Nintendo News Blitz: Release Dates, Price Drops, and a 2DS Oh My…

Nintendo has come out with a flurry of news today.

First and foremost is the introduction of a new DS handheld unit capable of playing both original DS and 3DS titles.

Labeled as the 2DS, the system is a flat system that does not fold in two like its predecessors. Screen dimensions on the 2DS are the same as the original 3DS handheld, however unlike the 3DS, the 2DS does not have the capability to utilize a game’s 3D function despite having the ability to take 3D photos with it s internal camera. Another subtle difference is the lack of stereo speakers as the system ops for a single internal mono speaker. An audio jack allows the use of stereo sound through earphone at the very least. And while the design eliminates the possibility of pants portability (say that three times fast) factor it is still a relatively compact device comparable to an unfolded 3DS, and combined with a carrying case can easily be transported with the same ease as a Nook, iPad, laptop, etc for on the go use.

Nintendo is outing the device as an “entry-level dedicated portable gaming system” with an emphasis on affordability as the system will only cost consumers $130 as opposed to the regular 3DS systems that clock in a price point of around $170 nowadays.

Expect the 2DS to drop into retail stores on October 12th, which is coincidentally the same day that Pokemon X and Y are released.

Speaking of drops, Nintendo has also announced a price drop for their Wii U system. The black 32 gig system will be available for at $299 whist the white 8 gig system continues to be phased out to oblivion.

In addition to the price drop, a special Wii U bundle containing a voucher code to download the upcoming Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD as well as a Zelda themed game pad will be available at the same pricepoint of $299.

That in turn leads to the reveal of several release dates for upcoming games starting with the HD remake of Wind Waker which is slated to be released in stores October 4th. A digital version of the game will be released earlier in North American territories on September 20.