E3 2012: Nintendo Reportedly Planning a Larger 3DS with Second Analog Pad?

A post on Andriasang says that Japanese newspaper Nikkei has reported that Nintendo will be unveiling a new, bigger version of the 3DS handheld system at E3 tomorrow. The new version of the system will have a second analog pad, opening up tons of gameplay possibilities that the current iteration of the system can only enjoy through the Circle Pad Pro add-on.

The post notes that the new version of the system will sport a 4.3 inch screen, which is 1.5 times larger than the current version. In addition, it says that the bigger console could see a summer release in North America, Japan, and European territories.

No word on how much it might cost—though you can bet your bottom dollar it’ll probably be around $200. That’s my guess. I’d be surprised if Nintendo lowered the current system’s price and slotted the new one into the $180 spot…but who knows? This is kind of out of left field…

…only, it kind of isn’t. Way back last year when we first heard rumors about the Circle Pad Pro, we heard rumblings about a larger version of the 3DS as well. One of those predictions turned out to be true, while the other one is only rearing its head again today. Given the fact that the system’s been out for over a year, it’s conceivable that an upgraded version, especially to coincide with the Wii U’s impending release, would make a certain degree of sense. At the same time—damn. I would’ve preferred a bigger 3DS with a second pad from the outset. C’mon, Nintendo.

Stay tuned to see if this comes true…

Andriasang via Eurogamer