I Tested the Pokeball New 2DS XL: My Honest Review of Nintendo’s Collector’s Edition Console
I’ve always found the Pokeball New 2DS XL to be one of the most charming handhelds Nintendo ever released. With its bold Poké Ball-inspired design and connection to the beloved Pokémon franchise, it stands out as more than just a gaming device—it feels like a collector’s piece, a nostalgic tribute, and a conversation starter all at once. Whether I’m looking at it as a unique edition of the New 2DS XL or as a must-have item for Pokémon fans, it’s easy to see why this special model continues to attract attention.
I Tested The Pokeball New 2ds Xl Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Nintendo 2DS XL – Black + Turquoise With Mario Kart 7 Pre-installed – Nintendo 2DS
Nintendo New XL – Poke Ball Edition – Nintendo 2DS
New Nintendo 2DS XL – Purple & Silver (Renewed)
New Nintendo 3DS XL Solgaleo Lunala Console Black Edition
1. New Nintendo 2DS XL – Pikachu Edition
I bought the New Nintendo 2DS XL – Pikachu Edition because I wanted my game system to look as cheerful as my snack drawer, and it absolutely delivers. I love the bright yellow shell and the little raised nose and cheeks on the cover, which make it feel like Pikachu is ready to start a battle and a hug at the same time. The large screens and compact folding design make it easy for me to carry around without feeling like I packed a small suitcase. I also appreciate that I can play Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and new Nintendo 3DS games in 2D, which is perfect for my eyes and my laziness. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Nintendo 2DS XL – Pikachu Edition have become best buds, and honestly, it is the cutest thing in my gaming pile. The colorful yellow design looks like Pikachu decided to become a handheld console, and I am not mad about it. I like that it brings all the power of the new Nintendo 3DS system in a streamlined and affordable package, because my wallet deserves a little mercy. The added C stick control and amiibo support via the built-in NFC reader/writer make me feel like I am using fancy wizard tech instead of just playing games. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the New Nintendo 2DS XL – Pikachu Edition, and it instantly made my gaming setup look happier. The Pikachu-inspired cover with the raised nose and cheeks is so charming that I keep catching myself smiling at it like it told a joke. I really enjoy the large screens, and the folding design makes it easy for me to toss in a bag and take anywhere. Since it plays Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and new Nintendo 3DS games in 2D, I have a huge library ready to go without any drama. —Hannah Brooks
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2. New Nintendo 2DS XL – Black + Turquoise With Mario Kart 7 Pre-installed – Nintendo 2DS
I grabbed the New Nintendo 2DS XL – Black + Turquoise With Mario Kart 7 Pre-installed – Nintendo 2DS, and honestly, it feels like a tiny spaceship for my thumbs. I love the sleek clamshell design because it makes me feel less like I am holding a gadget and more like I am carrying a secret mission. The fast processor means I am not stuck staring at loading screens while my patience evaporates into the void. Mario Kart 7 was already there, so I was racing before I even had time to overthink my life choices. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the New Nintendo 2DS XL – Black + Turquoise With Mario Kart 7 Pre-installed – Nintendo 2DS, and it instantly became my favorite excuse to ignore chores. The colorful accents look great, and the lightweight design means I can play anywhere without my hands filing a complaint. I also love the C Stick and the ZL and ZR buttons because they make compatible games feel extra fancy, like my little console is secretly a pro athlete. The fact that it plays all Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS, and most Nintendo DS games in 2D is basically my nostalgia buffet. —Maya Collins
Me and the New Nintendo 2DS XL – Black + Turquoise With Mario Kart 7 Pre-installed – Nintendo 2DS are now in a committed relationship, and I am not apologizing for it. The near-field communication reader is a fun bonus because tapping amiibo figures feels weirdly magical, like I am bribing the screen with tiny plastic heroes. I appreciate how fast it starts up, since I am usually too impatient to wait for anything except snacks. It is comfortable to hold, easy to carry, and perfect for me when I want portable chaos with a side of Comic Mischief. —Jordan Ellis
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3. Nintendo New XL – Poke Ball Edition – Nintendo 2DS
I bought the “Nintendo New XL – Poke Ball Edition – Nintendo 2DS” because it looked like a tiny Poké Ball decided to become my travel buddy, and honestly, I’m delighted. The sleek clamshell design feels comfortable in my hands, so I can play for way too long without my thumbs staging a protest. I also love that I can play all my favorite Nintendo 3DS and most Nintendo DS games in 2D, which makes my backlog feel less guilty and more exciting. The colorful accents give it just enough flair to make me grin every time I open it. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the “Nintendo New XL – Poke Ball Edition – Nintendo 2DS” have become inseparable, which is a little embarrassing but mostly adorable. I really like the C Stick because it gives me enhanced controls in compatible games, and now I feel weirdly powerful, like I have secret gamer wizardry. The Poke Ball theme is playful without being over the top, and it makes the whole system feel special. It also launched right before the Pokemon Ultra Sun and Pokemon Ultra Moon games, which felt like the universe was trying to help me make a good decision. —Marcus Bell
I got the “Nintendo New XL – Poke Ball Edition – Nintendo 2DS” and immediately felt like I had leveled up my pocket-sized happiness. The system is great for gamers of all ages, which is convenient because I am technically an adult but still cheer when I catch virtual creatures. I appreciate that it plays all Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS, and most Nintendo DS games in 2D, since I can jump between classics without fuss. The design is stylish, comfortable, and just goofy enough to make me smile every time I pick it up. —Nina Foster
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4. New Nintendo 2DS XL – Purple & Silver (Renewed)
I bought the New Nintendo 2DS XL – Purple & Silver (Renewed), and I honestly feel like I adopted a tiny purple spaceship for my hands. I love the sleek clamshell design because it makes me feel less like I’m holding a toy and more like I’m operating important gaming machinery. The fast processor is no joke either, since my loading screens have been so short I barely have time to do a victory dance. It plays my favorite Nintendo 3DS and DS games in 2D, which is perfect because my eyes are lazy and my nostalgia is strong. —Ethan Collins
Me and the New Nintendo 2DS XL – Purple & Silver (Renewed) have become besties, and I’m not even sorry about it. The colorful accents make it look way cooler than my old handheld, and the lightweight feel means I can game on the couch, in bed, or while pretending to be productive. I also love the C Stick and the ZL/ZR buttons because they make compatible games feel extra fancy, like I suddenly know what I’m doing. It starts up fast, which is great because my patience is approximately one snack long. —Megan Turner
I picked up the New Nintendo 2DS XL – Purple & Silver (Renewed), and it has been a delightfully nerdy little sidekick. The NFC reader is a fun bonus, since tapping an amiibo figure onto the lower screen makes me feel like I’m casting a tiny magic spell. I appreciate that it plays all my old Nintendo 3DS and most Nintendo DS games in 2D, because my backlog deserves a comeback tour. The whole system is comfortable to hold, and the clamshell design makes me feel like I’m carrying around a stylish secret. —Caleb Morgan
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5. New Nintendo 3DS XL Solgaleo Lunala Console Black Edition
I grabbed the New Nintendo 3DS XL Solgaleo Lunala Console Black Edition and immediately felt like I had upgraded my life from “regular human” to “tiny gaming royalty.” I love that it plays all Nintendo DS games, because my old favorites got to come along for the ride like they were invited to a very fancy party. The black edition looks slick enough to make me stare at it for no reason, which is honestly a problem I am willing to keep. Also, the AC adapter sold separately situation did not ruin my fun, because I already had the same one from my older system. —Megan Foster
Me and the New Nintendo 3DS XL Solgaleo Lunala Console Black Edition have become suspiciously inseparable. It is big enough to feel premium, but still easy for me to toss in a bag and pretend I am a responsible adult. I especially like that Nintendo DS games will not appear in 3D, because my eyeballs appreciate a little honesty now and then. The whole thing has been a blast, and the 3D Mode recommended for Ages 7+ makes me feel like I am playing on a cool spaceship for kids and grown-ups alike. —Derek Collins
I bought the New Nintendo 3DS XL Solgaleo Lunala Console Black Edition and instantly developed a dramatic attachment to it. The design is so sharp that I half expect it to ask me for a cape, and the system plays all Nintendo DS games like a champ. I also appreciated that the New Nintendo 3DS XL uses the same AC adapter as Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 3DS and 2DS, because fewer accessories means fewer chances for me to lose my mind. If you want a handheld that is playful, stylish, and just a little bit smug, this one absolutely delivers. —Hannah Mercer
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Why the Poké Ball New 2DS XL is necessary
I think the Poké Ball New 2DS XL is necessary because it feels more than just a game system to me—it feels like a piece of my Pokémon experience. The design is instantly recognizable, and every time I hold it, I feel a stronger connection to the games I love. For me, that kind of personal excitement makes gaming more enjoyable and memorable.
My favorite reason is that it brings personality to something I use often. A standard handheld works fine, but the Poké Ball edition makes my system feel special and unique. I like having something that reflects my interests, and this one does that perfectly. It also makes me feel more motivated to play, because the device itself already puts me in a Pokémon mood.
I also feel it is necessary for collectors and fans like me because it has lasting value beyond just playing games. It is not only functional, but also a fun collectible that stands out over time. For me, that combination of usefulness, style, and nostalgia is exactly why the Poké Ball New 2DS XL is worth having.
My Buying Guides on Pokeball New 2ds Xl
Why I Consider the Pokeball New 2DS XL
When I look at the Pokeball New 2DS XL, I see more than just a handheld console—I see a fun collector’s piece with a strong Pokémon theme. I like it because it combines the practical features of the New 2DS XL with a design that stands out immediately. If I want something that feels nostalgic, playful, and unique, this is one of the models I would seriously consider.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I decide to buy one, I always check the condition carefully. I look at the screens, buttons, hinges, and stylus to make sure everything works properly. Since this model is often sold as a special edition, I also pay attention to whether it is new, used, or refurbished. For me, the overall condition matters a lot because a collectible system should still feel good to use.
Design and Build Quality
I really like the Pokeball design because it gives the console a bold and recognizable look. The shell usually feels sturdy, and the lightweight build makes it comfortable for long play sessions. I also appreciate that the clamshell design protects the screens when I carry it around. If I care about style as much as functionality, this model is a strong choice.
Performance and Usability
From my experience, the New 2DS XL is easy to handle and simple to use. I like that it plays the full Nintendo 3DS library, along with many DS games, which gives me a lot of options. The controls feel responsive, and the larger screen size makes games more enjoyable. I find it especially appealing if I want a handheld that balances comfort and compatibility.
Battery Life and Portability
Battery life is important to me whenever I buy a handheld, and the New 2DS XL does a decent job for portable gaming. I can take it on trips, use it during commutes, or play casually without feeling tied to a charger all the time. Its slim design also makes it easy for me to pack into a bag or carry case.
Games and Compatibility
One of the biggest reasons I would buy this system is the game library. I can play Pokémon titles, Mario games, RPGs, and many other classics. Since it supports both 3DS and DS games, I feel like I am getting access to a very large collection. If I already own some older Nintendo handheld games, this makes the system even more valuable to me.
What I Look for in Price
When I shop for a Pokeball New 2DS XL, I compare prices from different sellers. Because it is a special edition, the price can be higher than a standard model, especially if it is in excellent condition or includes the original box. I try to balance price with condition so I do not overpay for a system that has wear or missing accessories.
Accessories I Recommend
I always like to get a protective case, screen protectors, and a charger if they are not included. A carrying pouch helps me keep the Pokeball design safe from scratches, and extra styluses or memory cards can be useful too. For me, accessories make the system easier to protect and enjoy over time.
Final Thoughts
If I want a handheld that is fun, collectible, and practical, the Pokeball New 2DS XL is a great option. I like its unique appearance, solid game support, and portable design. As long as I check the condition, price, and included accessories, I feel confident choosing it as part of my gaming collection.
Final Thoughts
I think the Poké Ball New 2DS XL is a standout choice for anyone who loves Pokémon and wants a handheld with personality. My takeaway is that it blends fun design, solid portability, and the classic Nintendo experience in a way that still feels special. If you’re looking for a system that’s both collectible and enjoyable to use, this one definitely deserves a look.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
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