New Nintendo 2DS XL Review: Is the Black & Turquoise Mario Kart 7 Bundle Worth It?

For years, the Nintendo 3DS family has dominated the portable gaming scene, offering a vast library of exclusive titles you can't find anywhere else. With the release of the New Nintendo 2DS XL, Nintendo created what many consider the sweet spot in the lineup: a large-screen experience without the 3D gimmick, at a more accessible price. The Black + Turquoise model bundled with Mario Kart 7 stands out as a particularly compelling package for both newcomers and seasoned players. But does it hold up as a worthwhile purchase today? This comprehensive review dives deep into every aspect of this iconic handheld console.

Unboxing & First Impressions: A Striking Design

Cracking open the box of the New Nintendo 2DS XL reveals a device that feels immediately more premium than its name might suggest. The Black and Turquoise color scheme is sleek and modern. The black top shell provides a sophisticated base, while the vibrant turquoise accents on the bottom panel and buttons inject a dose of fun and personality—a hallmark of Nintendo's design philosophy. It's noticeably lighter and more compact than the original 3DS XL, making it exceptionally comfortable for long gaming sessions. The build quality, while utilizing more plastic than the New 3DS XL, feels solid and well-constructed, belying its position as the "budget" option in the 3DS family.

Hardware & Performance: Power in Your Pocket

The Dual-Screen Experience

The centerpiece of the 2DS XL is, of course, its dual screens. The top screen is a generous 4.88-inch display, perfect for immersing yourself in the rich worlds of games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds or Animal Crossing: New Leaf. The bottom touchscreen remains essential for menu navigation, inventory management, and games built around stylus interaction. While this model lacks the autostereoscopic 3D effect of its more expensive siblings, the trade-off is a brighter, lighter device with no risk of eye strain. For the vast majority of players who rarely used the 3D feature, this is a net positive.

Enhanced Processing & Controls

Don't let the "2D" name fool you—this is a "New" model, meaning it packs the same improved CPU as the New 3DS XL. This results in significantly faster system menu navigation, quicker game loads, and seamless performance in demanding titles like Hyrule Warriors Legends or Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (which is exclusive to the "New" models). The addition of the C-Stick nub above the face buttons and the ZL/ZR shoulder buttons opens up new control schemes, particularly beneficial for camera control in action games and for playing virtual console titles like the classic Super Mario 64.

The Star of the Bundle: Mario Kart 7 Pre-Installed

This bundle's killer feature is the pre-installed copy of Mario Kart 7. This isn't just a throw-in; it's one of the best games in the entire 3DS library and a quintessential portable gaming experience. Having it ready to play the moment you power on the system is a huge value-add. Mario Kart 7 perfected the franchise's portable formula, introducing gliding and underwater sections across 16 new tracks and 16 classic retro tracks. The local and online multiplayer remains active and incredibly fun. For a bundle aimed at providing instant entertainment, the inclusion of this pre-installed game is a masterstroke, effectively giving you a complete gaming package right out of the gate and justifying its status as a potential bestseller gaming bundle.

Battery Life & Everyday Use

One of the most practical concerns for any portable device is battery life. The New Nintendo 2DS XL offers a respectable 3.5 to 6.5 hours of playtime on a single charge, depending on screen brightness, wireless usage, and the game being played. For a marathon session of Fire Emblem Echoes, you'll want to be near an outlet, but for casual, on-the-go play, it's more than sufficient. The device also supports sleep mode, allowing you to pause your game instantly by closing the lid—a feature that defines the convenience of Nintendo's handhelds.

Game Library & Backward Compatibility: A Treasure Trove

The true value of any console lies in its games, and here the 2DS XL shines brilliantly. It is fully compatible with the entire massive library of Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, and original 2DS games—thousands of titles spanning every genre imaginable. From RPG epics like Bravely Default and Pokémon Sun & Moon to creative gems like Pushmo and Fantasy Life, the options are nearly endless. Furthermore, through the Nintendo eShop, you have access to a vast collection of Digital Only titles, DSiWare, and Virtual Console games from the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and NES eras. This backward and forward compatibility makes it one of the most versatile gaming systems ever released.

Who Is The New Nintendo 2DS XL Bundle For?

This specific Black + Turquoise bundle is ideally suited for several types of gamers:

• First-Time 3DS Owners: It's the perfect, cost-effective entry point. You get a top-tier hardware revision and a fantastic game immediately.
• Parents Buying for Kids: The durable clamshell design protects the screens, the lack of 3D is one less parental concern, and Mario Kart 7 is a universally loved, family-friendly title.
• Budget-Conscious Gamers: It offers nearly all the benefits of the flagship New 3DS XL (power, game compatibility, large screens) at a significantly lower price point.
• Portable Gaming Enthusiasts: Its lightweight design and massive game library make it an essential companion for commuters and travelers.

Final Verdict: An Enduring Value Champion

The New Nintendo 2DS XL in Black + Turquoise with Mario Kart 7 pre-installed is more than just a last revision of a legacy system. It represents the culmination of the 3DS line's refinements in its most practical and affordable form. It forgoes the seldom-used 3D feature to deliver a lighter, brighter, and more accessible device without compromising on performance or game access. The inclusion of Mario Kart 7 transforms it from a simple console into a ready-to-go entertainment package. While the Nintendo Switch has taken over as the primary hybrid console, the 2DS XL remains a compelling purchase for anyone seeking access to the unparalleled and historic library of the 3DS ecosystem. For its price, design, performance, and the sheer value of its bundled game, this bundle earns a strong recommendation as one of the smartest ways to dive into portable Nintendo gaming.