As usual, Nintendo certainly isn’t following the crowd or path some would expect as yet again, they’ve whipped out some big surprises to get more money rolling into their hefty coffers. The latest eye-popper is a new handheld system, Nintendo 2DS, which is basically a fully functional 3DS with all the same features except the 3D slider (in other words, it will run everything the 3DS and 3DS XL does just fine, but not in 3D).

Its paradoxically chunky but slim form factor is clearly geared towards younger gamers (and collectors of Nintendo systems, of course), 2DS will launch on October 12 in the US for $129 (a European model also arrives on the same day) and is sure to get families with younger children snapping these up as gifts. While it looks bizarre (at least to me), reports from a few lucky journalists who’ve gotten some play time reveal 2DS is lighter and has a extremely sturdy construction (Nintendo is known for its nearly kid-proof handhelds) and that price point is quite attractive.

For me, while the price point is great, caveats would most definitely be the size on two different fronts. As the 2DS loses the hinge the other models have, it’s a bit too large to shove into a pocket (unless Nintendo starts selling branded cargo pants), plus the case you see the kid slide that big honkin’ handheld in is sold separately. That’s a huge “boo!” from me, but sadly this is common industry practice to get you to spend an extra ten to twenty bucks on a case that SHOULD come in the same box that handheld does. The other size issue is the 2DS is modeled on the original 3DS and its smaller screens, so you creaky oldster 3DS XL owners looking for a lighter, cheaper unit as a backup will need to break out those reading glasses if this one’s a potential purchase. Of course, if Nintendo made a 2DS XL, you’d need a suitcase to carry that think around (ha, ha). And, yep… I’m one of those creaky oldsters, grrrr!

In other big Nintendo news, the Deluxe model Wii U is getting a hefty and welcome $50 price cut to $299 and if you were holding out on buying the system until it got a killer app, well… if you buy that Wii U on September 20th 2013, The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD just so happens to drop on that day on the Nintendo eShop AND as part of a limited edition Wii U console with a Zelda-themed GamePad. Go for the bundle, as you get the game for FREE installed on the hard drive (replacing NintendoLand). Things get a bit confusing otherwise, since as of 9/20, every Wii U model will cost the same price, but again – go for the Wind Waker bundle, professor! I was an early adopter (as in launch day), so I’m not about to buy a second Wii U just for that fancy decorated GamePad. However, I absolutely do plan to grab Wind Waker as a physical product (with the hope that I can get it signed by Miyamoto one day, as it’ll go well with my signed GameCube Wind Waker).

Speaking of physical media… for those of you who want that Zelda game on a disc… well, it’s coming… but Nintendo is making you (and I) WAIT for it (gee, thanks!). The retail version hits stores October 4, 2013 and will come in a special gold case (collectors alert!), meaning you can expect these to be a hot commodity on eBay as people buy them with intent to resell as RARE! HARD TO FIND! (when they really won’t be). Finally, here’s Nintendo’s first-party lineup of fall/holiday 3DS and Wii U games for your perusal:

The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD (digital version): September 20

The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker Wii U bundle (Wii U price drop): September 20

The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD (retail version): October 4

Nintendo 2DS: October 12

Pokémon X & Y Versions: October 12

Wii Party U: October 25

Super Mario 3D Land: November 22

The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds: November 22

Mario Party 3DS: November 22

Donkey Kong Returns Tropical Freeze: December 6

Wii Fit U: Holiday

Mario & Sonic: Holiday