I didn't report on the rumors Nintendo would be releasing an add-on for the 3DS that would provide the handheld with a second analog stick for two reasons. One, I couldn't verify them. In almost every case, if I'm unable to come up with secondary confirmation of a rumor, you won't read about it here. It's not my style. Two, it sounded ridiculous, a move that would make more sense--if any at all--for a re-design. Even if you entertained the idea of it coming prior to a re-design, why split users?
Turns out, it's looking to be true.
The add-on, which reportedly acts as a cradle for the handheld and simultaneously adds several shoulder buttons (there are conflicting reports on this specific fact, hope to have clarity in the morning), has appeared in the newest issue of Famitsu. It's being released in conjunction with Monster Hunter 3G, apparently scheduled before the end of the year, at least in Japan.
What's this monstrosity look like? Your wish is my command, courtesy of Twitter user @south1996.
No, you haven't lost your mind! This isn't some crazy dream!
Granted, much could change; we're getting the very first details on this translated from a magazine reveal. Nintendo has a press conference ahead of the Tokyo Game Show this month, currently scheduled for September 13. We should see more about this add-on there. I'm especially interested in finding out whether Nintendo has the balls to charge for this.
Oh Nintendo.
@Jimster said:
Nope.
That is the sexiest thing I've ever seen.
Ever.
That looks terrible!
Iwata's going to have to do one of these pretty soon the way he's going.
Ok, I know Nintendo fucked up bigtime on the 3DS, but this... this is just retarded... They'd have to pay people to use this monstrosity!!!
Surely, this is the thing that will improve sales.
If this is real, it demonstrates Nintendo have spent the last year going from being visionaries to idiots, and pretty much deposits all the faith I had in them.
If it truly acts as a battery life extension/2nd analog stick/wii u controller as some are speculating, I'm all for it.
Not really sure why there's so much negativity. Could be pretty comfortable to use for playing at home. Then you have the system without the cradle when you want it to be portable for simpler games.
What the butt hole...... Did they ever give a reason for not adding a second stick in the first place? I know there was some talk about it in an interview pre-release but I don't remember which....
So this will prevent the claw right? wow.
How did you fuck up the DS brand so hard, Nintendo?
At least it looks more comfortable. Those corners get me every time.