Nearly two years after its US launch, Nintendo has lowered the price of its slate-like 2DS to $99.99, throwing in a downloadable copy ofwith the system for good measure.

The 2DS was already the cheapest way to get access to the 3DS' impressive library of games (plus original DS titles) at its original price of $130. And while the 2DS has dropped below $100 briefly during retailer-specific sales, this is the first time the official price of entering the 3DS ecosystem has come in under that figure (just barely).

The lower price comes with significant drawbacks compared to the traditional 3DS line, though, including a lack of stereoscopic 3D and a non-folding design with slightly uncomfortable button positioning and a smaller screen than the "XL" line. The 2DS also doesn't play the few games that require the "new 3DS" chipset.

Back in August 2011, the original 3DS dropped from $250 to $170 just five months after launch when it failed to meet sales expectations. This price drop on the "budget" end of the 3DS line seems much less drastic and more focused on attracting stocking-stuffer sales during the upcoming holiday season. Nintendo is releasing titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tri-Force Heroes and Japanese Pokemon-style sensation Yo-kai Watch for the 3DS this holiday.