The Nintendo 3DS family is about to get a fun new addition. Launching on October 12 at a suggested retail price of $129.99, the Nintendo 2DS system is designed specifically as an accessible entry point into the exciting world of Nintendo hand-held video games. The Nintendo 2DS system maintains many of the same hardware features as Nintendo 3DS, like touch-screen controls, StreetPass, online multiplayer functionality and the ability to download games.

The Nintendo 2DS system is comfortable and fits easily in the hands of people of all ages. Without any hinges, the durable Nintendo 2DS is an especially perfect first-time system for kids. Available in red and blue, Nintendo 2DS plays all Nintendo 3DS games in 2D, including recent hits like Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, as well as upcoming games The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Mario Party: Island Tour (both launching November 22). In addition, Nintendo 2DS is backward compatible and can play the huge existing library of Nintendo DS games. Two sturdy and soft carrying cases in either red or blue will also be available at launch for a suggested retail price of $12.99 each.

Nintendo 2DS launches on the same day as Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, the next installments in the world-famous Pokémon series, ensuring that October 12 will be one of the most talked-about video game days of the year.

“The Nintendo 2DS system expands the Nintendo 3DS family,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “At such an attractive price, and with such a huge library of games, it’s a great gift, no matter who you’re shopping for this holiday season.”

Nintendo 2DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/2ds/.