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Super Smash Bros. supports new 3DS C-stick, not Circle Pad Pro
The portable version of Super Smash Bros. will not support the Circle Pad Pro accessory for 3DS, according to a support page on Nintendo of Japan's website, as translated by NeoGAF. With the recent announcement of a new 3DS and 3DS XL, the upcoming entry in the Super Smash Bros. series will reportedly favor the new devices' use of extra shoulder buttons and C-stick as opposed to the accessory that added a second circle pad and shoulder buttons to existing 3DS systems. This implies that players using a traditional 3DS or 3DS XL will be locked to using controls specific to those consoles without the extra buttons and joystick. The game will launch prior to the new hardware; Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is due out September 13 in Japan and October 3 in North America. The revised systems, which will be region-locked, will launch October 11 in Japan and won't make the calendar year in the west. The other version of the game for Wii U will arrive this holiday season. We've reached out to Nintendo to confirm the 3DS version's lack of support for the Circle Pad Pro and will update as we learn more. [Image: Nintendo]
Hori's 3DS accessory gives one hand a second circle pad
One of the bigger issues with playing a Monster Hunter game on the 3DS is the hand cramping that accompanies the game's camera controls. As discussed in our Deja Review of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, the Circle Pad Pro add-on is essential for the 3DS version of the game, and now Hori is taking the concept for the accessory and tweaking it for Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (4G in Japan) players. Dubbed the Extended Slide Pad, Hori's new accessory adds an extra shoulder button to the right half of the 3DS or 3DS XL and a second circle pad to the left half for players' nimble index fingers to take hold of. The controller add-on also adds a "ZL" shoulder button to the underside of the 3DS near its Monster Hunter 4G branding, turning compatible games into a workout for players' left hands. There are two versions of the Extended Slide Pad controller, one for 3DS and another for the 3DS XL, and each cost 2,980 yen ($29). The accessory will arrive in Japan on the same day Monster Hunter 4G launches, October 11. [Image: Hori]
Nintendo president: 3DS XL isn't big enough for a second analog stick
We spent a good chunk of time getting to know Nintendo's 3DS XL, which sidesteps the notion of a second analog stick -- despite peripherals adding one to the older model. Now Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata, has weighed in on the game maker's decision, saying that trade-offs were made for both battery life and the overall size of the unit. Iwata shrugged off those controller complaints, saying: "[The lack of a second stick] isn't my main focus when I look at the 3DS XL, it's one point we had to cover, but for me personally I'm quite happy with the product we're able to offer. " If you're serious about your strafing and shooting, at least there's the eventual super-sized add-on.
3DS XL to get Circle Pad Pro treatment, become that much larger
Nintendo's latest oversized handheld not big enough for you? Maybe another Circle Pad Pro will help. According to Japanese gaming publication Famitsu, the Big N is poised to give the freshly announced 3DS XL a second analog slider. Pricing wasn't covered in the magazine's Nintendo Q&A session, but gamers in the Land of the Rising Sun should have their thumbs on it later this year. Oh, and in case you didn't hear, the colossal clamshell is getting its very own charging cradle too, sold separately for 1,200 yen ($15). Mum's the word on stateside details for the secondary slide pad, but we wouldn't be surprised to see it show up on foreign shores.
3DS Circle Pad Pro features spacious interiors, little natural light
The 3DS Circle Pad Pro, available next February at GameStop, has plenty of room inside for a family of four. Imagine the dinners you'll serve once you install appliances in the cavernous interior, lovingly photographed by ldblog. Given the $20 peripheral's guts, let's all agree now to act surprised when Nintendo announces a dual pad 3DS sometime next year. Also, be sure to call your local RE/MAX agent if you're looking to move into the 3DS Circle Pad Pro next year. Space is sure to fill fast.
Nintendo's 3DS slide pad gets unboxed in Japan, reveals massive 480 hour battery life
Now that Nintendo's 3DS slide pad is hitting shelves in Japan, it appears that Mr. Blurrycam managed to get in on one owner's early unboxing. Glance at the contents strewn about above and you'll notice what looks to be a copy of Monster Hunter, the secondary joystick-adding peripheral itself and an included wrist strap. According to Andriasang, the owner reports that the add-on is stated to last a whopping 480 hours on its single AAA battery (for the unit itself), which makes the thought of dealing with its screw-secured compartment sting a bit less. Folks in the US will still have to wait until February 7th to experience the slide pad for themselves, but in the meantime, you can hit the source links below for more insight.
Nintendo 3DS slide pad add-on is official, ships December 10th in Japan
Nintendo didn't say so on stage during the pre-Tokyo Game Show 3DS press conference tonight, but it really is shipping that odd-looking circle pad add-on. The "extended slide pad" is up on the gaming company's Japanese home page right now, with a shipping date of December 10th and a price of ¥1500 ($19.50). There's also a list of supported games available, including Monster Hunter Tri G, BioHazard Revelations, Snake Eater 3D and more. It's powered by a single AAA battery, which our country cousins at Joystiq note probably indicates you won't be getting any extra playtime added to your 3DS by slapping this "boat" on the bottom. Check the source link below for the official info -- we'll keep our eyes peeled in Tokyo for North American release info and of course, the color matched Misty Pink edition you're already looking for.
Gaze upon the 3DS circle pad attachment
Last night, we reported on rumors of a wacky 3DS circle pad attachment coming from Nintendo. They're rumors no more, as a picture of the leaked Famitsu article revealing the "SECRET SCOOP" has surfaced. There it is, in all its glory. Say goodbye to any aspirations of pocketing your 3DS if you get one of these. It is, of course, perfect for Monster Hunter Tri G, as it adds three additional shoulder buttons along with that second stick. As Capcom and Nintendo proved with the Classic Controller Pro, Monster Hunter players demand nothing less than a simulacrum of the PS2/PS3 controller. And this should probably turn out to be ... not terribly uncomfortable for playing that game. At home. Oh, we just realized -- this adds a new 3D feature to the system. If you look at both circle pads and position your eyes just right, you should see one circle pad floating above the 3DS. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]
Famitsu leaks circle pad attachment, Monster Hunter Tri G for 3DS [update: first picture]
Remember that weird analog stick attachment rumored to be coming for 3DS? Well, we have some more evidence of its existence. Japanese blogs including Hachima and Game no Hanashi are reporting that the latest issue of Famitsu confirms the attachment, which sticks onto the right side of the console somehow. These reports are unconfirmed, and there are no scans yet, but we hope you'll allow us a pre-emptive "whaaaaaaaaat?" Why would the 3DS need a second analog stick/circle pad? The same reason the Wii needed a new version of the Classic Controller: Monster Hunter. The same sources report that an updated version of Monster Hunter Tri will be released this year, called Monster Hunter Tri G. The 3DS version is said to feature, at least, local wireless play. The existence of this game is also unconfirmed, but these two rumors kind of lend credence to one another. We'll let you know when/if we hear something official, at which point we'll probably be flabbergasted again. Update: We've added a shot from Famitsu after the break. This thing is weird.
