At this point in time, the Circle Pad Pro is not meant to be a main staple for developers to build their games behind. It is a completely optional accessory that can be used extensively or ignored by the 3DS development community. While the device remains mostly useless for use with with unsupported games, the device has the potential to make gameplay experiences more enjoyable than what they could be with the traditional 3DS layout. Capcom definitely had it in mind when developing Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) G for the Nintendo 3DS. It’s very possible that the entire reason Capcom’s super popular hunting-action game is available on the 3DS was because they would not bring the game to the platform otherwise. Regardless of the reason, playing the game with or without the Circle Pad Pro greatly changes the experience for the player.

Special Monster Hunter Circle Pad Pro bundle in Japan

I had a chance to sit down with the recently released Circle Pad Pro and the retail release of Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) G on the 3DS. I spent some time playing the game without the accessory (you can read my impressions here) and came to realize that while it is certainly functional without the add-on, it is absolutely clear that the experience is superior while using the Circle Pad Pro. When using the peripheral, the control scheme changes slightly from the standard set up. Obviously, the newest addition is the extra slide pad, which is used to control the camera. It also helps you navigate through menus as well (the other alternative for this is to use either the D-Pad or touch screen). There are also two additional shoulder buttons on the right side of the device, the R, and ZR buttons. The left side has one addition trigger with the ZL button. Using the device still gives players easy access to the 3DS L button. Using either one of the R buttons does the same exact action—in this case, block or dash. Tapping the L button centers the camera behind the player, while holding it gives the player access to items in their pouch.

Playing Monster Hunter with the Circle Pad Pro can be comfortable. The shoulder buttons are easily accessible and the added girth of the peripheral make the experience close to what you would have on a home console. It isn’t perfect. The Circle Pad feels great, however, in the heat of battle I found it to be a bit cumbersome. There were numerous occasions where I would be fighting an enemy and want to get a better camera angle so I could avoid taking damage or get a good angle to attack. Switching between the Circle Pad Pro and face buttons proved to be a little clumsy when enemies were around. On the flip side, if you are exploring or searching for a monster, the set up works pretty well, since you aren’t going back and forth from the Circle Pad to the face buttons as frantically.

Overall, the Circle Pad Pro heightens the Monster Hunter experience on the 3DS, but it definitely is not without faults. The additional pad placement can be a bit awkward to use when engaged with an enemy. However, the placement of the shoulder buttons and added size help make the experience with Monster Hunter as close to a home console experience as it gets.