Nintendo ends 3DS production in Japan

The Japanese website for Nintendo’s 3DS has announced the end of production in that market.

However, the 2DS, 2DS XL, and 3DS XL remain in production and available.

This seems to indicate the end of the handheld game system’s availability worldwide as shown by a lack of stock of new systems in the west as well: the US and UK stores show no new 3DS devices on sale.

The end of the original 3DS came on the same day as the release of the 2DS XL, a handheld based on the 3DS platform but with a larger screen and no 3D capability.

The 2DS XL is a mid-point between the entry level 2DS and the high priced 3DS XL.

Meanwhile, of course, the new Nintendo Switch is taking the gaming world by storm with its ability to swap between handheld and TV connected formats.

It is possible that Nintendo is streamlining its DS line as the Switch cannibalizes sales.

(via Gamespot)