The design would add a GameCube-like grip pattern to the 3DS control pad.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30191
Nintendo was awarded a design patent for a new 3DS Circle Pad thumb knob design this week.
The knob includes two raised concentric rings, similar to those found on the GameCube controller's thumb stick, which should improve grip. Nintendo has not announced a 3DS redesign, but it is possible that the improvement will appear in such a revision or on the Wii U controller. The included 3DS diagram does not include an oft-requested dual Circle Pad design or any other changes to the system.
Design patent D659765 was filed for on Dec. 6, 2011 and awarded on May 15, 2012. The patent lasts for 14 years. The designers are Yuki Taniguchi and Junichiro Miyataki. A corresponding design was registered in Europe a year earlier on Dec. 10, 2010 along with the current design, so it's possible that this alternative design was discarded.
This is the 3DS revision I've been waiting for... I feel bad for those who already got a 3DS, and Nintendo deserves criticism for not including the dual circle pads on the original model from the beginning, but that's why I waited. Ever since the circle pad attachment was first rumored I knew this revision was inevitable. It takes that attachment and permanently fuses it into the handheld.
Now that the dual circle pads will be standard on all 3DS models from the point on, can we now expect more games which make use of the dual analog capability, or even require it?
The included 3DS diagram does not include an oft-requested dual Circle Pad design
Okay, maybe it hasn't been confirmed yet... but its coming. :)
Okay, maybe it hasn't been confirmed yet... but its coming. :)
I don't see it ever happening unless first some games come out that require two circle pads (not just are improved with two, but require it). If anything, support for two pads seems to have decreased among developers.
If anything, support for two pads seems to have decreased among developers.Wouldn't support increase if the right circle pad was already there?
The only exception of this being Kid Icarus: Uprising, which I think would have benefitted greatly from it, but the controls aren't game-breaking imo.Apparently it is if you're left-handed like me. Boo/hiss
I'm a lefty, and yes, I cannot play KI:U with the default controls. Completely unplayable. But I love my CPP, and it makes the game an incredible joy to play. I eagerly anticipate a revision of the 3DS with the second analog stick added in.If anything, support for two pads seems to have decreased among developers.Wouldn't support increase if the right circle pad was already there?The only exception of this being Kid Icarus: Uprising, which I think would have benefitted greatly from it, but the controls aren't game-breaking imo.Apparently it is if you're left-handed like me. Boo/hiss
I eagerly anticipate a revision of the 3DS with the second analog stick added in.+1 (I'd give you another one for being a lefty as well. We need decoder rings for our special club)
Two analogs FTW. Also... more dev support!
If anything, support for two pads seems to have decreased among developers.Wouldn't support increase if the right circle pad was already there?The only exception of this being Kid Icarus: Uprising, which I think would have benefitted greatly from it, but the controls aren't game-breaking imo.Apparently it is if you're left-handed like me. Boo/hiss
Okay, maybe it hasn't been confirmed yet... but its coming. :)
