Pink 2DS arriving in UK next month

A pink version of Nintendo’s 2DS handheld will be released in the UK in May.

The SKU is currently available to pre-order from Nintendo’s online shop for 109.99. It will be released alongside Kirby: Triple Deluxe on May 16th.

Interestingly the SKU is not currently being listed by any other UK retailers, although it isn’t yet listed as being exclusive to the Nintendo store – which, incidentally, is operated by The Hut.

Regardless, the fact it has appeared on the platform holder’s portal first is yet another example of Nintendo squaring off directly with its High Street retail rivals. There are a number of products available on the store that can’t be found elsewhere, and Nintendo has previously bundled goodies with certain SKUs that aren’t offered by retail partners.

That this is happening at a time when Nintendo is finding it harder and harder to win the shelf space battle at retail may not be a coincidence. Store space at dedicated retail is becoming increasingly scarce for Nintendo machines. Indeed, finding the Wii U for sale at all can be quite a challenge in some UK towns.

Also note that Nintendo is not alone. Both Sony and Microsoft have in recent times shown a new-found willingness to rock the retail boat with direct-to-consumer promotions that are pitched against retail partners.