No, this is not a joke. This is real. Nintendo has announced a new iteration their 3DS system. Called the Nintendo 2DS, this new version features much of what the original 3DS offers. Like the name suggests, it lacks the parallax barrier 3D that was used on the 3DS and 3DS XL. On top of this, it no longer has the clamshell design that was the cornerstone of the DS since the beginning (and even before that with the GBA SP). Since there’s no hinge between the two screens, the buttons have been moved up to the middle of the two screens. This new form factor brings it closer to the older line of Game Boy systems, namely the original Game Boy Advance.

From the looks of the trailer, it seems to be aimed more at a younger demographic, though older people are shown as well. The screen dimensions look to be around the same size as the original 3DS. It’s also backwards compatible with all DS games and can communicate with other 3DS systems as well. It makes one wonder though how you put the thing into sleep mode for Streetpass. Maybe the power button doubles as a Sleep Mode button perhaps (like the PSP)? Of course, you better have some place to hold the thing as you’re walking.

The Nintendo 2DS is scheduled to be released October 12th of this year and will retail for $129.99.