Rumor: 3DS hardware redesign in the cards

[wraggster]

With the recent 3DS price cuts, Nintendo has already proven it'll take drastic steps to kickstart the portable. According to a recent report, the system could soon be revamped with a second analog stick, a lessened focus on 3D as a gimmick and perhaps a new name. That's according to a source speaking to French site 01net.

According to the report, second-stick functionality would come in the form of a $10 add-on peripheral that's currently in development. 01.net's source submits that the recent $80 drop serves a dual purpose of building interest in the system, but also cleaning out old stock. Now, assuming 01.net's report that the second stick is still at the R&D phase, it seems a bit early for a 3DS Uno fire sale, but we suppose stranger things have happened.

What's that? The whole thing sounds preposterous? Fair. But know that 01net recently reported accurately on the PS Vita and Wii U before they were public knowledge, so don't be too quick to dismiss it from consideration.http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/rumor-3ds-hardware-redesign-in-the-cards/

[LDAsh]

Preposterous. Gluing another button onto the thing is not going to save its ass. Get a clue, Nintendo.

It's a "game console", right? -> GAAAAME <-, the keyword, and maybe why folks bought the thing in the first place. Time to put some good ones onto the platform, I think. Anyone remember what a good game is? Those are the ones that "gamers" actually enjoy, not "the average consumer". Time to wash dirty hands of the DS shovelware days and begin giving developers a good whipping. Let the iPods and iPads keep all the Bejeweled clones and other simplistic concepts, and force the 3DS to become THE hardcore handheld gaming platform. Glue as many buttons onto it as you want, only the actual GAMES can make it so.

[Shrygue]

Agreed, I could not have said it any better. In fact, since 3DS launch day I've not bought a single game for that format at all as there's nothing really appealing for it right now.