though the triggers were a little more audible and sticky than previous versions.\nThe screens are the same size as the original 3DS \u2014 which is a little jarring if you're used to playing on its upsized cousin, the 3DS XL \u2014 and they are placed a little closer together, also making them appear small. Reports online indicate that Nintendo actually used one large screen for the 2DS, covering the top section with plastic so it couldn't act as a touch screen.\nThe graphics look just as sharp as the original 3DS, and some people also might be fans of the handheld's lack of 3D. All 3DS games carry a label recommending that children 7 or younger refrain from enabling the 3D feature, so this obviously makes the console ideal for young children. \n\n\nHands On: The Nintendo 2DS Handheld\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nintendo 2DS\nThe controls have been moved up compared to the 3DS handheld.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nintendo 2DS\nNintendo's new handheld is much lighter than you'd think, easily fitting in your hands.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nintendo 2DS\nThe system has a sleep button on the bottom right corner, to compensate for the lack of hinges. Instead of folding the handheld closed to put it to sleep, you can just tap the button.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nintendo 2DS\nThe volume switch on the side. The 2DS' sides and back are the only place with splashes of color -- either red or blue.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nintendo 2DS\nThe SD card slot and the stylus are on the other side.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nintendo 2DS\nThe game and charge slot are on top.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nintendo 2DS\nMore of the blue accents on back.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Nintendo 2DS\nThe handheld's back.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOverall, it wasn't a terrible gaming experience, though it may take some getting used to for fans of the original handheld. I can see the appeal for children, especially since the 2DS will launch the same day as Pokemon X &amp; Y. A Nintendo rep confirmed that accessories like carrying cases will be available at launch for the 2DS.\nImage: Mashable, Chelsea Stark"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2013/09/05/nintendo-2ds-hands-on/>