Not only were we able to go hands-on with Kid Icarus Uprising, but Nintendo also gave us a chance to try out the stand that will be included with every copy of the game.

Like most stands, it performs its single purpose admirably. It holds the Nintendo 3DS at a comfortable (non-adjustable) angle, allowing you to reach the controls more naturally without having to burden yourself with the weight of the system using just one hand. That may read as if I’m making light of it, but I’m not; it really does make playing Kid Icarus a more enjoyable experience, as the somewhat awkward controls caused my hands to cramp after a short time playing without the stand (you can read more about the controls in our preview of the game here).

One slight negative I noticed though was that while it was more comfortable, it also made it a little trickier to stay in the 3D’s sweet spot (that is, the narrow position in which you can actually see the 3D effect).This is because you now have to keep your head perfectly still to see the effect, whereas it’s extremely easy to adjust the system to compensate for any head movement  if you’re holding the system. Granted, it’s a small issue, and one that becomes non-existent if you play with the 3D disabled.

One thing that may not be apparent from the screenshots is that the stand actually folds into a flat, more compact shape. It’s still a bit unwieldy, so it’s unlikely you’ll carry it with you everywhere, but it’s small enough to pack along for longer trips. Unfortunately, Nintendo wasn’t able to confirm whether the stand is compatible with the recently announced Circle Pad Pro, which provides a more natural control setup for left-handed gamers.

So yup, it’s a stand, but it does its job. Frankly, I’m surprised it’s something Nintendo didn’t think of sooner, as my younger-self would have appreciated it back when the equally hand-cramping Metroid Prime Hunters graced the original Nintendo DS back in 2006. At any rate, you’ll be able to try the stand out yourself when it launches with Kid Icarus Uprising on March 23rd in the US. 

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Check out the rest of our Kid Icarus Uprising coverage...

2-Hours with Kid Icarus Uprising 

Kid Icarus Uprising - Weapon and Powers Guide

34 New Kid Icarus Screens!

New Kid Icarus Uprising Gameplay Trailer!