A rather radical rumour is circulating that suggests Nintendo is looking to redesign the 3DS and take focus away from the 3D display.

After months of pre-E3 rumours about Nintendo's new console, which turned out to be the Wii U, the Internet is once again ablaze with rumours about Nintendo's future and this time the target is the 3DS. A new rumour by 01net suggests that Nintendo is planning to radically redesign the console.

The biggest changes according to the rumour is taking the focus off the 3D display and adding a second circle pad onto the right-hand side of the console. Apparently Nintendo is aware that the general public are still wary of 3D displays, not helped by certain newspapers telling continuous lies about the potential harmful effects, and as such they will move the focus away from that, perhaps even changing the name.

The rumour also suggests that a second circle pad would be added, making it more similar to the Vita. Old 3DS owners wouldn't be forgotten though as apparently Nintendo is working hard on making a cheap add-on for the current console.

As with any rumour take it with a pinch of salt. While 01net has proven correct on occasions in the past this is certainly a very radical rumour and seemingly contradicts what Satoru Iwata has been saying following the console's price drop. As we reported earlier a big announcement is expected in September but early reports suggest it will be software-based.

We'll keep you updated about the development of this rumour.