Topic: 3DS XL Circle Pad Pro Coming 2012

[King Bowser Koopa]

Lefties rejoice! The new Circle Pad Pro is coming this year.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30883

To accompany Nintendo's newly designed handheld, a new version of the Circle Pad Pro will be released later this year.

The original device added, on top of some extra weight and mass to the 3DS, a second circle pad for games that required a little extra aiming precision. It also granted left-handed gamers the ability to play Kid Icarus Uprising without conforming to the awkward right-handed control scheme.

As for the new model of the peripheral, no news besides a "2012 release" has been announced, and as of the time of reporting, there's no confirmation that it will be sold outside of Japan. Hopefully we'll have some pictures of the new device soon.

[Tora]

First. 

Looks good.  I was just saying on ZU forums that Nintendo didn't know what they where doing with all this circle pad (Or lack thereof) shenanigans.  If it's still sold only in GameStop, that's beyond my comprehension.

Still don't see why It couldn't be built in, but whatever.

Might just pick up a XL instead with I find it cheap on Amazon or whatever.

[fordrob]

And we thought the FIRST one was the Frankenstick...

[Adrock]

In a move that surprises no one...

Man, I can't wait for the XL!

[BlackNMild2k1]

Didnt Nintendo just say that there were no plans to release a CPP XL?

Now maybe some people will stop taking company PR as gospel and realize that certain people are not allowed to talk about certain things until the company as a whole is ready to talk about certain things.

So "no plans" today, could be announced tomorrow, and we've seen that happen on numerous occasions now.

In a move that surprises no one...

Man, I can't wait for the XL!

You really should wait for the XLi.
CPP will be built in.

[ejamer]

Well, it's not like it makes the XL model less portable in a meaningful way...


Still, I see this as good news.  Not releasing a Circle Pad Pro XL would've been a real disappointment as it would limit that hardware - even if only marginally.

[Chozo Ghost]

This makes me optimistic that dual analog is still on Nintendo's radar, and since I don't think the XL will be the only 3DS revision, I'm hopeful they will still integrate it at some point in the future.

[broodwars]

Well, this is why Nintendo didn't do what (almost) everyone wanted & just put a 2nd circle pad into the 3DS XL. "Why just give it away when you can charge people (who probably already paid $20 for the original CPP) $20 MORE for that functionality?"

[Vahne]

@Tora

Triggers, that's why.

[house3136]

 $20 for a completely optional accessory on top of a $200 handheld doesn’t seem unreasonable. And I highly doubt Nintendo is releasing CPP XL to squeeze a few extra bucks out, because they have no intention of using it. And I don’t recall them ever even acknowledging the original CPP; as far as they’re concerned, it doesn’t even exist. Also, a second circle pad fragments the userbase. How do you sell a 3DS with two circle pads next to another that doesn’t? Nintendo doesn’t want to force someone to purchase a CPP to play one of their future games. The way it is now if fine, developers cans still create games that support dual analog, just not as the only control method. The 3DS XL also seems like a more cost conscious model aimed at making a profit day one.

[Pixelated Pixies]

Wow, Nintendo. Just wow. The whole circle pad thing was already pretty ridculous. What better opportunity than a hardware revision to put this whole debacle behind us? I expected Nintendo to do one of two things. They could of course have added a second Circle Pad to any new hardware revision. Or opt not to add one and and move on, forgetting that the CPP ever happened. Too be honest, I would have been happy with either.
 
Instead, what we have is a weird situation where Nintendo are releasing a revision to the 3DS but still offering this ridiculous accessory which adds additional functionality. Either the system needs a second analogue input or it doesn't! If it does, add it. If it doesn't, don't put the onus on customer's to purchase an accessory that might or might not improve the playability of certain games.
 
I'm sure the reason that the CPP still needed to be supported with this revision (and I would imagine all subsequent revisions) is because of Monster Hunter, but again I would ask why not just include a second Circle Pad on the system? This doesn't affect me at all because I have no intention of upgrading to the XL, but I'm still incredulous as to Nintendo's listless approach to...well...everything of late.

[Chozo Ghost]

they have no intention of using it.

Well, I'm not sure about all the games that do support it, but one game I do know supports it is Kid Icarus and that is a 1st party game, so Nintendo definitely does support it (at least for that one game).

Wasn't there talk about Luigi's Mansion supporting it as well?

[AV]

The only thing you can do is just fucken laugh your ass off. NINTENDO IS DOOMED!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Adrock]

You really should wait for the XLi.
CPP will be built in.

Ha, yeah. I could see Nintendo releasing a 3DSi/XL. If it's anything like the DSi, that wouldn't be for a while. And like DSi with its cameras and bumped up specs, including a right circle pad at that point probably wouldn't change the way people view the collective platform.

I'm sure the reason that the CPP still needed to be supported with this revision (and I would imagine all subsequent revisions) is because of Monster Hunter, but again I would ask why not just include a second Circle Pad on the system? This doesn't affect me at all because I have no intention of upgrading to the XL, but I'm still incredulous as to Nintendo's listless approach to...well...everything of late.

There were pros and cons to including the right circle pad with the XL. Nintendo chose the path of least resistance, to side-launch the XL as an option rather than relaunch the entire platform, if that makes sense. The Internet is nerd-raging, but they'll get over it and it costs them nothing to get over it. Nintendo wanted to offer an XL model, but adding functionality to the XL would put Nintendo in the same position. People would just complain that there's no standard 3DS with built-in circle pad. If they then offered that, they would effectively be relaunching the 3DS for something that would always remain optional and not every game even needs. It probably costs more to make a Circle Pad Pro XL than have it built-in, but it probably costs even more than that to launch 2 entirely new models with added functionality.

By offering a Circle Pad Pro XL, Nintendo is effectively telling people what they have all along: this is just an XL model. It's not replacing anything. Current owners like myself can upgrade on their own volition, but are by no means obligated to. Yeah, it should have been there from the beginning, but it wasn't. People need to move on. I'm a little confused why you, who admittedly has no intention of upgrading to the XL, are still so upset about this. Seriously...

[Aero Leviathan]

Can someone from NWR staff please translate the relevant section for confirmation?


I am desperately looking for some way to not have to believe this...

[Pixelated Pixies]

I'm a little confused why you, who admittedly has no intention of upgrading to the XL, are still so upset about this. Seriously...

It's not upset at all. I am, however, absolutely bewildered.

Nintendo have shown historically that they are willing to upgrade their hardware, even if means souring existing owners of that system. The DSi introduced several additional features which were not available to existing DS owners, but Nintendo were willing to implement these new features because they had the opportunity to so (what else is a revision if not an opportunity to make improvements?). What Nintendo have done by announcing that there will be a XL CPP equivalent is that they expect there to be more games which might require or be improved by a second Circle Pad, but that they're still not willing/able to build it into the system. I'm not upset by this, I just think the logic is ridiculous.

[Adrock]

Okay, replace "upset" with "bewildered." I don't understand why you're bewildered by this.

DSi came out nearly 4 years after DS launched in Japan. That's a completely different situation. DS already established itself whereas 3DS is still kind of new. The XL isn't a revision per se. It's not replacing the standard 3DS like Lite replaced the original DS. Nothing is getting phased out. It's not even the DSi to the DS. It's literally the DSi XL to the DSi. It's not a new recipe; it's a larger box. Nintendo is releasing the Circle Pad Pro XL for parity so XL owners can play the exact same games as the standard 3DS without sending mixed messages to consumers.

Nintendo could have included the right circle pad very easily. They chose not to and for a very simple reason: it's just a large model. Nothing more, nothing less. Again, it's the path of least resistance which oddly enough is the opposite of what their doing with Wii U where it's like they want the most resistance. The difference is that Nintendo is launching Wii U that way. While a bit confusing at first, that's not the same as launching a different model with additional functionality.

[Pixelated Pixies]

Okay, replace "upset" with "bewildered." I don't understand why you're bewildered by this.

DSi came out nearly 4 years after DS launched in Japan. That's a completely different situation. DS already established itself whereas 3DS is still kind of new. The XL isn't a revision per se. It's not replacing the standard 3DS like Lite replaced the original DS. Nothing is getting phased out. It's not even the DSi to the DS. It's literally the DSi XL to the DSi. It's not a new recipe; it's a larger box. Nintendo is releasing the Circle Pad Pro XL for parity so XL owners can play the exact same games as the standard 3DS without sending mixed messages to consumers.

Nintendo could have included the right circle pad very easily. They chose not to and for a very simple reason: it's just a large model.

True, the DSi example isn't perhaps directly comparable, but I'm still adamant that creating a second version of what was already a pretty ridiculous accessory is silly. If they went to the trouble of creating a brand new version of the CPP exclusively for the XL, they could just as easily have added a second one to the system. I don't think that the inclusion of second Circle Pad would have required that it be thought of as an update to the 3DS (although people who think a second one is necessary might think in those terms). I would argue that it's inclusion would just be parity of a different sort, parity with what the 3DS is currently capable of doing (i.e. have a second circle pad) if not parity with how the system launched. I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.

[Adrock]

You're entitled to disagree. I simply don't think it's that easy. The Circle Pad Pro also has 2 additional shoulder buttons (technically, 3 but the 3rd one is just another R button for easier reach). I was unaware of this when I first thought they should integrate the CPP's functionality into a new model. That complicates things. It could work, but the XL as constructed was the most straight forward solution. This standardizes and stabilizes the 3DS. The XL looks and functions exactly like a 3DS because it is just a 3DS.

I wouldn't say no to an XL with an integrated CPP because what I really want are the larger screens. I'm only getting the CPP because I'm left handed. I can see both sides to this. All things considered, I think Nintendo made the right call. The XL is the overall easiest approach. Nintendo doesn't want people thinking they can do more or different things with this model. They only have to market the larger screens. It's focused and ultimately, a better choice.

[Hey Einstein!]

Dear The Internet
Please calm yourself over all things related to 2nd circle pads on the 3DS, be it XLs, Frankensticks or imaginary future redesigns.


There are 4 reasons for this:


1. If you MUST have 2 stick portable game play you can! Please buy a Vita. This is not cheating and guilt does not have to dominate your choices.


2. Nintendo were never going to ignore potential XL owners when selling Monster Hunter 4. Do you struggle with feelings of anxiety? Remember to breathe.


3. TTBOMK there are 2 3DS games that support 2 sticks in the west and only 1 on the horizon. The frankenstick/CPP XL will be just another footnote in the list of Nintendo peripherals that didn't get a lot of support after release. Do you struggle with pattern recognition in daily life? Help is available.


4. So long as decent games keep coming out you will be fine. I sense you have trust issues, you'd be surprised how much progress even you can make in this area.


Your sincerely
A smug but concerned friend.

[Ceric]

I hope the larger CPP doubles as a Panini press.

[Chozo Ghost]

The frankenstick/CPP XL will be just another footnote in the list of Nintendo peripherals that didn't get a lot of support after release.

I disagree, because there is a need for it and that need is not going to fade away. Other peripherals are not necessary or are based on a gimmick, but dual analog is not a gimmick, it is an industry standard. It will never fade away. Its not as though we're talking about R.O.B. or the Super Scope or the Wii Balance Board here.

[Hey Einstein!]

I disagree, because there is a need for it and that need is not going to fade away. Other peripherals are not necessary or are based on a gimmick, but dual analog is not a gimmick, it is an industry standard. It will never fade away. Its not as though we're talking about R.O.B. or the Super Scope or the Wii Balance Board here.

Nintendo made more games for R.O.B. then they have made/announced for the CPP - 2!
The balance board had more 3rd party support.


I disagree that dual analog sticks will never fade away. Everything changes.
Also, as another comment has mentioned, my favourite thing about playing Revelations with the CPP was the triggers and not the second circle stick. I don't think anybody seriously expects a portable device with extra triggers, which is a shame. I'm playing Resistance Burning Skies at the moment and it's a big let down, partly because the grenade throwing etc is a mess without out the extra triggers. I would love a COD title for CPP but I'm not holding my breath.

[ejamer]

...
3. TTBOMK there are 2 3DS games that support 2 sticks in the west and only 1 on the horizon. The frankenstick/CPP XL will be just another footnote in the list of Nintendo peripherals that didn't get a lot of support after release. Do you struggle with pattern recognition in daily life? Help is available.
...

* Metal Gear doesn't just support the Circle Pad Pro attachment, it virtually requires it.
* Resident Evil Revelations gets a nice, but not essential, boost from having the accessory.
* Kid Icarus Uprising uses it, but I don't even know how.


I don't know about you, but that list makes up three of the top four games on the system in my opinion. 
More importantly, Capcom's Monster Hunter games are being designed specifically for the Circle Pad Pro and optimized with the extra slide pad and triggers.  Those games are almost certain to jump to the top of my list, and are a huge part of why I purchased a 3DS in the first place.


Maybe you don't care about Circle Pad Pro support and are happy to make smug remarks, but I do care.  Seeing them built-in on the 3DS XL would've made the system an "instant buy" for me.  Instead Nintendo took the ridiculous route of creating an absurdly over-sized accessory that kills any interest I have in upgrading.  Not a big deal because I'm no worse off... but disappointing that they don't seem to care about the gaming experiences I am interested in.


Also, people need to drop this "Triggers!" crap.  It would be possible to add an extra set of triggers to the already over-sized 3DS XL design if Nintendo deemed the change worthwhile, the trick is that Nintendo doesn't care about doing anything or helping anything that isn't going to immediately benefit them.

[Adrock]

* Kid Icarus Uprising uses it, but I don't even know how.

It's for the left handed option. I've heard from most places that lefties, like myself, almost need the CPP to play the game. Other places have said that lefties can make do with the regular control scheme.

I played and loved Resident Evil Revelations and I didn't use the Circle Pad Pro once. It's a nice option but I've yet to play a 3DS game that was unplayable without a right circle pad. Uprising may be the first since I'm left handed. No, I haven't played Snake Eater. I plan on getting the HD Collection on PS3.

And the triggers change everything. A DSi XL which is just about the same size as the 3DS XL fits into my pocket. Add any height (or thickness if you want to use that) to that and it wouldn't. It's still mean to be somewhat portable. Sony was smart enough not to include the triggers and they really want people to think of Vita as a portable PS3. No one is saying that Nintendo can't include the extra triggers, but it would make the system more unwieldy. And I disagree. Keeping the design consistent with the standard 3DS absolutely benefits Nintedo immediately. In terms of marketing, this is the lesser of the 2 evils. This doesn't confuse people.