The wait is over for North American gamers who have waited for the Circle Pad Pro. The gaming accessory, previously released in Japan in November, is coming to the U.S. The item will begin shipping to customers and businesses in the United States this weekend. The Circle Pad Pro accessory is similar in model and practice to the previously available Nintendo Slide Pad. The Circle Pad Pro is designed to fit the newly available Nintendo 3DS console.

With iPads and other tablets currently dominating the hand-to-hand gaming market, any added success with hand-held gaming devices would benefit Nintendo. Critics have not been fond of the accessory in the past, with many noting that the device makes the otherwise easy-to- handle Nintendo 3DS too bulky. With the addition of the Circle Pad Pro, only those with large pockets or carry-on bags can comfortably transport their gaming device.

Further complicating the implementation is the device's lack of compatibility with all 3DS games. Though it will make gaming more advanced for some titles, not all 3DS titles can facilitate the product. Fans of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Kingdom Hearts 3D and Resident Evil Revelations will be the first to benefit from the device. The Circle Pad Pro adds a second analog stick to the 3DS, making more intensive role-playing games easier to manage. For those who play the supported devices, especially for extensive periods, the release will come as a welcome blessing.

Though many found the release of the Wii University rather underwhelming, Nintendo stock has flourished in recent weeks. Bloomberg Business Week reported an 11 percent gain last week. Priced to sell at $20, the Circle Pad Pro could become an essential piece of equipment for the most serious of gamers.