Rumors have been circulating for awhile over the possibility that a 3DS hardware redesign is in the works and may include an additional analog stick. Now that images have surfaced showcasing an attachment that accomplishes this, as well as a Nintendo press release confirming it, the truth may not be too far off. The device in question connects to the back of a 3DS and adds that additional stick on the right hand side as well as two more shoulder buttons on the top. The peripheral is being developed in tandem with Capcom’s new Monster Hunter 3G game slated for release by the end of the year in Japan, which will make use of the additional buttons. Here is the scan if you haven’t seen it:
While it would seem that only the one game will be making use of the device so far, it won’t be long before other publishers jump on board with it make it a requirement to play their games (much like the N64 expansion pak). Even if they don’t, it’s not too far fetched to assume Nintendo could mandate that they make use of it for all future titles, especially if they include the buttons in one of their annual hardware revisions. I can cope with the $80 price drop, as it was my choice to pick up the system at launch, so an eventual price cut was inevitable at some point. However, it wasn’t my choice to pick up a half finished system, so I really hope I won’t have to lug around a brick to play the next 3DS Zelda game with.
Leave a Reply