So I've ony found this out recently thanks to the fast pace of Mario Kart 7...
Let me say to begin with, I have some pretty big hands, big to the point where most controllers feel a little awkward to use sometimes but not big enough so that the original Xbox controller suits me (whose did?).
After playing Mario Kart 7, which I think is probably the best Mario Kart I've played, I'm disappointed that it's let down only by the 3DS itself. Why? Because the control setup has me virtually struggling to keep a decent grip on the 3DS itself.
Due to the situation of the ABXY buttons being so close to the top, I can't merely rest my index finger along the R button (needed for power slides) while still comfortably accessing the A and X buttons. I need to make this weird claw gesture with thumb and forefinger, and it's really starting to give me a case of RSI.
Secondly, the slide pad is okay, but when hands get clammy, it's really easy for it to turn into a slippery, uncontrollable piece of plastic. Nintendo, would a few friction grooves like on the N64 and gamecube controllers have hurt, or maybe even something with a bit more friction under a little moisture? A rubber like compound like the one on the Gamecube C stick would have been ideal!
Third, I love the 3DSes glossy finish, but with the combined two issues mentioned the system gets incredibly easy to lose grip of, especially in a tight race. Now I know people will bring up the fact that the buttons on the DS Lite and the glossy outside are the same as the 3DS. however, the DS has a bigger R button that was flush, and I never had the issues with pressing it like I do with the 3DS. Also, the outside of the DS is glossy, but the inside is a matte texture, and that provided enough testure on the base of my thumbs.
Is anyone else having similar issues? I love Mario Kart 7 to bits, but it's getting increasingly frustrating to not be able to hold on to the system comfortably while racing, and also walking away with cracking fingerbones.
