At first, I wasn't impressed with the design. However, the design wasn't meant for my demographic. It was meant for a far younger demographic. And for that demographic, it's a great design. The hinge is gone, which means that the top screen won't flop around on the kids when they eventually break the hinge. And the buttons were moved to the center, making it easier for the kids to hold, as it's more balanced in their hands, as opposed of trying to hold of the bottom part. So, seeing that this was made for kids, it's a great design. At first, I wasn't impressed, as most people weren't. But most people who complained about it were adults. And adults who already had the regulard 3DS or XL version. They would have no need for the 2DS. Also, removing the 3D for the kids was great, as there are parents out there with concerns about the 3D feature on their children's eyes. So removing that for the kids was good.
Personally, I love the 3D. I constantly play with my 3D on full max setting for every game. It's just a shame that there are lots of games that really don't use the 3D effect. Some games make great use of the 3D, and it really looks nice. However, there are a lot of games that make it feel tacked on, like it was an after thought or something. Speaking of the 3D effect, I prefer it when it pulls the image backwards, away from you, to show depth. The 3D works great then. It's when it pops out towards you that it can be overbearing at times. Depending on the actual game. Some games do it right, with the pop out effect. But other games go too far with it, and it doesn't look right, and/or could strain your eyes. Doing the pull back for depth works much, much better than the pop out way. In my opinion, at least.
In the end I have no plans on getting a 2DS, however, I'm now for it. A lot of my friend's kids love it, and really, really want a 2DS. Which is great, as it's designed for them to begin with. I think that the backlash that the 2D got when it was announced was mostly uncalled for. Most places the review complained that they would never buy it. But of course they wouldn't, it's not for them. It's like they forgot that there is something for everybody out there, and that not everything is for them. So I was more upset with the complaining about the 2DS than I was about the design of it.