Nintendo 2DS vs Nintendo New 2DS XL

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

2DS compared with New 2DS XL
Nintendo2DSNintendoNew 2DS XL
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2013June 2017
Performance
TypeHandheldHandheld
Memory–256 MB
Disc driveNoNo
Memory detail–256 MB RAM (Nintendo Life's exact New 2DS XL review); Nintendo's public specification does not identify the memory capacity
Storage detailA removable 4 GB SDHC card is included in the European launch bundle; Nintendo's public specifications do not state the internal storage capacityUK standard bundle includes a removable 4 GB microSDHC card; Nintendo's public specifications do not state the internal 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)microSD cards up to 2 GB and microSDHC cards from 4–32 GB; card slot under a flap beside the game card slot, without removing the rear cover (Nintendo UK manual)
Display and video
Built-in screen3.53″ LCD, 400 × 2404.88″ LCD, 400 × 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 LCD, 400 × 240; lower 4.18-inch touch LCD, 320 × 240; approximately 16.7 million colours each. All visuals display in 2D; no automatic brightness adjustment (Nintendo Japan support)
AudioMono speaker, built-in microphone and stereo headphone outputStereo speakers with pseudo-surround support beneath the lower screen, built-in microphone and stereo headphone output
Design and power
Battery life (maker's claim)Up to 9 hoursUp to 9 hours
Weight260 g260 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 hoursBuilt-in lithium-ion battery, 5 Wh; Nintendo says replacement must be performed by a qualified professional. Approximately 3.5–6.5 hours with 3DS games or 5–9 hours with DS games, depending on brightness, software, wireless activity and temperature; full charge approximately 3.5 hours
Power useApproximately 4.1 W maximum while charging (Nintendo's Australian manual)Approximately 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 cardUK manual gives 159 × 86.4 × 20.8 mm folded (width × depth × thickness); Japanese page gives 159.36 × 86.36 × 20.8 mm. Approximately 260 g including battery, stylus and microSD card
ColoursBlack + blue and white + red at the European launch; later colours and regional bundles differBlack + Turquoise and White + Orange at the European launch; later regional colours and 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 cardNew 2DS XL, stylus, 4 GB microSDHC card, six AR cards, operations manual and AC adapter (UK); Japanese standard bundle has no AC adapter
Connections
PortsGame card slot, SD card slot, AC adapter connector and headphone connector; infrared transceiver with recommended distance within 20 cmGame card slot, microSD card slot, AC adapter connector and headphone connector; infrared transceiver with recommended distance within 20 cm
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; NFC at 13.56 MHz; recommended wireless communication distance within 30 m
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) eachCircle Pad, C Stick, D-pad, A/B/X/Y, L/R, ZL/ZR, Start/Select, HOME and touch screen; motion and gyro sensors. One inner and two outer fixed-focus CMOS cameras, 640 × 480 (0.3 megapixels) each; JAN-004 stylus approximately 69 mm long
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 and New Nintendo 3DS games in 2D, plus DS/DSi game cards; games from other regions and DS accessories requiring the GBA slot are not supported. 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)

More comparisons