Even with the Switch selling like hotcakes in the United States, Nintendo isn't anywhere near done supporting its other handheld, the 2DS.
The company just announced the latest addition to its ever-expanding collection of special edition consoles. It's yet another Legend of Zelda-themed one, but this time, it's a variant of the New 2DS XL, and it looks pretty slick.
With its top panel designed like a Hylian Shield, the console is unsurprisingly called the Hylian Shield Edition New 2DS XL. It will launch this July 2 as a GameStop exclusive for $159.99, IGN reports. As a bonus, it comes preloaded with The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, released in 2013. The game is a successor to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, released for the Super NES in 1991.
Nintendo has yet to confirm whether this variant will become available in other regions, but given that it's exclusive to GameStop, don't expect it to come to Europe or Asia anytime soon. International collectors will have to order them overseas if they want one, though it's not clear just how many units are available.
Nintendo Switch
As a side note, it's not really clear why Nintendo is releasing this now because it typically launches special edition consoles to coincide with the release of a new game, but there's no Zelda game coming to the 3DS anytime soon.
It at least sends a message that even with the success of the Switch, it hasn't forgotten its other handheld completely. Even so, majority of Nintendo fans would probably prefer if the company put all its efforts on the hybrid console.
New Nintendo 2DS XL
For the uninitiated, the New Nintendo 2DS XL is basically a New Nintendo 3DS XL but without the 3D, meaning it supports all 3DS games, but players won't get 3D graphics.
Nintendo first released the New Nintendo 2DS XL in the summer of 2017. The system features built-in amiibo support, additional inputs — including an analog nub and extra shoulder buttons — that were introduced with the Nintendo 3DS XL, a sleeker form factor, and the same faster processor as the New 3DS. The Hylian Shield edition features a gorgeous blue paint job inside, brown shoulder buttons, and a gray back plate. More information is available on Nintendo's website.
Thoughts about the Hylian Shield Edition New 2DS XL? As always, if you have anything to share, feel free to sound them off in the comments section below!
