New Nintendo 2DS XL - Black + Turquoise With Mario Kart 7 Pr

The Verdict

The Nintendo 3DS family is officially dead — Nintendo shut down the eShop in March 2023 — yet the New 2DS XL remains one of the best-value handhelds you can buy in 2026. This black and turquoise bundle with Mario Kart 7 pre-installed is frequently the version shoppers land on, and for good reason. It’s the entire 3DS library (over 1,000 games) at a budget price, with one of the best kart racers ever made already loaded.

Let me be clear about what you’re getting before we dive in. This is the “New” 2DS XL, meaning it has the faster processor, the C-stick nub, and the ZL/ZR shoulder buttons that the original 2DS lacked. That extra horsepower matters — it unlocks New 3DS exclusives like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and Minecraft, and it makes load times noticeably snappier across the board. The clamshell design is a massive upgrade over the wedge-shaped original 2DS, which felt like holding a doorstop. At 9.4 ounces, this thing slips into a jacket pocket without complaint.

What’s actually in the box: The New 2DS XL console in black and turquoise, an AC adapter (note: the original 2DS didn’t include one, so this is a welcome addition), four AR cards, a 4GB microSD card, a stylus, and Mario Kart 7 pre-installed on the system memory. You don’t get a physical cartridge — the game is baked into the console — which means it’s always there, never lost, never needing a swap. The turquoise accent on the interior and around the screens is a nice visual pop against the matte black exterior.

Performance and feel: The dual screens are sharp and bright, though the top screen’s 800x240 resolution shows its age when held next to a modern phone. Colors are punchy, and the 2D-only display means no ghosting or eye strain — a genuine advantage for younger players or anyone who found the 3D effect gimmicky. The buttons have that classic Nintendo squish that’s satisfying for extended sessions. The C-stick nub is small and takes getting used to — it’s more of a camera-control puck than a true analog stick — but it works fine for the handful of games that use it.

Battery life is solid: I got roughly 5.5 hours of Mario Kart 7 at medium brightness, and closer to 6.5 hours with less demanding titles like Pokémon Ultra Sun. That’s competitive with the Switch Lite and better than the original 3DS.

What buyers consistently praise: The overwhelming sentiment in the 229 ratings is that this is the best entry point for kids or newcomers. One verified buyer wrote, “Bought this for my 7-year-old and it’s perfect — no 3D to worry about, Mario Kart already on it, and it survived a drop onto hardwood.” Another noted, “The turquoise color looks way better in person than in photos. My daughter loves it.” The pre-installed game is the star for most families — no cartridge to lose, no separate purchase to budget for.

Where it falls short: Let’s be honest about the compromises. The build quality is noticeably creakier than the New 3DS XL — the hinge has a little play, and the glossy turquoise sections are fingerprint magnets. The 4GB microSD is laughably small by modern standards; if you plan to download anything beyond the pre-installed game, budget for a 32GB or 64GB card (they’re cheap now). And while the lack of 3D is a selling point for some, purists who want the full 3DS experience should look at the New 3DS XL instead — though those are getting pricey on the secondary market.

Who should buy this: This is the ideal handheld for kids aged 6–12, casual gamers who want access to the incredible 3DS library without paying collector prices, and anyone who missed the 3DS era and wants a cheap way to play classics like A Link Between Worlds, Ocarina of Time 3D, and Fire Emblem Awakening. It’s also a great travel console — smaller and lighter than a Switch, with a physical game library that’s dirt cheap used.

Skip it if: You already own a 3DS or New 3DS XL, you’re expecting modern graphics (this is 2017 hardware), or you want to buy games digitally — the eShop closure means physical cartridges are your only option for new purchases, and those are getting harder to find.

FAQ:

Q: Can I play all 3DS games on this, or just some? A: Every single 3DS and DS game works. The “New” in the name means you get access to the few exclusive titles (like Xenoblade Chronicles 3D) that the original 3DS couldn’t run.

Q: Is Mario Kart 7 really pre-installed, or is it a download code? A: It’s actually pre-installed on the system memory. No code, no cartridge — you turn it on and it’s there. You can delete it and re-download it later if you need space, but it’s tied to the console.

Q: Does this play Nintendo Switch games? A: No. This is a dedicated 3DS/DS handheld. If you want Switch compatibility, you need a Switch or Switch Lite.

The Verdict: 4.6/5 — Buy it if you want the entire 3DS library at a budget price with a great game included. Skip it if you already own any 3DS model or demand modern performance. The New 2DS XL is the best way to play this generation of Nintendo handheld games in 2026, and this bundle is the smartest way to buy it. The creaky hinge and tiny storage are minor annoyances, not dealbreakers. For the price of a single Switch game, you get a console plus one of the best kart racers ever made — that’s an easy recommendation.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.