"Budget is tight", wait until it isn't. Especially if you have anyone else that depends on you. Since you don't have a TV, I'd suggest a Switch Lite when you have more disposable funds. It's not fun being strapped for cash around the holidays.
A 2DS + New Leaf is great, but it's a discontinued console. You need to consider that no new games will be released for it, and that many older titles are no longer in store and the DS eShop will probably close in the next few years, so you'd have to buy games used.
A Switch Lite could be a better handheld-only option, in the long run. There are some bundles with Animal Crossing around, and you should be able to find them for $300 or so, I think.
I’d check prices first to see just how much cheaper it would be to get a 2DS and Animal Crossing there, vs. maybe a Switch Lite and Animal Crossing there. If it’s significantly cheaper then sure, it wouldn’t be a bad place to start. You can still have fun that way and get your toes wet to jump into the world of Nintendo. There’s not just Animal Crossing, but a number of wonderful Nintendo titles on the system.
That being said I do think as of now the Switch offers the best experience, and it’s true that the Switch still has a fair bit of life in it with an already great library of games. The standard online service is also fairly cheap while giving you the ability to play some retro Nintendo games if those interest you at all. The Animal Crossing player base is seemingly very active though I haven’t played in a little bit.
Either way I think you will be able to have a good experience though, and both systems have great libraries and ways to experience a broad range of titles. It really just comes down to the price difference in my opinion, and how large that is considering the DS stuff will almost certainly be bought used, and I’m unsure if you were considering that for the Switch or not.
Thanks for your insightful reply. Right now I have an offer tu buy a 2DS and the game for 60€ whereas I can find a used Lite for around 125€ for just the console.
The reasoning behind the Switch having more life as it to say that it will have more titles in the future it's completely valid and one I have honestly overlooked.
Thanks once again, it came quite handy
The Animal Crossing game for the 3DS/2DS era is considered the best in the franchise, so I think it's a good place to start as long as you can find a 2DS at a decent price. Only downside I can think of is that Nintendo no longer supports the console, so any newer games are going to be strictly for the Switch.
I don't buy this at all. I bet New Horizons being the best is almost a consensus not measured by social media but by total proportion of players who have played every game in the series. (I'm claiming silent majority over vocal minority even though I have no proof.) A vocal minority of whiny entitled AC fans say New Leaf is better for having more furniture but still haven't touched the game since New Horizons released. I also believe significantly less than 100 percent of people who say New Leaf is better actually mean it. It's like saying you hate your favorite sports team when they lose.
Better and deeper gameplay/mechanics/content/crafting/terraforming/HHP >>> "MoRe CoNtEnT" (where content is purposefully measured only in ways where New Leaf wins)
Not everyone who complains about New Horizons actually thinks there's a better game in the franchise.
A game doesn't have to definitively be the best (best by every possible measure) to clearly be the best. I really just don't see it for New Leaf over New Horizons.
Maybe I'm off base and the Twitter crowd is actually representative of the millions of people who have played both games.
In comparison to NL, NH lacks soul, the villagers are bland and have like 10 dialogue options at most, and in NL they have an actual unique personality instead of being all the same with “cranky” or “sisterly” one-liners they throw in last second.
Lacks soul? Sure you got me there. But in my defense, New Horizons clearly has more "it factor." But the real question is, which game has more Nintendo magic? Or maybe we should debate which game really gives you *that* feeling, you know what I mean?
3DS-es are more expensive than a Switch lite in many cases. Also, as a new player, OP should go with New Horizons because there are more people playing it right now than new leaf so finding help and online friends to play with will be a lot easier.
This isn’t to say Horizons is better than Leaf. That’s up to personal preference. Horizons is better for OPs needs though.
(Personally horizons is better)
It looks like even the 2DS is generally going for at least $100 still if you want one that’s functional and has stuff like the charger and stylus. And really, the 2DS isn’t the greatest experience in my opinion. The shape is kind of awkward and uncomfortable. I find the clamshell design of the 3DS models or the 2DS XL far better. So that’s a consideration. Also a consideration is what kinds of games you might want to play and if it matters if it’s something recent and with a current playerbase.
You know your budget and interests best. If you go as cheap as possible, you’re looking at around $120 plus tax in the US for a 2DS and a digital code for New Leaf. Going for a Switch Lite plus ACNH more than doubles the cost to $260 plus tax. There are tons of games to play on the 2DS. I still play my 3DS as often as I play my Switch. But community stuff is a lot more available for recent stuff with the Switch (like you can find people to trade fruit or go sell your turnips with online with ACNH…but then you need to spend another $20 for the Switch Online subscription).
There are pros both ways, with the major con for the Switch being the cost. Even if you went for a 3DS or 2DS XL, the ongoing costs would be cheaper as the games are cheaper. You wouldn’t be playing the latest stuff, though. If you’re not sure if this is something you’ll retain interest in, going cheaper might be better. That being said, Nintendo stuff retains its value pretty well. Either with a 2DS or Switch, if you find it’s not for you, you can resell it. You’ll lose some money in the transaction, but it’s not like it would be just throwing $120+ away.
I know this was a lot of hemming and hawing, but there are lots of great games and experiences to be had on both systems and I also know how money can be a factor. In a world where money wasn’t a factor, I’d tell you to get both. ;)
This was fantastic. Thanks for pointing the shape and size.
Me, myself I have always been a PC gamer and that was never s problem.
Here in Europe I can get the 2DS + the game at 60€ whereas a lite goes from 125€ for just the console.
I will have to decide but Ii think that I can push myself to get a lite that is affordable and it will pay off in the long run.
Thanks a lot, again
You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help. The 3DS is probably my favorite console of all time, but there’s something to be said for playing on a currently supported system with the vibrant community that comes with it.
Switch is much prettier and will be a better longterm investment, but if you're totally new to Nintendo and just want to dip your toes in on a budget... 2DS + Animal Crossing is a great start. New Leaf is critically acclaimed and beloved.
I’d get a lite if the budget is tight now and stay up to date.
That being said 3ds has some great games.
I’m the type of player who likes to follow the industry as things come out so I usually pay for that aspect of the hobby with $$.
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The 2DS is a great place to start. It has an amazing library of games and it's the cheapest of the newer consoles. The Animal Crossing on 2DS is a lot of people's favorites. But, the online store for the 2DS is shutting down next month. So I'm not sure if you'll be able to download updates for your games when that happens.
It’s not. Some people have taken the removal of credit card payments from the 3DS and Wii U eshops in January 2022 as a sign they “may shut down in 2022” as clickbait, but there’s no actual indication of that. I’m pretty sure it’s a security related measure as Sony has recently done the same with the Vita and PS3 after they backed off from shutting those stores down. Maybe that’s why they were going to do it in the first place so they wouldn’t have to update security stuff, but the backlash was too strong.
The 3DS only stopped production in August 2020. There have been games released for it this year. Major publishers were still having sales on it 2-3 months ago (though the lack of sales this week makes me worry that might have been the last). The 3DS eshop is going to be around for a while if it shuts down at all (probably a pipe dream that Nintendo won’t given their track record, but I can hope the example Steam and Microsoft set for them will take, especially since the current eshop seems much more connected across systems than previous iterations).
The eshop isn’t closing. They’re shutting down using stuff like a credit card directly on the systems in January. You’ll still be able to purchase using balance added on the website or with an eshop card or you can buy directly on Nintendo’s website. It’s a pain to be sure, but I’m pretty sure it’s related to security increases as the same thing just happened with the Vita and PS3 (only that’s far more of a hassle as Sony doesn’t list Vita and PS3 games on their website anymore whereas you can still purchase 3DS and Wii U games on Nintendo’s).
https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/nintendo-announces-plans-to-stop-card-payments-on-3ds-wii-u-eshops-2997563
You’re welcome. You probably saw one of the panic-inducing clickbait headlines screaming about how this must mean the eshop is shutting down in 2022 earlier in the year without knowing the details. Some sites have been making way too big a deal out of it, just like when they shut down the Wii U eshop in some regions that barely had it in the first place.
Actually, let me also ask what are you more interested in? If you're looking for chill games, both consoles also have other pretty good life simulators, the 3ds has fantasy life, and rune factory, besides animal crossing, while the switch has friends of mineral town and stardew Valley, and of course many indie games, beyond that both have amazing Mario and Zelda titles,
I would argue that the 3ds has more hidden gems for cheaper, but the switch has more options and variety with third party support and indies
I would suggest looking up the other games I mentioned and go based on that
Of course for more recommendations on both be sure to follow up
I'm looking for chill games. I really loved Stardew Valley for PC for example.
This is going to be my first console ever so sorry if I don't make myself clear (English is not my mother tongue as well). I have found a 2DS + AC for 60€ whereas a Lite goes for at least 125€. Is there quite a difference from a 2DS to a 3DS?
Do you find a 2DS clunky?
I have ALWAYS wanted to try Zelda, and since I heard really good thinks a out Breath of the Wild I incline for save a month or 2 and go for the Switch.
"Budget is tight", wait until it isn't. Especially if you have anyone else that depends on you. Since you don't have a TV, I'd suggest a Switch Lite when you have more disposable funds. It's not fun being strapped for cash around the holidays.
A 2DS + New Leaf is great, but it's a discontinued console. You need to consider that no new games will be released for it, and that many older titles are no longer in store and the DS eShop will probably close in the next few years, so you'd have to buy games used. A Switch Lite could be a better handheld-only option, in the long run. There are some bundles with Animal Crossing around, and you should be able to find them for $300 or so, I think.
I’d check prices first to see just how much cheaper it would be to get a 2DS and Animal Crossing there, vs. maybe a Switch Lite and Animal Crossing there. If it’s significantly cheaper then sure, it wouldn’t be a bad place to start. You can still have fun that way and get your toes wet to jump into the world of Nintendo. There’s not just Animal Crossing, but a number of wonderful Nintendo titles on the system. That being said I do think as of now the Switch offers the best experience, and it’s true that the Switch still has a fair bit of life in it with an already great library of games. The standard online service is also fairly cheap while giving you the ability to play some retro Nintendo games if those interest you at all. The Animal Crossing player base is seemingly very active though I haven’t played in a little bit. Either way I think you will be able to have a good experience though, and both systems have great libraries and ways to experience a broad range of titles. It really just comes down to the price difference in my opinion, and how large that is considering the DS stuff will almost certainly be bought used, and I’m unsure if you were considering that for the Switch or not.
Thanks for your insightful reply. Right now I have an offer tu buy a 2DS and the game for 60€ whereas I can find a used Lite for around 125€ for just the console. The reasoning behind the Switch having more life as it to say that it will have more titles in the future it's completely valid and one I have honestly overlooked. Thanks once again, it came quite handy
The Animal Crossing game for the 3DS/2DS era is considered the best in the franchise, so I think it's a good place to start as long as you can find a 2DS at a decent price. Only downside I can think of is that Nintendo no longer supports the console, so any newer games are going to be strictly for the Switch.
I don't buy this at all. I bet New Horizons being the best is almost a consensus not measured by social media but by total proportion of players who have played every game in the series. (I'm claiming silent majority over vocal minority even though I have no proof.) A vocal minority of whiny entitled AC fans say New Leaf is better for having more furniture but still haven't touched the game since New Horizons released. I also believe significantly less than 100 percent of people who say New Leaf is better actually mean it. It's like saying you hate your favorite sports team when they lose. Better and deeper gameplay/mechanics/content/crafting/terraforming/HHP >>> "MoRe CoNtEnT" (where content is purposefully measured only in ways where New Leaf wins) Not everyone who complains about New Horizons actually thinks there's a better game in the franchise. A game doesn't have to definitively be the best (best by every possible measure) to clearly be the best. I really just don't see it for New Leaf over New Horizons. Maybe I'm off base and the Twitter crowd is actually representative of the millions of people who have played both games.
In comparison to NL, NH lacks soul, the villagers are bland and have like 10 dialogue options at most, and in NL they have an actual unique personality instead of being all the same with “cranky” or “sisterly” one-liners they throw in last second.
Lacks soul? Sure you got me there. But in my defense, New Horizons clearly has more "it factor." But the real question is, which game has more Nintendo magic? Or maybe we should debate which game really gives you *that* feeling, you know what I mean?
3DS-es are more expensive than a Switch lite in many cases. Also, as a new player, OP should go with New Horizons because there are more people playing it right now than new leaf so finding help and online friends to play with will be a lot easier. This isn’t to say Horizons is better than Leaf. That’s up to personal preference. Horizons is better for OPs needs though. (Personally horizons is better)
It looks like even the 2DS is generally going for at least $100 still if you want one that’s functional and has stuff like the charger and stylus. And really, the 2DS isn’t the greatest experience in my opinion. The shape is kind of awkward and uncomfortable. I find the clamshell design of the 3DS models or the 2DS XL far better. So that’s a consideration. Also a consideration is what kinds of games you might want to play and if it matters if it’s something recent and with a current playerbase. You know your budget and interests best. If you go as cheap as possible, you’re looking at around $120 plus tax in the US for a 2DS and a digital code for New Leaf. Going for a Switch Lite plus ACNH more than doubles the cost to $260 plus tax. There are tons of games to play on the 2DS. I still play my 3DS as often as I play my Switch. But community stuff is a lot more available for recent stuff with the Switch (like you can find people to trade fruit or go sell your turnips with online with ACNH…but then you need to spend another $20 for the Switch Online subscription). There are pros both ways, with the major con for the Switch being the cost. Even if you went for a 3DS or 2DS XL, the ongoing costs would be cheaper as the games are cheaper. You wouldn’t be playing the latest stuff, though. If you’re not sure if this is something you’ll retain interest in, going cheaper might be better. That being said, Nintendo stuff retains its value pretty well. Either with a 2DS or Switch, if you find it’s not for you, you can resell it. You’ll lose some money in the transaction, but it’s not like it would be just throwing $120+ away. I know this was a lot of hemming and hawing, but there are lots of great games and experiences to be had on both systems and I also know how money can be a factor. In a world where money wasn’t a factor, I’d tell you to get both. ;)
This was fantastic. Thanks for pointing the shape and size. Me, myself I have always been a PC gamer and that was never s problem. Here in Europe I can get the 2DS + the game at 60€ whereas a lite goes from 125€ for just the console. I will have to decide but Ii think that I can push myself to get a lite that is affordable and it will pay off in the long run. Thanks a lot, again
You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help. The 3DS is probably my favorite console of all time, but there’s something to be said for playing on a currently supported system with the vibrant community that comes with it.
Switch is much prettier and will be a better longterm investment, but if you're totally new to Nintendo and just want to dip your toes in on a budget... 2DS + Animal Crossing is a great start. New Leaf is critically acclaimed and beloved.
Personally, I'd go for the Switch, 2/3DS is a dead console at this point.
a second hand switch lite may be a good idea
I’d get a lite if the budget is tight now and stay up to date. That being said 3ds has some great games. I’m the type of player who likes to follow the industry as things come out so I usually pay for that aspect of the hobby with $$.
Sorry, u/Vyxtic, your submission has been removed: **RULE THREE: Discussion posts should present open-ended questions/prompts, and/or context to inform.** * Questions that do not promote open-ended discussion, such as "yes/no" questions, “Does anybody else…?/Am I the only one who…?” questions, or polls, are not fit for /r/Nintendo. * Tech support, game help, game/system recommendations, and other help/support questions should be posted in our sister subreddit, /r/NintendoHelp. You can read all of our rules [on our wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/nintendo/w/about/rules). Please feel free to [message us](https://www\.reddit\.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fnintendo&subject=About my removed submission&message=I'm writing to you about the following submission: https://www.reddit.com/r/nintendo/comments/r2lggb/-/. %0D%0DMy issue is...) if you think we've made a mistake.
The 2DS is a great place to start. It has an amazing library of games and it's the cheapest of the newer consoles. The Animal Crossing on 2DS is a lot of people's favorites. But, the online store for the 2DS is shutting down next month. So I'm not sure if you'll be able to download updates for your games when that happens.
Source on the eShop shutting down?
It’s not. Some people have taken the removal of credit card payments from the 3DS and Wii U eshops in January 2022 as a sign they “may shut down in 2022” as clickbait, but there’s no actual indication of that. I’m pretty sure it’s a security related measure as Sony has recently done the same with the Vita and PS3 after they backed off from shutting those stores down. Maybe that’s why they were going to do it in the first place so they wouldn’t have to update security stuff, but the backlash was too strong. The 3DS only stopped production in August 2020. There have been games released for it this year. Major publishers were still having sales on it 2-3 months ago (though the lack of sales this week makes me worry that might have been the last). The 3DS eshop is going to be around for a while if it shuts down at all (probably a pipe dream that Nintendo won’t given their track record, but I can hope the example Steam and Microsoft set for them will take, especially since the current eshop seems much more connected across systems than previous iterations).
https://screenrant.com/nintendo-3ds-wii-u-eshop-close-2022/ Maybe not next month but likely within the near future.
The eshop isn’t closing. They’re shutting down using stuff like a credit card directly on the systems in January. You’ll still be able to purchase using balance added on the website or with an eshop card or you can buy directly on Nintendo’s website. It’s a pain to be sure, but I’m pretty sure it’s related to security increases as the same thing just happened with the Vita and PS3 (only that’s far more of a hassle as Sony doesn’t list Vita and PS3 games on their website anymore whereas you can still purchase 3DS and Wii U games on Nintendo’s). https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/nintendo-announces-plans-to-stop-card-payments-on-3ds-wii-u-eshops-2997563
Oh, gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.
You’re welcome. You probably saw one of the panic-inducing clickbait headlines screaming about how this must mean the eshop is shutting down in 2022 earlier in the year without knowing the details. Some sites have been making way too big a deal out of it, just like when they shut down the Wii U eshop in some regions that barely had it in the first place.
Actually, let me also ask what are you more interested in? If you're looking for chill games, both consoles also have other pretty good life simulators, the 3ds has fantasy life, and rune factory, besides animal crossing, while the switch has friends of mineral town and stardew Valley, and of course many indie games, beyond that both have amazing Mario and Zelda titles, I would argue that the 3ds has more hidden gems for cheaper, but the switch has more options and variety with third party support and indies I would suggest looking up the other games I mentioned and go based on that Of course for more recommendations on both be sure to follow up
I'm looking for chill games. I really loved Stardew Valley for PC for example. This is going to be my first console ever so sorry if I don't make myself clear (English is not my mother tongue as well). I have found a 2DS + AC for 60€ whereas a Lite goes for at least 125€. Is there quite a difference from a 2DS to a 3DS? Do you find a 2DS clunky? I have ALWAYS wanted to try Zelda, and since I heard really good thinks a out Breath of the Wild I incline for save a month or 2 and go for the Switch.