Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad Review
We get a hands on look at Nintendo's 3DS add-on.
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When Nintendo announced that they were releasing a peripheral to add dual analog, I, like many others, was intrigued, yet skeptical. I didn't really follow the attachment for a while until it came out touting support for Resident Evil Revelations, Metal Gear Solid 3D Snake Eater, and Monster Hunter 4. The thought of having an extra analog for camera control is really enticing, so I bought one of the Circle Pad pro's as of February 7th.
Once I opened the box the first thing I noticed about the accessory was the size of it... It's huge. That's not really a major detriment, but it does cause a logistical problem of being able to put the sleek 3DS system into your pocket. The Circle Pad Pro does not physically connect to the system at all though, so attaching it to your 3DS and removing it is quick and easy. The Circle Pad Pro interacts with the 3DS using the console's integrated Infra-Red sensor. Though, this does mean that the accessory requires it's own battery, just one AAA battery (included in the box). The nature of the device does mean that the battery lasts a very long time. The Circle Pad Pro only uses power if a supported game detects that it is there. Also included in the box is a new Nintendo wrist strap. The Circle Pad Pro has a slot for the wrist strap, it is exclusively on the right side of the unit.
The 3DS console just slides into the Circle Pad pro, and the attachment has a conformed pistol like grip to make holding the 3DS much more comfortable. Your fingers sit easily on the shoulder buttons on the back and they feel very clicky. The actual extra circle pad feels just like the build in one. It feels very fluid and natural, however, it does have some issues with half motions at quick speeds. The issues with the circle pad does make quick minute movements a problem in games like Resident Evil Revelations and Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater. No part of the Circle Pad pro feels cheap or uncomfortable. It feels very solid in your hands and has some decent weight to it.
There is much speculation that Nintendo is going to re-release the 3DS later with the extra circle pad already integrated into it. Though, who knows if or when that may happen, so for now, if you want extra camera controls for games like Resident Evil Revelations or Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater then spending $20-25 at your local Game Stop (yes, they're the only store that's carrying it right now) is a worthy investment. It may not be the prettiest accessory, but it's really helpful for a few games now, and several in the future.
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