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Nintendo 2DS vs Nintendo 3DS

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Nintendo2DSNintendo3DS
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2013February 2011
Performance
TypeHandheldHandheld
CPU–ARM11 MPCore, 2 cores, 268 MHz
GPU–DMP PICA200, 268 MHz
Memory–134 MB
Disc driveNoNo
CPU–Dual-core ARM11 MPCore at 268 MHz plus an ARM946 processor (original 3DS security research)
GPU–DMP PICA200 at 268 MHz (DMP and Copetti)
Memory detail–128 MB FCRAM plus 6 MB VRAM (original 3DS security research)
Storage detailA removable 4 GB SDHC card is included in the European launch bundle; Nintendo's public specifications do not state the internal storage capacityGames on Nintendo 3DS game cards; 2 GB SD card included
Storage expansionSD cards up to 2 GB and SDHC cards from 4–32 GB; miniSD and microSD require an adapter (Nintendo's Australian manual)SD and SDHC cards
Display and video
Built-in screen3.53″ LCD, 400 × 2403.53″ LCD, 800 × 240
Built-in screenUpper 3.53-inch LCD, 400 × 240; lower 3.02-inch touch LCD, 320 × 240; both display approximately 16.7 million colours. All games display in 2DUpper 3.53-inch 3D LCD, 800 × 240 (400 pixels per eye in 3D), 16.7 million colours; lower 3.02-inch LCD touch screen, 320 × 240
AudioMono speaker, built-in microphone and stereo headphone outputStereo speakers (pseudo-surround); headphone jack
Design and power
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 9 hoursUp to 5 hours
Weight260 g235 g
Battery life detailReplaceable CTR-003 lithium-ion battery, 5 Wh. Nintendo's Australian manual rates approximately 3.5–5.5 hours for 3DS games and 5–9 hours for DS games; the Japanese page gives 3.5–5 hours for 3DS games. Runtime depends on brightness, software, wireless use and temperature. Full charge approximately 3.5 hours5 Wh lithium-ion battery (CTR-003); about 3–5 hours with 3DS software and 5–8 hours with DS software; charges in about 3 hours 30 minutes
Power useApproximately 4.1 W maximum while charging (Nintendo's Australian manual)About 4.1 W maximum while charging (Nintendo UK manual)
Size144 × 127 × 20.3 mm (width × height × thickness); approximately 260 g includes battery, stylus and SD card–
ColoursBlack + blue and white + red at the European launch; later colours and regional bundles differ–
In the box2DS, stylus, AC adapter, SDHC card, six AR cards, quick start guide and operations manual (Nintendo's Australian launch manual); the European launch includes a 4 GB cardConsole, charging cradle, AC adapter, stylus, 2 GB SD card, 6 AR Games cards
Connections
PortsGame card slot, SD card slot, AC adapter connector and headphone connector; infrared transceiver with recommended distance within 20 cmGame card slot, SD card slot, AC adapter connector, audio jack (stereo out); charging cradle contacts
Wi-Fi and BluetoothWi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g, 2.4 GHz; recommended communication distance within 30 m. Local wireless and StreetPass are distinct from the discontinued internet servicesWi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g (2.4 GHz); infrared (Nintendo UK manual)
ControllerCircle Pad, D-pad, A/B/X/Y, L/R, Start/Select, HOME, touch screen and approximately 98 mm stylus; sleep switch, motion sensor and gyro sensor. One inner and two outer fixed-focus CMOS cameras, 640 × 480 (0.3 megapixels) eachBuilt-in Circle Pad, D-pad, A/B/X/Y, L/R buttons; motion sensor and gyro sensor; stylus
Backward compatibilityNintendo 3DS games in 2D and DS/DSi games; New Nintendo 3DS-exclusive software is not supported. No Game Boy Advance slot or accessories that require it. amiibo requires the separate Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer. eShop purchases and new free downloads ended on 27 March 2023; most internet services ended on 8 April 2024, while redownloads and updates remain available (Nintendo)Nintendo DS and DSi games

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