3DS Prototype with Swappable Inputs

By Jorge Ba-oh 27.01.2011 10

3DS Prototype with Swappable Inputs on Nintendo gaming news, videos and discussion

In the latest Iwata Asks feature, Nintendo shared a pair of prototypes for the upcoming 3DS console today, including one with customisable input positions.

The new console's layout and feel is set in stone until the obligatory lighter/smaller versions, but to get to this point Nintendo's research team had been hard at work with prototypes made to discuss and agree on button placement, screen sizing and more.

One of the big issues was where to place the Circle Pad and the regular D-pad. Above or below? Nintendo even had a working unit that allowed the two to be swapped like ickle LEGO blocks. Nintendo even joked about including that as a feature in the retail version.

Image for 3DS Prototype with Swappable Inputs


After many revisions, decisions and even stamping on prototypes, the final hardware was ready to be massed produced in time for the worldwide February/March release.

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Vorash Kadan 27.01.2011#1

I don't know.....it could be because I have a psp3000 but I'm used to the analog stick being underneath. I guess I'd feel like I'm reaching over one to get to the other & it might feel weird at first....but I'll get used to it. Smilie

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EdEN is offline. EdEN 27.01.2011#2

The swapping "D Pad and Analog" was an interesting idea but my guess is they decided against it since the risk of people loosing one or the other or the kids filling up the swap spots with food and whatnots was very high.

 
Darkflame is offline. Darkflame 27.01.2011#3

Well, you'd always be reaching over one to get to the other either way around so its tricky however you do it.
The only solution I see would be to have the dpad slide out the side Smilie

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SirLink is offline. SirLink 27.01.2011#4

"Build your own 3DS" Smilie

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Agul is offline. Agul 27.01.2011#5

Hmm... fascinating.

Personally, I wish they added a second Circle Pad to the right of the 3DS' touch screen and below the A, B, X, & Y buttons. Their placement and that of the Select and Start buttons would need to be shifted a bit, but I believe having a second Circle Pad would be a great benefit.

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Lynk is offline. Lynk 27.01.2011#6

I think the new PSP has dual-analogue input. It only took portables 16 or so years to catch up.

The 3DS gets away with the lack of DA because of the touch-screen, but it would have been nice.

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Wolvesgod is offline. Wolvesgod 27.01.2011#7

the 3DS could've been able to play GBA? -_- now i'm hurting, someone stole my DSlite.

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PMD is offline. PMD 27.01.2011#8

You guys realize that the prototype is just a rewired DSlite, right? It's was never meant to be a 3DS prototype, just a test model for control configurations.

I don't mind the lack of dual analogue since I've never actually played a game that requires 2 analogue sticks. In GC games, the right stick could be used for the camera or quick-switching, but the 3DS has a touch screen for those things.

 
Faust_D is offline. Faust_D 27.01.2011#9

PMD said:
You guys realize that the prototype is just a rewired DSlite, right? It's was never meant to be a 3DS prototype, just a test model for control configurations.

I don't mind the lack of dual analogue since I've never actually played a game that requires 2 analogue sticks. In GC games, the right stick could be used for the camera or quick-switching, but the 3DS has a touch screen for those things.

Actually, the wanting of a second analogue is more to do with lefties having less accurate control available to them in for instance FPSes.

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Agul is offline. Agul 28.01.2011#10

Sony's PSP successor (codenamed: NGP - Next Gen Portable) has both dual analog sticks and a touch screen plus a rear touch pad. It's actually quite slick.

http://psp.ign.com/articles/114/1146358p1.html

Sony's touting it's graphical capabilities as rivaling the PS3. Given that, and the other announced features it's going to have, I think we can expect the price to rival the PS3's launch price, as well. Smilie Their earnings might end up in the red again. Smilie

( Edited 28.01.2011 01:07 by MechaG2 )

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