Reddit mentions of Nintendo 3DS slide pad dedicated expansion

The only things that the IR port could be used for are built in to the body the New3DS(XL) systems.

The Circle Pad Pro for Regular Size 3DS and XL size 3DS are not required for the N3DS(XL) as not only are the new systems the wrong size, but the CPP's features are all built in standard equipment for the New2/3DS systems! That's the two extra shoulder buttons on the back (ZL, ZR) and the gray rubber C-stick nub above your ABXY buttons.

The Amiibo Reader (AKA: Nintendo NFC Reader/Writer) is also already built in as any Amiibo can be gently placed on your bottom touchscreen when prompted to activate or save your Amiibo figurines' progress.

Since the 3DS is in its twilight life cycle (we're sadly in the last year closeout to obsolete status) to make way for the Nintendo Switch fully taking over, I highly doubt that a new accessory is going to be released for the Nintendo 3DS that will utilize the IR port. As long as everything else works okay on the system, I don't see a reason to send it in to Nintendo Repair.

As long as this means the little black oval window on the back of the system next to the charging port, that is the one that is not used.

However, like pawlik23 asked, if it's the little dot next to the inside camera on the top shell, that is an IR light emitter. That IR LED is used to shine IR light on your face in poor lighting conditions if you want to use 3D in low, no, or poor light conditions as cameras can see IR, but our eyes can't. That allows the Stable 3D to work in nearly all situations. If that is what is scratched, your Stable 3D may not work correctly when your face is dark or if a light source is behind your face, and that may be worth sending in to Nintendo.

Which version of 3ds do you have? If you have an original version of the 3ds or 3ds XL I would suggest the claw pad pro I linked to. It puts an additional Circle pad a little below the L button on the system. Gives you have claw feelings and is way more comfortable at the same time.

I honestly have considered buying an OG 3DS again so I can use it with my American release monster hunter games.Though due to time since release they are getting a bit more spendy.... but it is amazing.

edit: Also could try just the normal Circle Pad Pro. 3DS XL OG 3DS

Either of these should help with your hand cramping


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004MKN3YE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005TESKW2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01

XL

Standard

For whatever reason, almost all of the standard size ones are imports from Japan. If you don't want to wait, then you need to drive to a local Gamestop.

I don't know if you have a regular 3ds or an XL, but the regular sized one sells on amazon for $~10, and the LL version sells for about the same.

For anyone concerned, the japanese regular/LL cpp works exactly the same for a western handheld (the US versions are more expensive for w/e reason). I got one for my roommate, and it helped it a bit. I also particularly liked it as a grip, not just an extra stick.