Why do you think Nintendo add the second slide pad originally for the 3DS?

I've wanted to buy a handheld console for as far back as I can remember. What has been holding me back from buying one is the fact that they don't have two analog sticks/slide pads. It may not seem like a big deal for some of you, but for me it's been a deciding factor. Finally a handheld is coming out with two analog sticks next year in the states in the PS Vita and Nintendo seems to be trying to do something along those lines with adding a peripherial for the 3DS that adds a second slide pad as well as the rumours about them redesigning the 3DS to have a two slide pads built in. So why didn't Nintendo include it to begin with? Before the price was also too high for me because the only game I wanted at the time was Ocarina of Time. But now the only thing preventing me from getting one is the second slide pad. Also should I wait for the redesign or buy a 3DS now and buy the peripheral once games start using the second slide pad in the future? And why do you think Nintendo didn't add the second slide pad in the first place?

No one really knows. The way technology works something better is always going to come out. Whether they add the slide pad to a redesign is speculation but it's probably something they are talking about. I just went ahead and bought one, I will be getting the add on also, while it does look dumb I don't really take my 3ds out with me to play in public so it doesn't bother me much.

Also there are a lot of good games coming out this year and next so that is also something to consider if waiting is worth it, and all depending on if they do make a redesign.

I think it was pressure from investors and developers.

I see your point. I'm thinking of going ahead and buying the 3DS next month for Super Mario 3D Land, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and the new Resident Evil game. I wouldn't use it for gaming on the go so it would just be something to play while I'm on the couch and don't feel like playing something on my other consoles. The only reason I think the speculation might turn out to be true somewhere down the lines is because Nintendo does Redesigns a lot for the handhelds and I figured this might be part of it. I think there were at least 2 redesigned DS's. One with the added camera DSi and then the DSi XL.

I'm in the exact same boat as you TC. I have a sickening feeling deep down that Nintendo will redesign their 3DS and produce something along the lines of a 3DS Lite or something. My mouth is watering from all the games though.

Have you played DS or Wii at all?These systems don't use a second analog stick.

Same here, I still don't know if I should get a 3ds now or wait, I'll probably wait for a redesign.

I am waiting for the 3DS Lite.-CheeseEater-

Not happening... Do not count on a massively improved battery life either... Comes with the 3D and the added power.

Capcom pressured them into adding the second stick.

I personally don't think it's necessary. Heck, the first analog stick wasn't necessary. The DS worked fine with just a D-pad. But I guess options aren't bad. The 3DS is already tiny so I don't mind the add-on, I doubt I'll need the add-on much anyway.

They originally wanted a 2nd Slide Pad for the 3DS but at the time they couldn't see a way to add it with the current look of the system. Their was no room internally so they figured they would release and when they figure it out they will release it standard in a new 3DS.

Then the people that bought the 3DS before it can get the add-on if they want Dual Slide Pads plus two new trigger buttons.