Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad Pro

price range: $34.99 - $35.00

• Reviewed by: Jeff Bakalar
• Reviewed on: 03/14/2012

The good: The Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad Pro adds a right circle pad and two extra trigger buttons to the 3DS. It's easy to use and simple to set up, and improves control options for compatible games, not to mention improving the 3DS' overall ergonomics. Priced at $20, it's an accessory that won't break the bank.

The bad: The Circle Pad Pro feels so good that it makes us wonder why Nintendo didn't include one in the first place. It's bulky and makes the 3DS cumbersome to carry around, limiting its overall mobility. The attachment blocks a lot of connectivity ports and also requires a AAA battery to work.

The bottom line: As ugly and cumbersome as it makes the 3DS, the Circle Pad Pro is actually a great-performing accessory that improves the control range of games that it's compatible with.

Read CNET's full review