Nintendo to release 2DS XL in the UK in July

Nintendo follows up Switch success with new handheld games console

Nintendo has launched a new 2DS handheld console, which will be out in the UK at the end of July.

Unlike the original, the new 2DS XL handheld sports a clamshell design that will be made available in black and turquoise, or a finger print-gathering white and orange colour scheme.

In terms of specifications, the 2DS XL is essentially a 3DS without the 3D gimmick. It will be lighter, but sports the same 4.9in screen as the 3DS, and the C-stick, Nintendo's additional mini-thumbstick, added to the righthand side of the console.

There's also built-in NFC support, of course.

As well as supporting 3DS games, the Nintendo 2DS XL will also support original DS titles, which means it'll support thousands of existing titles from day one. What's more, two new games will launch alongside the console: Hey! PIKMIN and Miitopia.

"This new addition to Nintendo's portable hardware line demonstrates our commitment to the hand-held market," said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's president and chief operating office.

He added: "New Nintendo 2DS XL sports a beautiful clamshell design and offers a great balance between price and performance."

The Nintendo 2DS XL will be available in the UK from 28 July. Pricing details haven't yet been announced, but the console will fetch $149.99 in the US, which probably means it'll be around £150 in the UK, including 20 per cent VAT.

The arrival of Nintendo's new handheld comes just days after the firm announced that it's already sold 2.74 million Switch consoles, a number that it expects to reach 13 million by April next year.