3DS Circle Pad add-on announced: New base gives console second circle pad

[BulbaBot]

3DS Circle Pad add-on announced: New base gives console second circle pad

This month's issue of the Japanese Famitsu magazine has announced a new add-on for Nintendo's latest handheld console, the Nintendo 3DS. This new add-on, dubbed the "Expansion Slide Pad" will be released by Nintendo in the near future.

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[Fudgenuggets]

Monster Tri G? Why haven't I heard of this before? D:

DO WANT.

 

[Like_Fahrenheit]

Time for some FPSs

 

[Dr. GM]

So the rumors were true. I wonder if this add-on will be used for a future Pokemon game...

 

[The Outrage]

Never personally seen the use of a second analog stick on controllers since I originally played an N64 before getting a Wii which meant I've never actually used a controller with one, nor do I play FPS's. Yeah, SSB uses it for Smash attacks, but I'm used to standard up/down/side-A tactics.

Though, when I did first see the 3DS, I had kind of wondered why they didn't have a second slider pad for left handers, as many games utilizing the touch screen and D-pad had a left/right hand option due to the configuration of the abxy buttons.

I hope they release an updated 3DS before the holiday season, as the existence of this peripheral will most certainly breed rumours of an updated system being in the works, which would most certainly cause people to wait to buy the system.

 

[TheCapsFan]

You know, it'd make sense to box this with SuperSmashBros. 3D, since it's already been announced.

 

[SuperTrainStationH]

I won't use this and hope that NO game requires this.

It gives me the feeling that Nintendo doesn't have faith in the device they launched in March if they're adding things that theoretically could have included before the launch.

 

[Eeveeanne]

So the rumors were true. I wonder if this add-on will be used for a future Pokemon game...

I doubt it honestly. I just don't see how they could, and if there is only one game this could currently be used on it seems pointless to me to have it, I mean they need to have more games out for it before they put it out on the market or be sure it can work with other games they already have on the market. Like, having it for some of the games you already have will change up the way you can play and view things. That would be interesting. Until Pokemon is in 3D (rumored i heard but not proven) I don't see this working with the game.

 

[Ice Tyrant]

Most pointless addon I've ever seen that I'm surprised Sony hasn't done it with their PSP. Seriously, with that touch screen, which has already been showed to function much like an Analog stick in older DS games, would make the need for a 2nd analog completely pointless since the touchscreen could do pretty much everything a 2nd analog could do if not better. I personally won't even need it, since Tri G has been stated that it does NOT require it, so I see no reason to get it.

 

[Tallest Skil]

Oh, hello most hideous add-on I've yet seen for a Nintendo product…

 

[The Outrage]

Most pointless addon I've ever seen that I'm surprised Sony hasn't done it with their PSP. Seriously, with that touch screen, which has already been showed to function much like an Analog stick in older DS games, would make the need for a 2nd analog completely pointless since the touchscreen could do pretty much everything a 2nd analog could do if not better. I personally won't even need it, since Tri G has been stated that it does NOT require it, so I see no reason to get it.

I see it only useful for lefties who need both analog stick and touch screen controls.

 

[Joshawott]

I won't use this and hope that NO game requires this.

It gives me the feeling that Nintendo doesn't have faith in the device they launched in March if they're adding things that theoretically could have included before the launch.

That's the general reaction I've seen across the web. Unfortunately, it's pretty much true. I saw an advert for the 3DS in the Daily Mirror today and what was the main feature they were advertising?

Free Wi-Fi.

Yes. Free Wi-Fi. Not only is that misleading (as you need an existing connection to go online), but...the DS introduced that!

As a 3DS owner, I hate to say this but...the console heading to be a failure. Bad marketing from day one.

 

[The Outrage]

As a 3DS owner, I hate to say this but...the console heading to be a failure. Bad marketing from day one.

Yeah, I think the Nintendo execs were high from all the green they had leftover from their past endeavors. It's really such a shame, I see the WiiU going down the same path

 

[SuperTrainStationH]

That's the general reaction I've seen across the web. Unfortunately, it's pretty much true. I saw an advert for the 3DS in the Daily Mirror today and what was the main feature they were advertising?

Free Wi-Fi.

Yes. Free Wi-Fi. Not only is that misleading (as you need an existing connection to go online), but...the DS introduced that!

As a 3DS owner, I hate to say this but...the console heading to be a failure. Bad marketing from day one.

Even as 3DS sales were being reported as disappointingly slow and well below Nintendo and retailer's expectations, the 3DS had already more than outsold the original DS at the same point in that system's lifespan, and hardware sales have been up more than 250% since the price drop, and that's not considering the fact that its most anticipated original titles of the year, Mario Kart 7, and Super Mario 3D Land, have yet to touch down.

The original DS didn't even begin to be a sold out everywhere retail superpower until Mario Kart hit, and the boost of Brain Age and New Super Mario Bros. along with the arrival of the DS Lite made for a uniquely lucrative situation that's not likely to be easily repeated, but Nintendo and others expected that sort of success from Day One on a higher priced system with a difficult to communicate signature feature with its key games still on the horizon, and at launch in March without even its full firmware feature set.

I think its way too early to worry about the 3DS failing to survive as a platform.

 

[dman_dustin]

A second circle pad, personally I think is awesome.

That mean FPS might get a chance of being on the 3DS.

I mean think of some FPS, one of "sticks" controls movements but the other controls what you're seeing (so movement on one and field of vision on another). I don't know how any of you expect this to work with just one circle pad. Especially since a "control stick" is faster than anything on the touch screen, especially when the action is on the first screen.

Any type of shooter would benefit from this greatly. And not just shooters, with a second circle pad, one can probably do more combinations in certain games (maybe like fighting games), it would definitely increase the gameplay of certain games giving a developer a whole lot more content they could add into a game. For example I don't know how Zelda Ocarina of Time works on the 3DS, but the 3DS itself lacks the c-pad that was on the N64, now correct me if I'm wrong but couldn't a circle pad also work in place of the missing c-pad?

Now for those who don't give a rat's ass about all that. At least there's also some appeal in it just because. I mean look at the 3DS, the Circle pad is RIGHT next to the directional pad, if there was a game that required both in-use constantly, well that's going to be tricky. But by putting the circle pad on the other side of the 3DS, one can use their right hand for the right side circle pad while the left hand can worry solely about directional pad.

I can see how this personally can enhance the 3DS's game library, it opens a lot of venues for developers to take. Though I do wonder why they didn't do this in the first place.

 

[The Outrage]

I mean think of some FPS, one of "sticks" controls movements but the other controls what you're seeing (so movement on one and field of vision on another). I don't know how any of you expect this to work with just one circle pad. Especially since a "control stick" is faster than anything on the touch screen, especially when the action is on the first screen.

I'd think a touch screen would provide better reactivity, since I recall one game developer likening it to using an actual mouse.

If you count Metroid, the D-pad and touch screen control was awesome, and playing Starfox Command, I had an easier time piloting my planes and targeting enemies than when I played Starfox64. Granted, Starfox64 only had one analog stick, but Starfox command only used the stylus to steer and aim, yet was much easier to do both.

Now for those who don't give a rat's ass about all that. At least there's also some appeal in it just because. I mean look at the 3DS, the Circle pad is RIGHT next to the directional pad, if there was a game that required both in-use constantly, well that's going to be tricky. But by putting the circle pad on the other side of the 3DS, one can use their right hand for the right side circle pad while the left hand can worry solely about directional pad.

One would think game designers would, you know, not be stupid in their control scheme like that? If they are, then they deserve to be panned for their lack of thought.

And here's the thing with what you said, one hand works the circle pad and one hand works the D-pad? So are we to assume these games actually don't use the abxy buttons that much? The abxy buttons are also configured in much the same way as the directional pad, so one would think, if you have heavy usage of such a button configuration, then you would stick with the one analog and go with the abxy buttons.

I can see how this personally can enhance the 3DS's game library, it opens a lot of venues for developers to take. Though I do wonder why they didn't do this in the first place.

Yeah, it takes out the part where they actually have to use the touch screen, which for the most part made things like aiming so much easier than an analog stick ever could. The touch screen has far more flexibility than an analog stick.

 

[Shinobu]

I read that the picture of the add on was not official and may have been fan made.

 

[dman_dustin]

I'd think a touch screen would provide better reactivity, since I recall one game developer likening it to using an actual mouse.

In order for it to work since the action on the 3DS is on the top screen while everything else is on the bottom screen, there would have to be some grid like bottom screen where you could use the stylus as a mouse. Although doesn't that make the bottom screen pointless? I mean if the bottom screen was meant for something like inventory or something else, how could the bottom screen be used for some aspect that would be better with a Circle Pad?

I mean I'm thinking of Super Mario 64 DS, where the bottom screen was mostly used for camera or for the 360 movement, but it didn't have much else.

And for something like Zelda the bottom screen would just be invaluable for inventory and other odds and ends. Sure Zelda doesn't require 2 control sticks but I'm sure with a second control stick they can be very creative in what they do with the game.

One would think game designers would, you know, not be stupid in their control scheme like that? If they are, then they deserve to be panned for their lack of thought.

Well I was thinking something like a shooter where the circle pad was for movement, and the directional pad was used to switch weapons, for example (while the ABXY buttons have other uses, like other equipment not just weapons). And something where a small error in what you do could result in death, I think it would be a lot easier than having to work the circle pad and the weapon selection with the same hand. With a circle pad on the right, you can switch weapons a lot easier without making some mistake. This doesn't just apply to weapons either.

But I'm sure there are other things the 3DS uses that would make it work better.

And here's the thing with what you said, one hand works the circle pad and one hand works the D-pad? So are we to assume these games actually don't use the abxy buttons that much? The abxy buttons are also configured in much the same way as the directional pad, so one would think, if you have heavy usage of such a button configuration, then you would stick with the one analog and go with the abxy buttons.

Well the directional pad also allows diagonal movements though, and if you had that type of control scheme in a game, the ABXY buttons don't allow that very well since their separate buttons and it would be a lot easier to use a directional pad for diagonal movement, then trying to press two buttons at the time.

Yeah, it takes out the part where they actually have to use the touch screen, which for the most part made things like aiming so much easier than an analog stick ever could. The touch screen has far more flexibility than an analog stick.

I don't think you're looking at the way I am. People only have two hands, if you have three, well good for you but a lot of don't (not that I'm implying you have three hands, mind you). Using the 3DS where one hand is controlling the left side to the middle of the 3DS, how can you get stability of the handheld console when your hand has the stylus and is "pushing down" on the 3DS. I can just see the errors that could cost one's life in a video game, because the 3DS wouldn't be stiff enough. It's like trying to play a surgery type game and you make errors because of the unwanted flexibility you use trying to hold the console with only one hand, while applying pressure with the other and it causes the stylus to slip (for example).

Now yes, there are ways to hold the console with "two" hands and still be able to use the stylus, but in that instance you lose precision with the stylus, because unless you have very flexible, rubber, stretchy like fingers, you're going to be hitting the touch screen with the stylus at an angle. Sure one could compensate just fine, but why deal with the hassle when there is an easier way?

But in no way am I saying to take out the functionality of the touch screen, I admit, there could be hundreds of "Folders" on the touch screen where each one activates where there's hundreds of items, but I just think that a second circle pad would be able to create a more interactive shortcut in some games.

I mean what's faster? Holding the console with two hands, and nudging something to the left to activate some ability in the game? Or holding the console with two hands, and taking one hand off the side, and using the stylus to push an option on the touch screen?

Perhaps you don't really care and in some games are just perfect for you, but in some fast action games, where the difference between losing or winning, is milliseconds, why would the touch screen be okay for those situations (keeping in mind I'm not referring to a game where you have to specifically pick/choose/grab/etc something on the touch screen).

Now as I will continue to say, I'm sure the developers could find ways around it and have a game work just fine without a second control stick, but for some, like me, I prefer to have both hands on the console and not have to fiddle around with the stylus, especially in certain games where I really don't want to waste time using the touch screen, unless absolutely necessary.

But to be clear, I'm not saying the second circle pad has to replace the touch screen. Like it was said with Monster Hunter, and probably every other game that would use it, it will merely be optional for people who are used to dual control sticks. And would merely be another option for short-cuts for those who don't want to hassle with the touch screen, and for those people who are used to dual control sticks and want to use them.

 

[Princess Viola]

I read it also gives the 3DS L2 and R2 buttons as well.

 

[Joshawott]

I read it also gives the 3DS L2 and R2 buttons as well.

The article does mention an R2 button; but nowhere have I seen any mention of an L2.

I read that the picture of the add on was not official and may have been fan made.

It's official, from Famitsu Magazine. Nintendo UK confirmed to Official Nintendo Magazine that it's legit.

Yeah, I think the Nintendo execs were high from all the green they had leftover from their past endeavors. It's really such a shame, I see the WiiU going down the same path

It's "PS3 Syndrome". Nintendo launch a successor to an incredibly popular console and expect it to do as amazingly as that.

Even as 3DS sales were being reported as disappointingly slow and well below Nintendo and retailer's expectations, the 3DS had already more than outsold the original DS at the same point in that system's lifespan, and hardware sales have been up more than 250% since the price drop, and that's not considering the fact that its most anticipated original titles of the year, Mario Kart 7, and Super Mario 3D Land, have yet to touch down.

The original DS didn't even begin to be a sold out everywhere retail superpower until Mario Kart hit, and the boost of Brain Age and New Super Mario Bros. along with the arrival of the DS Lite made for a uniquely lucrative situation that's not likely to be easily repeated, but Nintendo and others expected that sort of success from Day One on a higher priced system with a difficult to communicate signature feature with its key games still on the horizon, and at launch in March without even its full firmware feature set.

I think its way too early to worry about the 3DS failing to survive as a platform.

The price-cut was only 6 months into the console's life-span; Satoru Iwata has taken a 50% pay cut, and other executives have taken cuts of 20-30% - with Iwata directly citing the 3DS as the reason. Nintendo announced a hardware addition to the console 6 months into the console, when there was a whole 2 years between the Nintendo DS and the DS Lite. Also, right now, Nintendo are making a loss on every 3DS system old. Game developers are also cancelling or delaying their games due to the console not selling enough (Natsume outright said the 3DS' poor sales is what's leading it to delay Harvest Moon).

Sure, sales may pick up around Christmas when Mario Kart 7, Super Mario 3D Land and Super Pokémon Rumble are released, and I hope they do...but boy have Nintendo made the 3DS' first year an awful one.

Obviously, your last statement is the biggest factor - the fact that the 3DS launched without the eShop; and heck, most of the games we were shown last year at E3 aren't even out yet. Nintendo would have done better if they had waited until around June to launch the system, as it would have been just before the summer holidays; Ocarina of Time 3D could have been a launch title, and people wouldn't have to wait a while for Mario.

Also, I have to comment about the marketing...well, the 3D effect has obviously attracted criticism in the press, but Nintendo (at least in the UK), seem to have no idea how to market the console. Different adverts talk about completely different things - the latest I saw even used "Free Wi-Fi" as the biggest seller..er...what?