Nintendo surprised pretty much everyone yesterday when they announced the Nintendo 2DS. A new version of the 3DS that removes the stereoscopic 3D, which was promoted as a big selling point when the 3DS was first released years ago, may seem like a strange idea at first but it makes perfect business sense.

Releasing the Nintendo 2DS alongside Pokémon X & Y is no coincidence. The Nintendo 2DS is very much designed for younger audiences that are more likely to drop the console or break the hinges. Visually it looks like a 'younger' 3DS, which ditches the clamshell design in place of a doorstop one. That's not to say only children will buy it, but it seems that they are the target audience.

As well as the change from the clamshell design, other key adjustments include the removal of the 3D screen, mono sound rather than stereo and a new screen lock switch to replace the function offered by closing the original console. There are other minor changes, such as a new home button and the game slot being off-centre, but the focus here is on the overall form factor and lack of stereoscopic 3D.

We were able to get our hands on the new console to see, and feel, exactly how it compares to the previous versions.

The analogue stick and buttons have been moved to the top half of the screen, meaning smaller hands can still reach the now GamePad-like shoulder buttons. Having become used to the buttons being on the bottom half, as they have been since the original DS, in photos this looks strange but once you get your hands on the Nintendo 2DS it feels perfectly fine.

In pictures the Nintendo 2DS looks quite big, but once you see it in person you realise its actually pretty small. When you place it next to the original 3DS you will notice that it is about 33% smaller and sits comfortably within your hands, although it is possible that anyone with large hands may have trouble (unfortunately I only had one set of hands to try it with).

The new form factor means you can no longer adjust the screen to your preferred viewing angle, but the wedge design does at least angle the screen towards you if you lay it down flat. However, it is rare that you will not be holding the 2DS as it is the most comfortable way to play.

While some have suggested that the exposed screens actually pose more of a problem for accident-prone children, the raised buttons would take the impact of a fall (unless it falls onto something sharp obviously). Furthermore, children from a young age are now playing on their parents phones and tablets with their exposed screens, and you seldom here horror stories about those being damaged. The overall form factor feels like it would fare better in childrens hands, and we're sure that you'll be able to buy plastic covers in the same way you can for the GamePad for extra protection.

The Nintendo 2DS is only a day old at the time of publication, but it has already caused quite a stir. It is probably not the new design many were expecting, but the 3DS XL was a fantastic redesign that really does not need to be refined (some would argue that a second analogue stick would be beneficial, but so few games use it that it does not really warrant inclusion at the moment).

This is an unusual move for Nintendo, a company known for some pretty left-field ideas, but given the success of their handhelds and the launch of Pokémon X and Y, as well as Christmas just around the corner, the Nintendo 2DS is probably going to do quite well for them. Those that are complaining about the console at this stage are probably not the target audience anyway.

The third version of the Nintendo 3DS is called the Nintendo 2DS, but plays 3DS and DS games, but not 2DS games. Yes, the name may cause confusion down the line as has happened with the Wii U, but the console itself is sure to do well. It is comfortable to hold and provides a great entry point for anyone who has not yet picked up the 3DS. What this switch back to 2D means for the future of Nintendo's handhelds remains to be seen.