I think a second analog stick has been default for consoles ever since PSOnes dual stick controller launched. Every major gaming console has used two sticks. I think Nintendo was behind the times DS should have had the single analog stick instead of the D-Pad and 3DS should have always had two.
For shooters a second analog stick is necessary. Other games require it for camera and fact of the matter is while the touch screen is great for camera it isn't perfect. Though I must agree MetroidPrime:Hunters proved you could make a decent shooter without a second analog stick. But other games like StarWars:BattleFront proved you need two sticks.
I think with Vita having two sticks Nintendo needs two sticks. Developers can create content using the second stick that they could not without it. I honestly look forward to having a second analog nub.
-JC7
"In God We Trust - In Games We Play " - Joel Reimer
