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The Nintendo 3DS looks pretty sleek now – even though its design hasn’t changed too much from that of the DS – but it wasn’t always like that, as prototype images for the handheld console emerging today prove.

Over on the ONM website, the publication has posted images of two prototypes. The first can be seen above, showing a mock-device slightly smaller than the final design and according to hardware designer Kenichi Sugino, was made "to represent just how small it would be physically possible to make it."

Nintendo then went on with designing discussions, having problems deciding where to place the different controls on the way, eventually deciding to have the circle pad above the control pad. Prototype creation then began in January 2010 ahead of its E3 unveiling.

Quite frankly though, we’re glad they’ve chosen the current and final design.

The Nintendo 3DS launches in Europe on March 25, and in North America on March 27.

 

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