With Nintendo soliciting feedback before finalizing the design of its new flagship portable, here are the top five reasons why the 3DS needs two analog sticks:

1. Two sticks are the BEST way to navigate 3D

As the worlds first 3D portable gaming console, the 3DS is a revolutionary piece of hardware that deserves the most effective control scheme to match its 3D capabilities. Using two sticks is the most natural way to navigate 3D worlds, with one stick controlling the players movement while the second aims or pans the camera. It’s a system that feels great to use and intuitive to learn. There’s a reason why the two most capable 3D consoles (360 and pS3) both use dual stick controllers — because it’s the best we’ve got. Until something better comes along, it’s the most natural control method for use on a hand-held controller.

2. Gamers already know how to navigate 3D worlds with dual sticks

The reason so many gamers clamor for dual analog sticks is because we’ve grown up navigating 3D worlds with them for the last 10 years; the PS2 for ten, the original Xbox for eight, and both the 360 & PS3. That’s an entire generation of gamers who already know and understand the dual stick interface. Why re-learn a new interface for the 3DS when dual sticks are so perfectly suited already?

3. Adding it now is easy. Adding it later splits the market.

Take a close look at the PSP Go design: The right circular indention looks perfectly designed for a second stick. I’m guessing they designed it to have dual sticks but at the last moment- fearing splitting their market- pulled that model and played it safe instead. Had they only had a little more guts and released the 2nd stick version, it would have breathed new life into the PSP, yet its online-only nature is perfectly suited to handle dual stick software versions for a PSP Dually.

Nintendo should learn from Sony’s mistake and add a second stick to the 3DS now while the market is still new and intact.

4. Give some love to the Lefties

Two sticks may be a nice addition for us righties, but it means the world for left-handed gamers since they can use their right hand on a stick and their most dominant hand- the left- for the stylus. Admit it, how many of us righties would enjoy using the stylus with our left hand? Come on Nintendo, give some love to the lefties!

5. Some games aren’t fun without them

There are many games which simply aren’t as much fun without dual sticks. First Person Shooters: Yes, the touch-screen does an admiral job but requires stable footing to be effective. FPS are best with two sticks. Sports Games: Many of today’s sports games depend on two sticks; NHL, Fight Night, UFC, FIFA, Madden (Check out this dual stick Madden video), table tennis- all are better with two sticks. 3D Platformers: All the best 3D platformers use two sticks as default: Ratchet & Clank, Jak & Daxter, Sly Cooper – they are all great with two sticks. Racing Games: Mario Kart aside, racing games are better with two sticks. GT3, GT4 GT5:P and Forza all use the second stick as their default controls. Dual Stick Shooters: These games are so good with two sticks, we name the genre after them. Galaxy Wars, Shadow Complex, Super Stardust HD are all examples of games designed around two sticks, all would be fantastic on the 3DS!

Why neuter the types of games for 3DS right out of the gate? Unlock its full potential by including two sticks and open up all the gaming genres right from the start. Do you think the 3DS should have dual sticks? Vote in the poll on the top-right.

6. Why not add two sticks?

Need a some more reasons? The 3DS is the most desireable electronic gadget since the iPhone. It’s going to poop gold for Nintendo for many wonderful years. Therefore the expense of adding a second stick is virtually none. Do a quick redesign and add one additional part from the existing parts list. Also, developers will offer alternate control schemes, which they already do. So why not add two sticks?

7. Dual Sticks are Uptown

The two most powerful and expensive consoles today both have dual stick controllers. If the 3DS launches sporting its own pair of beautiful sticks, Nintendo sends a subtle message that this portable is not like the PSP, but uptown like the 360 slim and PS3. People tend to pay a little more to go uptown.