No, this isn't a DOA topic. But it is related to the 3DS. I was listening to a recent NWR (in which Pandareus got name-checked for his absurd Pac-Man CE scores!), and the Japanese correspondent, after a hands-on with Kid Ic, mentioned that it was a bit hard to hold the system steady while using the stylus and the analog pad. Somewhat like Metroid Prime Hunters, I'd imagine, but the problem is exacerbated here, since steadiness is needed to maintain the 3D effect. Seems like a potential problem.

So how well do you guys cope with one-handed DS gaming? I've always found it quite uncomfortable, and, as such, have primarily played those games by propping the DS up on a surface while lying on my stomach. That's also why I kind of don't like using the triggers as the primary action buttons in those games, but whatever.

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I can do it, but it is a little uncomfortable... Stlus controls in an FPS are pretty worth it. About as precise as you can get aside from mouse and keyboard.

I have never tried one-handed play on the DS. How do you reach everything quickly with one hand?

You don't. Typically those games just use one button (the L Trigger).

@Simbabbad
Keep in mind that there is some degree of auto-aim. That could help, if implemented well.

@autokymatic
Omigod, I have so many ideas for goofy, but useful high-quality peripherals. One of my secret ambitions is to start a peripheral company. Solely for the love of good peripherals.

I guess it's not a secret anymore.

I don't really have anything to add to the discussion except that I don't understand why not every games that uses exclusively the stylus as a control method are not all designed to be played in the "book" orientation.

It's more comfortable to hold, but it limits your inputs (and makes the screen proportions kind of strange).

Shit, you said 'exclusively'. Well, I still think the vertical style is kind of deviant. Good games can definitely be designed around it, though.

That said, kiss book mode good-bye on the 3DS. At least, if you want the 3D effect, right?


Also, couldn't games like Kid Ic have an option to use the four face buttons as one axis (PSP-style), enabling two-handed play? You'd lose some accuracy, but a lot of people would have an easier time with it. And options are never bad.

Anand said:

That said, kiss book mode good-bye on the 3DS. At least, if you want the 3D effect, right?

Yeah, I'm not happy about that.

At the same time, I expect the touch screen to get much less use on the 3DS than it did on the DS.

Anand said:

And options are never bad.

Lie. But not in this case.

Maybe it was a lie...

Also, they'd have to juice up the auto-aim for that mode. But so what? Let's write Sakurai a letter!!

The touch-screen might get less use. Games that are based on direct touch-screen manipulation will certainly be more rare, unless they shadow the top screen, like Nintendogs. That's limiting, too, since you lose one of the screen.