Nintendo Introduces Dual Analog (for ants) stick New 3DS/XL - Japan exclusive (possibly for now)

[GoodBytes]

In the latest Nintendo Direct, The Verge reports, Nintendo introduces the New 3DS and 3DS XL portable console which features dual analogue stick for games like Monster Hunter, which required an add-on, previously.

The console looks identical, beside the colored buttons, but the gray button that looks larger then the other, is actually the second analogue stick. Not shown is that both console also features a pair of new shoulder buttons, labeled ZL and ZR.

Other changes is the console now takes microSD card and not SD Card (probably in order to fit the added button, that would be my guess), better CPU, improved battery. includes NFC for support for the upcoming Nintendo Amiibo system, and improved stereoscopic 3D display.

Polygon:

Additionally, the system will features a better CPU than previous models, according to Nintendo, which allows for faster eShop browsing and downloading. It is also set to come with a built-in NFC on the bottom touchscreen for the upcoming launch of the amiibo NFC models, while sliding custom covers will also come with the device, allowing owners to customize the hardware. Nintendo also claims that stereoscopic 3D will also be better than it was in previous devices.

The Verge:

The new designs, introduced during a Japanese Nintendo Direct video event today, have tiny analog pads just above the action buttons. Nintendo likens the pad to the GameCube controller's infamous "C-stick" secondary analog. There are also a pair of new shoulder buttons, labeled ZL and ZR, which are situated next to the existing buttons. The 3DS' shape has also been rounded to better mirror the 3DS XL.

[...]

Other changes include a switch from SD Card to microSD, and a replaceable battery that's apparently good for seven hours of 3DS gameplay. As well as announcing the hardware refresh, Nintendo also revealed that the new 3DS will have exclusive software. A port of the Wii RPG Xenoblade Chronicles is coming exclusively to the new 3DS and 3DS XL, making use of its extra hardware buttons and improved processor. It's not exactly the best news for current 3DS owners, but it's worth noting that Nintendo had similar exclusives for the DSi, and they were the exception rather than the rule. It's unlikely the company will release anything other than niche titles exclusively for the new system.

The console is sold in Japan only (no information about other countries). It replaces the add-on for the, now, old 3DS, as shown bellow:

And be available Oct. 11

No information if it will come outside of Japan.

Source: http://www.theverge.com/2014/8/29/6082243/nintendo-new-3ds-and-3ds-xl-announcement

Source 2: http://www.nineinchsandwich.com/?p=9465

Source 3: http://www.polygon.com/2014/8/29/6082241/nintendo-reveals-the-new-nintendo-3ds

Update:

From Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/nintendo-just-announced-a-new-3ds-1628389333)

Note: "3DS LL" is known here as "3DS XL"

Improved 3D with face tracking

Bottom of the device shows the microSD card slot (bottom cover removed to show the 'internals')

The device also has covers that are changeable.

Thanks to @skywake and @HellaflushMcSwaggins for the updates

[dlf]

I'd presume it's coming to the west, would be strange to keep it Japan only less it was region free.

[Mooshi]

...

 

A tech form created by a Canadian with many North American and Euro members..and we get news of a Japanese only exclusive?

 

WHY?

 

I was kind of excited until I got to the end.

[helping]

you mean analog, right?
 

analogue is a bit different

[AnnoyedShelf]

zL and zR aren't new, they're on the circle pad pro...

[AnnoyedShelf]

And the circle pad pro wasn't japan exclusive.... I bought mine at a local gamestop, all documentation in english.

[ShadowCaptain]

FINALLY

 

although weird design, why did they not just 2 full size circle pads and the ABXY buttons below?

 

That would be fantastic

[Trik'Stari]

How does this qualify as news?

[dlf]

FINALLY

although weird design, why did they not just 2 full size circle pads and the ABXY buttons below?

That would be fantastic

I'm thinking if you put under the buttons and above the start/select it'd cut into your palm some, they probably didn't want that. I'd presume the next handheld will have a larger base to put it there.

[Antistatic12]

hmm interesting. I thought the 3DS XL would be the last until next gen.
I might just upgrade from my XL for those buttons. Should make playing Smash Bros easier.
I wonder if the new Pokemon game will take the new buttons and use them, probably just quick select buttons.

[JAKEBAB]

Got excited about this until I saw it was jap exclusive might buy one from there think it's time to upgrade from my dsi lol

[Misanthrope]

Reminds me of the little clit nob you used to get on laptops

[ThreePinkApples]

It will most likely come to Europe and US next year.

 

Using "Japan exclusive" in the title without Nintendo stating so is wrong

[ShadowCaptain]

I'm thinking if you put under the buttons and above the start/select it'd cut into your palm some, they probably didn't want that. I'd presume the next handheld will have a larger base to put it there.

 

I meant mirror it with the other side, but ABXY where the dpad is (but on the right) and put the second stick above it

[TheProfosist]

FINALLY

although weird design, why did they not just 2 full size circle pads and the ABXY buttons below?

That would be fantastic

Cause its not a main thing and is used in I think 3 games (at least for the us). Also how many game on it would actually benefit?

hmm interesting. I thought the 3DS XL would be the last until next gen.

I might just upgrade from my XL for those buttons. Should make playing Smash Bros easier.

I wonder if the new Pokemon game will take the new buttons and use them, probably just quick select buttons.

Na Nintendo always does stuff like this, just like all their system addons.

I doubt they will due to small market penetration on the new device.

Reminds me of the little clit nob you used to get on laptops

You mean track point that you still get on almost every enterprise grade laptop?

[TheProfosist]

It will most likely come to Europe and US next year.

Using "Japan exclusive" in the title without Nintendo stating so is wrong

It'll probably be like the Wii classic pro controller. Us gets it once its irrelevant.

[ShadowCaptain]

Cause its not a main thing and is used in I think 3 games (at least for the us). Also how many game on it would actually benefit?

 

 

All of the games that SHOULD have a second stick

 

Or the games that could use it 

[Vitalius]

you mean analog, right?

 

analogue is a bit different

...?

Google corrects Analogue to Analog. 

[TopWargamer]

I must get it. Looks awesome.

[TheProfosist]

All of the games that SHOULD have a second stick

Or the games that could use it

Well which others could use it and for 4 games the adapter is good enough. In Japan though monster hunter is super popular.

...?

Google corrects Analogue to Analog.

British English vs american English?

[helping]

...?

Google corrects Analogue to Analog.

which is partially incorrect of them in this situation

I've never once in my life seen "analogue" versus analog stick. If that's the general name of the device and not a description, I don't think it's interchangeable.

 

Analog is more common and clear/specific imo.

 

British English vs american English?

if that's the case then we're in a really odd spot

All my life I've never seen analog used in place of analogue, and have seen analog historically referring to joysticks.

it seems analog is more applicable to electronics, where the "analogue" is the more standard word with the typical definition.

[Misanthrope]

The enterprise laptop I was given a few years back didn't have one but yeah that one

[beebskadoo]

I would get a DS, but the games are too Damn costly!

[ShadowCaptain]

Well which others could use it and for 4 games the adapter is good enough. In Japan though monster hunter is super popular.

 

 

What I mean is, future games now have another feature to take advantage of, a lot of games you have to hold L or R and use the stick to move the camera instead of having free camera control

[PopReference]

Just gonna leave this in here and see if anyone notices:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/analogue