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Nintendo 2DS vs Nintendo 3DS XL

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Nintendo2DSNintendo3DS XL
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2013July 2012
Performance
TypeHandheldHandheld
Disc driveNoNo
Storage detailA removable 4 GB SDHC card is included in the European launch bundle; Nintendo's public specifications do not state the internal storage capacity–
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 cards up to 2 GB and SDHC cards from 4 to 32 GB; SDHC card included (UK manual; capacity stated on the box)
Display and video
Built-in screen3.53″ LCD, 400 × 2404.88″ 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 4.88-inch 3D LCD, 800 × 240 with 400 pixels per eye in 3D; lower 4.18-inch touch LCD, 320 × 240; both display 16.7 million colours. Five brightness levels and power-saving mode (UK manual)
AudioMono speaker, built-in microphone and stereo headphone outputStereo speakers with pseudo-surround and headphone output
Design and power
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 9 hoursUp to 6.5 hours
Weight260 g336 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 hoursSPR-003 replaceable 6.5 Wh lithium-ion pack; approximately 3.5–6.5 hours with 3DS software or 6–10 hours with DS software. Runtime depends on brightness, software, wireless use and temperature; cameras may shorten it further. Charge approximately 3.5 hours when off
Power useApproximately 4.1 W maximum while charging (Nintendo's Australian manual)–
Size144 × 127 × 20.3 mm (width × height × thickness); approximately 260 g includes battery, stylus and SD card156 × 93 × 22 mm when closed (width × height × thickness); 336 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 card–
Connections
PortsGame card slot, SD card slot, AC adapter connector and headphone connector; infrared transceiver with recommended distance within 20 cmGame card and SD card slots, charging cradle contacts, AC adapter connector and stereo audio jack
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. Amiibo requires the separate NFC Reader/Writer (Nintendo UK); the retained Japanese page's NFC line conflicts with this accessory requirement
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) eachOne Circle Pad, D-pad, A/B/X/Y, L/R, Start, Select and Home; motion and gyro sensors. One inner and two outer fixed-focus 0.3-megapixel CMOS cameras (Nintendo Japan)
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 3DS, DS, DSi and DSi-enhanced game cards; 3DS and DSi software must match the system's region (UK manual)

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