TGS: The 3DS Slide Pad Expansion Isn't Ridiculous
Nintendo's crazy peripheral feels better than it looks.
September 15, 2011
My first reaction when I saw Nintendo's 3DS Slide Pad Expansion was disbelief. There was no doubt in my mind the system should have always had a second analog stick, but this as a solution? This seemed to be the worst way possible to do it. A clunky cradle that adds significant bulk to an already so-so system design? Not so hot. Today, however, my opinion is changing a bit. I've had time to hold the device in my hands. Honestly, it's not that bad.
First and foremost, the Slide Pad Expansion is light. Despite the peripheral's size, it doesn't add much to the overall weight of the system. (It is worth noting though that I don't know if the AAA battery was installed into the device.) In some ways you'd be pressed to know anything significant had been added. That's definitely good news.
Despite its size, the Expansion is very comfortable. Gripping a 3DS encased in one is not cumbersome at all due to the curve of its shell, and I found myself naturally finding the system's two R buttons and two L buttons. Of course, the increased size is a double-edged sword. In some ways the 3DS is easier to hold than before. However that comes with a cost - with the Expansion, the 3DS is far less portable.
One thing to note - because it expands the right side of the 3DS so much, the Expansion "replaces" the traditional R button with one of its own. However on the left side, the system's own L button can still easily be used. The Expansion basically features three of its own shoulder buttons, one of which covers an existing button. The microphone jack and volume slider are still easily accessible.
The positioning of the second circle pad is the only part that worries me. Though it's possible to reach the four main face buttons on the 3DS, it is slightly awkward, partly due to the position and partly due to the distance, which feels just slightly greater than it should be. I have reasonably long fingers, but those of you with smaller hands may struggle. It will be interesting to see if that immediate discomfort subsides with more hands-on experience.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to play a game using the Expansion. That would answer a number of questions, including whether thumb movement from the second pad to the face buttons is actually an issue or just temporary. Similarly, it will be interesting to see how effective the new L and R buttons are. The L2/R2 buttons have a surprising amount of give - I'm curious if they're actually analog inputs.
There are plenty of questions still regarding the device's use within games as well as how Nintendo plans to market and use it. Remember, the Expansion requires a battery of its own, and will likely cost about $20 if it's ever released in the United States. Critically, however, what Nintendo has designed isn't as awkward as it looks in pictures. It's also necessary for many games - the faster I don't have to rotate a camera with a gyroscope or digital inputs, the better.
A few more notes for you, particularly regarding the photos in the article. First, the empty shell references a "requirement" for gamers to attach a Wii Remote-esque wrist strap. Nothing like that was present during my hands-on with the system. The 3DS was, however, attached to a model, which is the cord you'll see extending from the bottom of the system in one picture.
Lastly, we'll have a video of the Expansion ready shortly. Check back to see the 3DS peripheral in glorious motion.