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Nintendo 3DS' right thumbstick accessory mystery solved

By | September 13, 2011, 7:19am PDT

Summary: Japan will be getting the cumbersome, cradle-like 3DS peripheral this December to coincide with the release of Monster Hunter 3G. An American roll-out seems imminent.

We finally got some answers about this bulky, cradle-like right thumbstick peripheral for the 3DS from Nintendo today, but you may not like what we learned.

The 3DS Expansion Slide Pad (rather than “circle pad” as CNET reported last week) was first revealed in the Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, which got everyone speculating about the future of the beleaguered console to upcoming 3DS titles.

The good news: the slide pad is optional and compatible with more games than just the much anticipated Monster Hunter 3G. It even works with the upcoming Resident Evil: Revelations, Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater, Kingdom Hearts 3D, Ace Combat 3D Cross Rumble, as well as Dynasty Warriors VS, according to Kotaku. Since Monster Hunter 3G is only releasing in Japan (for now), the device is heading to just that country this December, with no date set for an American arrival yet.

Early adopters will not be amused that this add-on costs an extra 1500 yen (about $19 US) after paying a premium for the 3DS, or that a not-too-dist a 3DS redesign will probably include the right thumbstick for less. To add insult to injury, the slide pad not only looks cumbersome to hold (especially if you have small hands) but actually requires its own AA battery to run — so much for hoping it would double as a charger to boost the 3DS’ weak battery life.

Assuming the games that the slide pad is compatible with will be coming to America as well, it’s just a matter of time before the slide pad will be landing on our shores too. Hopefully, Nintendo America will keep the peripheral’s price tag affordable, and not introduce a revamped 3DS any time soon.

[Source: Kotaku, Kotaku]

Updated at 4:21pm PT: Added a link to photo gallery of upcoming 3DS titles.

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Nintendo Co. Ltd., Mystery, Nintendo 3DS, Accessory Mystery, Gloria Sin

Gloria Sin is a freelance journalist based in New York City.

Disclosure

Gloria Sin

I have no stocks or investments in any companies or interests which may lead to a conflict of interest in my coverage.

Biography

Gloria Sin

Gloria Sin is a New York-based freelance journalist who writes about the tech toys that you can't live without for ZDNet. She has little patience for poorly designed user experiences, and is not afraid of opening the guts of her own machines for repair or hacking her gadgets for new uses.

She has written for FastCompany.com, Popular Science, Olympic News Service; she currently covers the startup scene in the Tri-State area for NYConvergence.com.

Prior to ZDNet, Gloria was the online editor for Dance International, and dabbled in web design and social media consulting. When she is offline, you will find her at an ice rink living out her figure skating dreams. Follow her on Twitter.

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RE: Nintendo 3DS' right thumbstick accessory mystery solved
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Early Adopters Always Get Hosed
Doctor Demento Updated - 13th Sep
If you're going to be an early adopter this is something you'll have to get used to.
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RE: Nintendo 3DS' right thumbstick accessory mystery solved
mizerock 14th Sep
But you also get bragging rights while you walk around with the hottest new item that nobody else has! That's rarely worth it to me, but when I decide to take the plunge I never find myself complaining about how cheap it becomes later. Although sometimes, if the item is a complete dud, I'll deny ever buying it in the first place ...
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RE: Nintendo 3DS' right thumbstick accessory mystery solved
MKnight2040 15th Sep
To think that I almost bought one (a nintendo 3DS) at some point... lol. I would've been pissed off if I had.. knowing that a better version will be released soon with dual analog sticks (yet to be confirmed i guess). As of now, I'm focused on getting the PS VITA, but if they do release a new 3DS version with dual analogs I might actually consider getting one of those too.
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RE: Nintendo 3DS' right thumbstick accessory mystery solved
elissamornben 16th Sep
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