Nintendo 3DS gets second control stick via official add-on
by Steven Mostyn - Sep 14 2011, 09:12
Wow, that looks poorly designed. Image: Nintendo.
Setting aside the 3DS videogame console’s clear lack of software support for a moment, Nintendo has this week unveiled a control peripheral that brings dual-stick interfacing to its touch-screen autostereoscopic 3D platform.
Although an unavoidable and somewhat intrusive compromise where portability is concerned, the add-on wraps around the console’s lower screen and gives users right-hand access to a second thumbstick beside the existing face buttons.
Nintendo’s control unit will communicate with its host 3DS via an infrared connection and requires a single AAA battery. It also comes with its own set of left and right shoulder buttons.
According to Nintendo, its expanded control unit will cost the Yen equivalent of around $20 USD and will initially launch in Japan on December 12—which just so happens to be five days before Sony launches the dual-stick and touch-screen PlayStation Vita console in its home market.
In an effort to plug the aforementioned software shortfall, Nintendo has itself recently apologised for, the Japanese gaming giant has announced a raft of first- and third-party titles set to hit the console in the next few months.
Some of those games, which also support the dual-stick interface, include the likes of Monster Hunter Tri G, Kingdom Hearts 3D, Resident Evil: Revelations, Dynasty Warriors, Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, and Ace Combat 3D.
Given Nintendo’s propensity for throwing up hardware revisions every other week, we’d expect to see the extra control stick integrated into a second-generation 3DS in the not too distant future.
Comment on this Story