Iwata Addresses Concern That 2DS Reveals A Lack Of Confidence In 3DS Hardware Design

In Iwata’s latest Q & A session, he was asked if the release of 2DS equates to an admission by Nintendo that the company took a wrong turn by incorporating 3D effects into its handheld console, a move that takes it out of the hands of very young players. In true Iwata fashion, he defended Nintendo’s intentions by explaining that the 2DS had been in development for some time, in order to coincide with the new Pokemon release.

He also cited A Link Between Worlds as an example of a new game that specifically caters to 3DS users by taking full advantage of the 3D effect. Here is Iwata’s full transcript detailing the reasons why he believes the release 2DS was an intelligent move, and that 2DS and 3DS can exist side by side:

“Launching Nintendo 2DS at this point in time requires its development work to have begun a long time ago. Generally speaking, it takes approximately one and a half years before we can bring a new hardware system onto the market, and we already realized beforehand that it would be difficult to maximize the sales potential of Nintendo 3DS without an entry-level product ready in time for the release of a new Pokémon title. Because we already knew that the range of price options for Nintendo 3DS was not sufficient in light of the highly appreciated yen at the time, we had been preparing for this launch.”
“Incidentally the yen is now somewhat depreciated and we are able to offer Nintendo 2DS without facing profitability problems. This is very fortunate considering our business structure. We are offering such an option in order to further propel the popularity of the Nintendo 3DS platform in the overseas markets.

“Nintendo 2DS is, however, simply one of the options for consumers and we will continue to offer the existing Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL platforms in the overseas markets, and we are not saying that we will abandon 3D or cease to make new propositions in 3D. The Legend of Zelda title that we are going to release toward the end of the year is a superb showcase of the 3D effect, featuring a top-down style and offering a new form of gameplay by taking advantage of the 3D effect vertically.”