The validity of Nintendo's claims were questioned by vision experts, however, who believed that the 3DS could actually help detect certain eye problems, and felt the warnings were for liability reasons rather than any realistic harm. According to Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé, the Nintendo 2DS is primarily aimed at a younger demographic than the Nintendo 3DS - particularly, those younger than 7 years old whom Nintendo had advised not to use the 3D features on the 3DS due to potential eye health concerns. Nintendo officially unveiled the 2DS on Augvia a press release members of the press were given a chance to demo the device in private prior to the announcement. The Nintendo 2DS was discontinued in Japan in 2019 and in the rest of the world in 2020, along with the other systems in the Nintendo 3DS family. Some critics also felt that the lack of 3D support was an admission by Nintendo that the concept was a gimmick however, Nintendo has since stated that autostereoscopic 3D would remain a part of their future plans. However, the 2DS's design was praised by some critics for being more robust and comfortable to hold than the 3DS, especially for its target market. Reception to the Nintendo 2DS was mixed while Nintendo was praised for how it priced and positioned the 2DS alongside its higher-end counterparts, much of its criticism was directed towards its regressions in comparison to the 3DS, such as a design that some considered less appealing than that of the 3DS, its lower sound quality, and its battery life.

The Nintendo 2DS's successor, the New Nintendo 2DS XL, was launched in 2017. The 2DS was sold concurrently with existing 3DS models as an incentive to expand the market for Nintendo 3DS games former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé stated that the 2DS was primarily targeted towards younger players (such as those younger than age 7), whom Nintendo had previously advised not to use the 3D functionality on the 3DS due to potential eye health concerns. However, the 2DS is differentiated by a new slate form factor rather than the clamshell design used by its precursors and by lacking the Nintendo 3DS's signature autostereoscopic 3D display. The Nintendo 2DS is an entry-level version of the Nintendo 3DS which maintains otherwise identical hardware, similar functionality, and compatibility with software designed for the Nintendo DS and 3DS.

Announced in August 2013, the device was released in North America, Europe and Australia on October 12, 2013. The Nintendo 2DS is a handheld game console produced by Nintendo.

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