The New 3DS and 3DS XL announced, has second analog stick

Nintendo dropped a pretty big megaton in their latest 3DS centric Nintendo Direct, by announcing a redesign for both the 3DS and 3DS XL. Dubbed, the New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL, it will sport a number of improvements and additions, that make this the easily the best 3DS to date.

The first and easily the biggest addition is the inclusion of a second analog stick. However, unlike a traditional analog stick, Nintendo is calling it the C-Stick, much like the one on a Gamecube controller. It's smaller and will be located right above the four face buttons.

There are also two new shoulder buttons, ZR and ZL, much like what you'd find on a Circle Pad Pro. The four face buttons are also getting a facelift, and are colored like the Super Famicom SNES controller.

The Power Button, Stylus holder and game slot all move to the bottom of the New 3DS, which can be seen here.

The New Nintendo 3DS and XL will be available in Japan this October for 16,000 Yen and 18,888 Yen respectivelly. That's around $154 and $181. No US date has been revealed, but if this hits around Black Friday this year, I'll be the happiest guy since my daughter recently broke off my 3DS analog nub.