Nintendo releases 3DS Circle Pad Pro XL accessory for North America

After yesterday's Nintendo Direct newsplosion, we figure that a lot of 3DS owners are excited for what 2013 has in store for them.

Yet 3DS XL owners in North America have yet one more reason to celebrate: the 3DS Circle Pad Pro XL accessory is now available on Nintendo's official online store.

The Circle Pad Pro XL is the super-sized version of the Circle Pad Pro that was never released outside of Japan before this week.

It adds a second analog stick (well, slide pad really) at the expense of portability and pocketability.

We thought the original Circle Pad Pro was something of an "eyesore" when we first saw it, but we conceded that it was a must-have accessory for southpaws, those with big paws, and anyone who wanted dual-stick controls.

These opinions stand for the Circle Pad Pro XL, although it does have a more ergonomic (if not eye-pleasing) design.

The announcement of the Circle Pad Pro XL will no doubt delight those who have been enjoying the Silver Award-winning Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance] or the Bronze Award-winning Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on their XLs but have lamented the lack of a second control stick.