Nintendo South Africa launched the 2DS handheld console, yesterday: just about two months after its international announcement, and just in time for the festive season. It has a trick up its sleeve, too: at just R1 499, the 2DS is around R240 (or 14%) cheaper than it is in Britain, where it retails for £110 (some SA tech prices are based on the European prices).

The wedge-shaped handheld is essentially a 3DS without a hinge, and it also lacks a 3D display – hence the name. Despite its weird, almost tablet-like shape, the console sits very comfortably in both hands, and definitely feels more ergonomic than the pocket-sized 3DS. The rest of the major hardware remains the same, though. Processing and graphics chips are identical, wireless features remain, and all the buttons are as you expect. There are some small changes, though: it only has a single speaker, compared to stereo sound in the 3DS, but that’s made up for by the slightly improved battery life.

More importantly, the 2DS undercuts the extra-dimensional 3DS by R500 – a lot of money in our market, and a saving that Nintendo says will make all the difference for the burgeoning middle class in South Africa. Statistics from PWC show that the middle class is growing rapidly, and predicts a 9% growth rate for gaming by 2017. This means the 2DS, with its budget-friendly price, is set to ride the wave of people who now have the means to buy luxury electronics and get into gaming.

Nintendo also points out that the 2DS is a lot cheaper to buy than, say, an iPad. And more durable, too. Drop one, and you won’t be crying about a shattered display.

The 2DS is on sale from today at electronics and gaming stores across the country. Games start at R99.