Why the 2DS XL? Nintendo Explains Exactly Why in a Way That Makes Sense

Recently, Nintendo announced another model to the 3DS family called the New 2DS XL. It combines the screen size and clamshell features of the 3DS with the lower price of the 2DS. But with the release (and success) of the Nintendo Switch, why did Nintendo release a new model of 2DS?

Reggie Fils-Aime states in an interview with Time that the device is for those who want something "in between" the 2DS and 3DS XL. 

"The Nintendo 2DS really focused on that entry level gamer […] The four-, five-, six-year old that is just getting into gaming, but wants to play Mario Kart, wants to have a Super Mario Bros. experience, wants to play Pokémon. And we feel with Nintendo 3DS XL at $199 that it's a fully-featured product, that it is, if you will, the Cadillac of handheld gaming. And then we heard from consumers, 'Boy, I wish there was something in between.'"

So basically, the New 2DS XL, much like the 2DS, is aimed at kids just getting into gaming. It's cheaper and more durable than the Switch, and perhaps even less complicated.  The Wii U gamepad was often mocked for looking like a Fisher Price toy, and the Switch looks much more elegant, but at the price of being less defensible to rowdy children. 

Reggie has previously assured users that the new device "still packs the same power" of the New Nintendo 3DS XL. The New 2DS XL will launch at $149 when it launches on July 28.