Confirmed: Second Analog Pad Attachment for 3DS

A couple weeks ago, we reported on rumors that a redesigned 3DS was coming out—one that would be less 3D-focused and would feature a second analog pad. In addition, the rumors put forward the idea that Nintendo was hard at work on a $10-or-so attachment for the current 3DS to give players that second analog pad.

Well, as you can see from the photo above, the attachment is real. It stands to reason, then, that yes, Nintendo will be announcing a redesigned 3DS sooner rather than later, so that game developers can take advantage of the system’s new dual-analog capabilities.

God, that thing is ugly.

The photo, run as a “Secret Scoop” in Famitsu magazine, was posted on Joystiq just a few minutes ago, and they report that the attachment will also sport three more shoulder buttons. Because, why not? According to a post on Eurogamer, it seems as though the normal R1 button gets covered up by the attachment, and that the three buttons on this thing will be L2, R1, and R2 (since the system’s L1 isn’t covered up by it). Both Joystiq and Eurogamer also link this attachment to the Monster Hunter-contingent, which apparently holds some pretty strong sway in the land of the rising sun.

Now, if the attachment is indeed only 10 bucks, I might be inclined to pick it up. Part of me feels like it should just be mailed to me. Along with an apology and some more free games. I’m not totally sure that this will really alter the 3DS gaming experience, especially seeing as how there’s hardly anything good to play on the system as it is. But maybe this will make games like the Metal Gear Solid 3D remake that’s coming soon easier to play…

God dammit.

Of course, there’s still the matter of the forthcoming press event that Nintendo will be live streaming on September 12, starting at 11 p.m. EST. It’s been speculated that’s where the announcement of the redesigned 3DS will happen…and at this point, I think I’d put money on it.

Via Joystiq and Eurogamer