Circle Pad Pro (3DS) Compatible Games List & Modern Relevance

The **Circle Pad Pro (CPP)** is a **Nintendo 3DS/3DS XL exclusive** accessory (released 2012). It adds a **second analog stick (C-Stick), ZL/ZR triggers**, and better ergonomics. **It does not work on Switch, Wii U, PC, or phones.**

Games *Requiring* or *Designed For* CPP (Best Experience)

• Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate (3DS): Essential for camera control (no touch-screen camera in quest). ZL/ZR for item use/guard.
• Resident Evil: Revelations (3DS): Designed for dual-analog. Move + Aim simultaneously. Raid Mode much smoother.
• Kid Icarus: Uprising: **Lefties only.** CPP lets left-handers use Circle Pad (move) + C-Stick (aim). Righties use stylus (touch aim) — superior for most.
• Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 3D: Camera control via C-Stick. Original used pressure-sensitive face buttons.
• Dynasty Warriors VS / Gundam / One Piece: Musou games benefit hugely from dual-stick camera.

Games *Enhanced* by CPP (Optional but Better)

• Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS: C-Stick = Smash Attack / Smash Stick (configurable). Faster than A+Direction.
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds: C-Stick = Item quick-swap (bypass menu). Nice QoL.
• Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon: C-Stick = Strobulb aim / Dark-Light aim. Smoother than gyro/touch.
• Pokémon X/Y/OR/AS/SM/USUM: C-Stick = Camera in 3D areas (Lumiose, caves). Minor.
• Monster Hunter 4U / Generations: **Native New 3DS C-Stick support.** CPP works but redundant on New 3DS/XL.
• Majora's Mask 3D / Ocarina 3D: C-Stick = Camera. Frees touch screen.

New Nintendo 3DS / XL / 2DS XL (2015+)

**Built-in C-Stick (nub) + ZL/ZR.** Makes CPP **obsolete** for these models. Native support in all above games + Xenoblade Chronicles 3D (exclusive to New 3DS).

Should You Buy One in 2024?

• Yes, if: You have **Original 3DS / 3DS XL / 2DS** AND play MH3U, Revelations, MGS3D, Kid Icarus (lefty) heavily. ~$30–50 used.
• No, if: You have **New 3DS / XL / 2DS XL** (built-in). Or play mostly 2D/Pokémon/Animal Crossing (no benefit).
• Alternative: **Circle Pad Pro for 3DS LL (JP)** fits JP XL only. Region match required.

Connection: Infrared (IR) — line-of-sight to 3DS top screen. No Bluetooth. Battery: 1x AAA (100+ hrs).