According to Nikkei Trendy, 3DS Lite is coming -  thickness and runtime improved (longer battery life).

http://jin115.com/archives/51838525.html

Personally I don't care. If anything then the 3DS is too thin - I have already bought a $10 grip and am very happy with it. As to battery life, while longer battery life is always better, I manage well enough with what I have and certainly wouldn't go through the hassle of trading in my current 3DS just for that. Also, it doesn't seem as if there is a date set to this yet.

Now if it were a 3DS XL...

[edit] Apparently it's not even a rumour but just speculation... ""Will 3DS Lite Make an Appearance? To continue the spread/momentum, a version addressing the 'weak points' (thickness, runtime) is a possibility."[/edit]

This is pretty much a dead cert really i'd say a 3DS XL is pretty much on the cards at some point as well

i'm sure they can fit the extra triggers on the back that people are waiting for as well ;) plus circle pad of course...

If the rumour is true, depends what they mean by improved thickness. If they mean thinner, no way anything extra will fit (?)

Rumour? Ha, case of when not if.

Well I presume improving the thickness means thinner as that’s how you improve something that is not so thin.

So people waiting for the extra stuff can wait till next gen :P

No mention of a second circle pad when one of the main attractions of the apparent redesign is 'improved thickness' speaks volumes.

They can make another model with the analog nub built in and I'll buy it. It's insanely easy to copy your 3DS info from one console to another so I won't lose anything. But, like the OP, I think the 3DS is already too thin. If I don't have my grip attached to it, I suck. It's like trying to play a game using a graham cracker as a controller. 3DS batteries cost $20 but I didn't even buy one because I don't want to lose the ability to use my Grip. What I'd like in a redesign:

-Better battery life (though my 3DS has rarely ever died on me)
-Sharper screen
-more powerful web browser
-USB port (for expanded PC functions/easy music import)
-Louder speakers (though it seems that the audio is stifled on purpose--Netflix is loud while games are quiet)
-multi-touch touch screen

Exactly what I was thinking when I read the title.

If I remember correctly, last time i looked I think Nyko had a battery with a grip as well.