3DS XL Circle Pad Pro pre-orders open in North America

The Nintendo 3DS's Circle Pad Pro was a curious accessory, a clunky thing adding a second analogue nub and two extra shoulder buttons to make the handheld less rubbish for console-y action games. It's mostly forgotten, only supported by a few games and incompatible with the updated 3DS XL. But hey, if you do own the big 3DS and want in on the analogue fun, Nintendo is finally releasing the XL version in North America this week.

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The Nintendo 3DS's Circle Pad Pro was a curious accessory, a clunky thing adding a second analogue nub and two extra shoulder buttons to make the handheld less rubbish for console-y action games. It's mostly forgotten, only supported by a few games and incompatible with the updated 3DS XL. But hey, if you do own the big 3DS and want in on the analogue fun, Nintendo is finally releasing the XL version in North America this week.

If you're up for it, you can pre-order the add-on now for $19.99 (via Capcom). Nintendo will start shipping them on Friday.

Nintendo unveiled the XL Circle Pad Pro in September 2012, then released it in Japan in November. Europe got it in March through alongside the launch of the compatible Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, and now it'll finally arrive in North America.

Other games supporting the add-on include Resident Evil: Revelations, Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance]. If you're a big fan of any of those games it may be of interest, but don't expect widespread support.

From The Chatty
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    April 18, 2013 7:30 AM

    Alice O'Connor posted a new article, 3DS XL Circle Pad Pro pre-orders open in North America.

    The Nintendo 3DS's Circle Pad Pro was a curious accessory, a clunky thing adding a second analogue nub and two extra shoulder buttons to make the handheld less rubbish for console-y action games. It's mostly forgotten, only supported by a few games and incompatible with the updated 3DS XL. But hey, if you do own the big 3DS and want in on the analogue fun, Nintendo is finally releasing the XL version in North America this week.

    • reply
      April 18, 2013 7:48 AM

      Can owners of a regular 3DS and a Circle Pad Pro provide any feedback on the peripheral? Does it feel as awkward as it looks? Most games don't need it, but I think playing Resident Evil with it would be fun and feel more natural; movement and aiming feels more natural in 3D games these days when I have two analog sticks instead of one.

      • reply
        April 18, 2013 7:53 AM

        Before I sold my OG 3DS to a buddy, I remember not really liking the add-on for Resident Evil and MGS3. I don't think I had trained my thumb to the resistance on the slide pad though, whereas I've gotten used to it with my left thumb.

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