Japanese gaming giant threw caution to the wind a few days back and revealed an add-on for the 3DS that will provide deprived 3DS owners with a second circle pad. The piece of plastic is… not exactly going to win any beauty contests or design initiative awards, that’s for sure.
The unit will cost ¥1500, which works out to about R145. It’ll be released on 10 December 2011 in Japan so expect it sometime in early 2012. So far a new Monster Hunter is not the only game that will be compatible with the add-on. At their press conference yesterday, Nintendo revealed five additional titles that will make use of the second circle pad: Ace Combat 3D Cross Rumble, Dynasty Warriors Vs, Kingdom Hearts 3D, Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater 3D and Resident Evil: Revelations.
Unfortunately the add-on requires one AAA battery in order to work, making this piece of hardware seem a little rushed and all too much like a temporary solution until a new 3DS model is released.
To be honest, I’m not even sure Nintendo is trying any more. This add-on must be one of the crappest things the company has produced in a long time. It requires its own battery? Is that testament to just how rubbish the 3DS battery is, or is this an attempt to keep manufacturing costs down? Not to mention the fact that holding the 3DS with this add-on now moves the screen off-centre… you know: the screen that has that minute sweet spot that makes the 3D actually work.
I don’t even own 3DS and yet I still find myself irritated by Nintendo’s blasé attitude towards their customers. I don’t even want to know how you early adopters are feeling.
Source: Eurogamer
