Nintendo 3DS

[Cronozilla]

I don't think the circle pad pro is going to be any sort of standard item. It looks like Nintendo released it just so Capcom and Konami would release a couple games on the platform. The item was only available through GameStop and direct from Nintendo ... they obviously have no plans to make that an official part of the device. And, frankly, the 3DS doesn't really need it, in terms of input. There's enough analog axes on the device to satisfy almost any play style.

Additional thoughts:

The days of Nintendo attempting to bridge the right-left-hand gap are long over (arguably died with the Virtual Boy and N64). I think it's more of a "cherry on top" that the Wii controller is ambidextrous. Most games that require it on its side don't have a left-hand mode, either. Not saying it's fair, but I just don't think it's going to happen.

An XL model would be interesting ... but it wouldn't really be any sort of iteration of hardware, it's not a replacement. Nintendo tends to make strange new models of handhelds at the end of their life, but prior to that point, they stick to a standard model.

Was the DSiXL even profitable enough to make it a viable option with the 3DS hardware? I mean, the DSiXL, right now, costs the same or more than a 3DS. (Another reason why people should just go get a 3DS if they want one. The price is ridiculously low for what you're getting)

Frankly, something I'd like to see, is a model with a single color. What's with this gradient all over the place? I have the cosmo black one, and I actually like the gunmetal color more than the black, but I had the gradient on top. The white model also looks very nice, which they're not releasing in the US for some reason. I also wouldn't mind a matte version. Though, the 3DS is the nicest glossy device I have. It's pretty scratch resistant (mine has none so far, which is amazing), and everything wipes off very easily. Which no other glossy device I have does. I don't think the top touching the bottom is that big of an issue. People keep claiming it scratches it ... but in reality, it's dirt from people's hands on the controls that makes the actual contact. It wipes off with a cloth, not really a big deal. It's much easier to keep the 3DS clean than my PSP, that's for sure.

[MrPopo]

What exactly NEEDS to be redesigned on the thing, physically? Not much, if anything.

I want 3dsXL. Going from my 3ds to my DSiXL just reminds me how much I love my XL. So a 3dsXL would be good for me. That or TV out...just saying.

TV Out is even less feasible than it was for the DS.

[ejamer]

... I don't think the top touching the bottom is that big of an issue. People keep claiming it scratches it ... but in reality, it's dirt from people's hands on the controls that makes the actual contact. It wipes off with a cloth, not really a big deal. It's much easier to keep the 3DS clean than my PSP, that's for sure.

I used to think this before getting my original 3DS replaced due to a manufacturing defect.

The second one now has a thin vertical scratch line across the upper screen that matches up directly with the raised area around the lower screen. Apparently it's not a consistent issue but common enough that Nintendo will replace the unit for me under warranty. It's really minor though, hardly noticeable unless you are looking for it, and I'm not keen on sending my unit away again...

[ksloth]

... I don't think the top touching the bottom is that big of an issue. People keep claiming it scratches it ... but in reality, it's dirt from people's hands on the controls that makes the actual contact. It wipes off with a cloth, not really a big deal. It's much easier to keep the 3DS clean than my PSP, that's for sure.

I used to think this before getting my original 3DS replaced due to a manufacturing defect.

The second one now has a thin vertical scratch line across the upper screen that matches up directly with the raised area around the lower screen. Apparently it's not a consistent issue but common enough that Nintendo will replace the unit for me under warranty. It's really minor though, hardly noticeable unless you are looking for it, and I'm not keen on sending my unit away again...

I have this exact same scratch, and believe me I take very good care of my stuff. I have examined it closely and cleaned it with a damp microfiber cloth and it is indeed a scratch.

Fortunately I am not as anal about this kind of stuff as I used to be, and I cannot see it while I am playing a game, so I am just ignoring it. It's a design flaw though, and it does irk me somewhat.

[ZenErik]

I immediately put a screen protector on my 3DS when I opened it. But I do see the lines that people talk about on the screen protector. Ouch...

[FerretGamer]

I have the same problem on my 3DS, however, it has not presented as a permanent scratch. It is more of a marking from the top screen touching the frame of the bottom screen. In addition, mine does have the wobbly hinge and it is a launch unit.

[ZeroAX]

Bigger battery life and a second thumbstick is what I really wanted. I too am worried about how I will play Kid Icarus. I have no problems using most game controllers, but holding the stylus with the right hand is impossible for me. On the DS that wasn't a problem cause the 4 face buttons were a good enough replacement for the D-Pad, but not for a circle pad.

[fastbilly1]

What exactly NEEDS to be redesigned on the thing, physically? Not much, if anything.

I want 3dsXL. Going from my 3ds to my DSiXL just reminds me how much I love my XL. So a 3dsXL would be good for me. That or TV out...just saying.

TV Out is even less feasible than it was for the DS.

I know that, but I can dream. I dont even use the 3d part, I just want to play my games on my tv. Layton deserves better than my 4inch screens.

[AznKhmerBoi]

Just curious, will my 3DS with the nyko powerpak attachment work with the circle pad pro?

[fastbilly1]

Just curious, will my 3DS with the nyko powerpak attachment work with the circle pad pro?

Nope