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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchYes. A Nintendo 2DS plays compatible Nintendo 3DS games, but displays them in 2D. The key exception is software marked as exclusive to New Nintendo 3DS systems: it does not work on the original 2DS. The New Nintendo 2DS XL is a separate model that does support that software category.
Which 3DS games work on a 2DS?
Standard Nintendo 3DS Game Cards work on the original Nintendo 2DS. Nintendo’s compatibility chart lists 3DS software as compatible with the 2DS family; the original 2DS lacks a stereoscopic 3D screen, so games run in 2D. See Nintendo’s 3DS software compatibility chart and the Nintendo 2DS Operations Manual.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo 2DS - Crimson Red (Renewed) | $229.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo 2DS - Crimson Red - Nintendo Wii GameCube | $176.58 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo 2DS - Scarlet Red / White (Renewed) | $218.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Nintendo 2DS - Electric Blue 2 with New Super Mario Bros. 2 (Game Pre-Installed) - 2DS (Renewed) | $219.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Nintendo Handheld Console 2Ds - White/Red | $169.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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New Nintendo 3DS-exclusive games are the exception
Some titles are designated for New Nintendo 3DS systems only. The original Nintendo 2DS is not compatible with those titles. Nintendo’s chart lists the New Nintendo 2DS XL as compatible with this category, so do not assume that the original 2DS and New Nintendo 2DS XL have identical compatibility. Check the game’s packaging or designation if you are unsure.
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How 2DS compatibility differs from DS and DSi systems
The name can be confusing: Nintendo 2DS is part of the 3DS family, not an older DS model. It can play compatible 3DS games; original DS and DSi systems cannot play Nintendo 3DS software. Nintendo states that “Nintendo 3DS Game Cards can only be played using a Nintendo 3DS family system” in its support article on playing DS and DSi games on 3DS-family systems.
#1 Best Overall
- USB Input: Not Available
- HDMI Output: Not Available
- WiFi Built In: Yes
- Graphic Quality: 240p
- Supported Flash Memory Cards: Secure Digital (SDHC)
| Game or feature | Nintendo 2DS | New Nintendo 2DS XL | Original DS/DSi family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Nintendo 3DS software | Yes, in 2D | Yes, in 2D | No |
| New Nintendo 3DS-exclusive software | No | Yes | No |
| Nintendo DS/DSi software | Generally yes, with exceptions | Generally yes, with exceptions | Depends on title and system generation |
| Stereoscopic 3D display | No | No | No |
What to know about DS and DSi games on a 2DS
2DS-family systems generally play DS and DSi Game Cards, but older games do not necessarily use every 3DS-family feature. Nintendo’s support guidance notes these limitations:
- DS and DSi games display at a lower resolution on 3DS-family screens. To display a game at its original resolution, hold START or SELECT while it loads.
- DS and DSi software does not display in 3D. While one of these games is running, the HOME Menu, StreetPass, and SpotPass are unavailable.
- Games that require a DS accessory inserted into the Game Boy Advance slot are not usable on the listed 3DS-family systems. Some GBA-cartridge-linked features may also be restricted.
Which game cards fit a 2DS?
The 2DS game card slot accepts Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo DSi Game Cards. Nintendo’s 2DS manual puts it plainly: “The Nintendo 2DS system can use Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS™, and Nintendo DSi™ Game Cards.” The card format alone does not guarantee compatibility with every title or feature, so check for a New Nintendo 3DS-exclusive designation or a title-specific accessory requirement.
Rank #2
- USB Input: Not Available
- HDMI Output: Not Available
- WiFi Built In: Yes
- Graphic Quality: 240p
- Supported Flash Memory Cards: Secure Digital (SDHC)
Nintendo’s support page also describes the card types accepted by the slot in its article about a Game Card that will not stay in a 2DS or 3DS slot.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box
Rank #4
- The best of two worlds
- The Nintendo 2DS system brings the power of two systems together into a single, affordable package. Play games-both Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3ds-in 2D
- Connect with friends, other players, and wireless hotspots using the wireless StreetPass and SpotPass communication modes to unlock exclusive content for games and download other entertainment
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
