Poll: Is the 3DS Lefty-Unfriendly?

[Timbydude]

Although the 3DS definitely looks pretty awesome, something definitely concerns me about it.

Here's a [a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Blue_Nintendo_3DS_at_E3_2010_%28open%29.jpg/256px-Blue_Nintendo_3DS_at_E3_2010_%28open%29.jpg"]picture[/a] of the current design for the system. While I'm as excited as anyone else for the system, I can't help but notice one glaring problem:

There's only one analog stick, and it's on the left side.

Seeing as how the analog stick/stylus combo is sure to be the main control method for most games on the 3DS that use movement and a 3D camera simultaneously (to clarify, I mean "3D camera" as in the type of camera that we currently rotate with either the right analog stick or a mouse, not the actual camera on the 3DS), I can't help but wonder how lefties are going to be able to play this thing. Original DS games were always able to incorporate a lefty mode because the 4 face buttons could essentially act as a mirror for the D-pad. On this model, though, there's no mirror to the lone analog stick.

I've grown up my entire life using my left hand for fine motor movements, and it'd be a little tricky to just start using the right hand for it. Obviously, I'm biased since I'm left-handed myself, but I can't help but feel slightly left out in the buzz for the 3DS. Nintendo obviously won't take a financial beating for ignoring 7-10% of the population, but it does seem like a relatively simple fix. From this point of view, it seems like they could just add another analog stick right below the ABXY buttons; of course, I can't just assume that there aren't inner workings that it would interfere with, so I can't be certain about that.

Another alternative is that they could just release a new model in the future which reverses the face of the 3DS (buttons on the left, analog stick on the right) to accomodate for left-handedness. This, to me, seems the more likely (and preferable, since a second analog stick might cause unnecessary clutter) of the two options.

What do you think? Should Nintendo try to rectify this, either in the current model or a future one, or is it just something that us lefties need to learn to deal with?

EDIT: I should probably clarify one point. Left-handed gamers have learned to use analog sticks and buttons the way they are; the hand that uses the analog stick is not the concern. The problem arises with stylus (camera) control when used simultaneously with the analog stick. The current model forces you to hold the stylus in your right hand; as far as camera manipulation goes, it feels absurdly awkward (to the point where it's tough to control) to a left-handed player.

 

[katsumoto03]

Hm, that does look like it could be a problem.

The lefty model should be cheaper upon release to compensate.

 

[scnj]

I'm left handed and I've come to realise that there's a bias because companies will market to the majority. I've managed to work past it with practice, so there's no problem any more.

 

[Radeonx]

Sorry, but you'll probably have to deal with it.
That's just how business works.

 

[Enzeru92]

am Left-handed but I've already got used to the bias besides am pretty good on both hands

 

[Robert632]

When you start to think of it, most controllers are desighened like that(analog stick used for movement on the left, most of the buttons on hte right), so many left handed gamers should be used to it by now, and the DS generally uses either the stylus mostly, or the buttons mostly for gameplay, so switching between the two probably won't be a problem that comes up often.

 

[Timbydude]

I doubt there will ever be a point where you NEED to use both the analog stick AND the stylus at the same time.

Actually, to be fair, it's probably the most efficient control scheme for 3D movement that'll be available on it. Metroid Prime: Hunters used it, for example, and it worked very well. Essentially (to imagine a PC version of it) your left hand is on the WASD keys (analog stick) and your right hand is the mouse (stylus). Simple and efficient.

 

[Weaver]

I wonder how you played the NES, SNES, Genesis, N64, PS1... and basically any old console then?
What did you do at the arcade when all the sticks were on the left, cross your hands?

edit: just read your edit, that makes sense now lol.
Well, maybe they could make a left handed model... though in all probability you'll just have to deal with it.

 

[V8 Ninja]

Just wait a few months before you start worrying. Nintendo at LEAST has another 5 months to release it, so they could make changes to the overall hardware design (even though it's unlikely).

 

[Timbydude]

Why would the 3DS be any harder to use than the DS? The layout is nearly identical.
Unless the analogue stick is that much harder to use than the D-pad, I don't really see the problem.

Like I said in the OP, most DS games to date have been able to use a lefty mode because the D-pad is a perfect mirror of the face buttons. For example, The World Ends With You responded to both D-Pad input and ABXY input in the exact same manner, allowing you to hold the stylus in whichever hand you prefer. Because there's no mirror to the analog stick on the 3DS, you're effectively forced to hold the stylus in your right hand if you're moving your character and the camera at the same time.

 

[ZeroAE]

Yeah ,another analog stick would make camera movement so much easier (looks at PSP with hate)

 

[sshakespeare]

I'm left handed and i've never had any real problems with tech, used to get annoyed with righty friendly mice but I learned pretty quickly to just use my other hand, so no problems in years

 

[unoleian]

Just like any controller, it just takes time to get used to it. I used to mouse with my left hand when I first started using a computer, because it's my dominant hand. Using the right was just plain weird. But, months of being forced to use a mouse right-handed at school and what-not slowly adapted me. I can't imagine using any other hand to mouse now.

Since the stylus is rarely being used for something as subtle and complex as hand-writing in a game scenario, I don't think there's too much to worry about. I handle a lot of DS mini-games right-handed as it is. Sure, it's a little strange at first, but our bodies and minds are very quite adaptable to different circumstances.

Since you're learning a new control scheme and not un-learning hand-writing, just think of the initial awkwardness you may experience as a period of adjustment to something new. Cuz really, that's all it is, in a nutshell.

 

[PhunkyPhazon]

Hmmm, that IS a problem for you lefties. Analog sticks are one thing, but using a stylus in your non-dominate hand? Maybe Nintendo can be persuaded to make a left handed 3DS, or to add an extra analog nub. (So long as there's room on the inside of the system, as the OP stated)

 

[leviticusd]

Hmm...never thought about that. As a lefty who no real ability with my right hand, using that stylus will be difficult. At the same time, using my right for an analog stick would be weird too as I'm used to using my left for that as well....

Just doesn't look like my thing.

 

[Anticitizen_Two]

Isn't Shigeru Miyamoto a lefty? They should definitely make a lefty version at some point.

 

[Sixties Spidey]

Well movement in games is usually placed on the LEFT analog stick. I imagine it'll be the same story here, too. Maybe there will be different control preferences, but until then it is kind of too early.

 

[cerebus23]

if i have to use a left analogue stick and draw with my right hand, yea is pretty much a no go, i am failry good right handed i can shoot a basketball decently right handed, i can use a mouse with either hand etc, but one thing i cannot do is write right handed.

i mean it is a heck of alot different using your right hand to press buttons vs trying to make complicated pen movements with a right hand, some of your right handers just try writing with your left hand and see how that works for you. or try to draw a fairly simple picture with your left hand, it is not going to turn out well for a vast majority.

its a right handed world tho nothing shocking that they tailor a mass produced gaming thing to right handers. not like i was planning to buy anything nintendo anyway.

 

[Varanfan9]

Well remember it was just announced and they only brought a couple versions to E3 so I'm sure they will make a lefty version. Its times like these I am glad I'm ambidextrous.

 

[smashmaniac64]

Hm, that does look like it could be a problem.

The lefty model should be cheaper upon release to compensate.

if anything the lefty model would be more expensive since it would be a specialized model for a smaller population