Iwata defends decision to leave second stick off 3DS XL
Friday, July 13, 2012 5:23 PM
Nintendo's president Satoru Iwata has defended the company's decision not to incorporate a second analog stick within the design of its new 3DS XL handheld.
Despite the device being 46 per cent more bulky than its predecessor, the 3DS, Iwata says that to include the feature would have meant reducing the size of the batteries or making the unit even bigger.
Adopting a bullish tone, Iwata, who said he was "quite happy" with the product, told the Independent: "Though it perhaps puts a burden on people that really want that second stick, it's a call we had to make and these people will have to live with it."
Although the handheld will get an add-on later this year when the 3DS XL Circle Pad Pro launches, Iwata's explanation left some fans less than impressed.
"Erm, the PS Vita is smaller than the XL and has 2 sticks. Maybe Sony has better engineers," quipped one forum user.
Others took umbrage with Iwata's tone: "'Live with it'? Challenge accepted Nintendo. You and your arrogance will be your downfall, mark my words."