Nintendo's 3DS has had a rocky start since its launch in March 2011. Sales were nothing short of unimpressive, and Nintendo President Satoru Iwata even noted that a poor launch lineup was to blame. 

Only four months after the 3DS' release, Nintendo reported poor first-quarter earnings and believed the disappointing 3DS sales were partially the problem. To remedy this, Nintendo slashed the portable system's price from $249.99 to $169.99 starting August 12. 

The plan worked. Nintendo 3DS sales skyrocketed in Japan, selling 215,000 units between August 8 and 14. This was a victory for Nintendo, considering the fact that only 109,000 3DS units were sold in Japan through the entire month of May in comparison.

Now, Nintendo is keeping its focus on how to continue improving the handheld, and will do so through two new announcements: an external second circle pad add-on, and a completely new model due in 2012.

According to French site 01Net, Nintendo is developing a detachable second circle pad for the 3DS. Nintendo reportedly regretted not having two analogue sticks included in the system's launch in March, and said that the production of the 3DS was "rushed" in order to beat the PlayStation Vita. 

Engineers at Nintendo are working on the peripheral as we speak, and will sell for approximately $10. In addition, developers are working on titles to suit the add-on. 

While it is unclear when the attachment will be available, the report did know of a new 3DS system available in 2012. The new system may not even be a "3DS" anymore, since it will supposedly "tone down" the 3D features significantly. 

But before Nintendo launches another system, it needs to focus on an issue with its dev kits, according to 01Net. Third parties are becoming frustrated with Nintendo because it is only making 300 kits per month, and there is an extensive waiting list.