Joystiq

Trademark for 'Circle Pad Pro' suggests new 3DS Expansion Slide Pad name

JC Fletcher — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:45:00 EST

A Japanese trademark uncovered by Siliconera offers a clue as to what Nintendo may call the 3DS Expansion Slide Pad outside of Japan -- even though the peripheral has yet to be announced for release outside of Japan. The fact that there even is such a name suggests that a western release is likely (and unsurprising).

The trademark refers to the "Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad Pro," a name reminiscent of the "Classic Controller Pro." That makes sense, as the peripherals are similar: they're both controllers with comfortable grips, and designed almost exclusively for use with a Monster Hunter game.

Trademark for 'Circle Pad Pro' suggests new 3DS Expansion Slide Pad name originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pre-order a 3DS Expansion Slide Pad in Japan, if you're into that kinda thing

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST

We are so, so not into ordering a Nintendo 3DS Expansion Slide Pad, but you may very well be. Here's hoping you also live in Japan, as the device is currently available for pre-order on Amazon in its country of origin. As previously revealed, the Slide Pad launches in Japan on December 10 for just ¥1,500 ($19.50) and works with several 3DS titles. Oh, and if you really wanna grab one and you live somewhere outside of Japan, Play-Asia's got you covered.

Of course, if you're the kind of person who's counting the days until Monster Hunter Tri-G launches, you've already pre-ordered the bizarre attachment, haven't you? You can tell us, it's okay.

Pre-order a 3DS Expansion Slide Pad in Japan, if you're into that kinda thing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We get up close and personal with the Nintendo 3DS Slidepad attachment

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:00:00 EST

As per usual, Nintendo's skipping out on the Tokyo Game Show, despite being kind of a big deal in Japan. But that doesn't mean that the Slidepad -- the 3DS' bizarro circle pad attachment -- is skipping the show as well. Capcom had Slidepads equipped on two Nintendo 3DS units at its TGS booth, and we headed over promptly this afternoon to check it out.

Here's the skinny: it's another circle pad on a 3DS. Shocking? Not exactly, but the circle pad attachment feels fine, if a bit bulky. For reasons unknown, Capcom wasn't allowing TGS attendees to use the Slidepad with any games, so we can't say for sure how it'll change gameplay. That said, the circle pad itself is identical to the already existing circle pad on the left side of the 3DS. More interestingly, the attachment also adds triggers and bolsters already existing shoulder buttons, giving the entire console more of an actual controller feel.

No doubt about it, the Slidepad is bulky and, for sure, kind of silly looking, but it also makes the portable feel more substantial in terms of control. We'll reserve our final judgment until we can spend some real time with the attachment in the coming months. That is, if it even heads to North American markets -- the Slidepad is currently slated for a December 10 launch in Japan.

Gallery: Nintendo 3DS Slidepad (TGS 2011)

We get up close and personal with the Nintendo 3DS Slidepad attachment originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo 3DS circle pad attachment coming to Japan on Dec. 10

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:45:00 EST

In the midst of revealing a new color for its latest handheld, the 3DS, Nintendo also let slip some other interesting information during its pre-Tokyo Game Show presser this afternoon in Japan. For one, the bizarro second analog nub will be arriving at Japanese retailers starting this December 10, and it'll run customers ¥1500 ($19.50).

Moreover, the Japenese console manufacturer revealed several titles that'll support the attachment, kicking off with Monster Hunter Tri G on Dec. 10th. Following Monster Hunter comes Biohazard Revelations (Resident Evil: Revelations outside of Japan), Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D, Ace Combat 3D: Cross Rumble, Dynasty Warriors VS, and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.

And finally, the "Slidepad" will require a single AAA battery for use, which indicates to us that it won't bolster the battery of the 3DS it's attached to. We're making sad faces as hard as we can right now.

Nintendo 3DS circle pad attachment coming to Japan on Dec. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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