The 'Iwata Asks' series gets another 3DS discussion in which Luigi's Mansion 3D, built in software and the process of redesigns are discussed.

The Iwata Asks series always provides new information into the production of Nintendo products and Nintendo has just released a new one focused on the 3DS. While one existed before this edition goes into more detail with the imminent launch of the 3DS looming.

The discussion takes place between Nintendo President Satoru Iwata, system designers Kenichi Sugino and Ryuji Umezu and Hideki Konno who acted as project producer. The full discussion can be read over on the Nintendo website and deals with how the console was designed, how it might be redesigned and the history of 3D at Nintendo.

After the release of Luigi's Mansion on the Nintendo GameCube the company considered releasing a 3D version with a LCD screen fitted to a GameCube but decided it would be too costly for customers. With Nintendo's frequent reference to a 3D version of Luigi's Mansion a 3DS version could be on the cards, although this has yet to be confirmed.

The 3DS' battery life has been criticised by some but Iwata and the other members of the discussion comment on how much the console really needs to do. Two backlit screens consume a lot of power and the fact one of them is 3D makes it even worse. �However, they did try several solutions to get the most out of the console's battery and have included a power save mode to try and help gamers to keep playing for longer. Mr. Umezo notes that the Wi-Fi actually drains very little battery as it is only used intermittently.

As with any console the 3DS went through a number of prototypes before the design was finalised. Nintendo were keen to keep the console as small as possible while not sacrificing the features they wanted to implement. In an early prototype you were able to change the analogue stick and d-pad around and briefly considered releasing it like this.

The rest of the discussion focuses on various aspects including built-in software, the gyro sensor and the process of making key decisions in the creation of the console amongst other things. It is well worth a read.