So I thinking to myself. Why release another 3ds version so soon? And I narrowed it down to few plausible reasons:

1. The 3D Technology -

Remember a while back when Nintendo got sued for the 3D technology used in the 3ds and had to pay some company arond $10 from each 3ds sale because they infringed on their patent? So maybe that didn't bode well with them so they decided to revamp how the 3D works and put out a new model so they can maximize profits while phasing out the old model.

2. Brand Recognition -

The 3ds name is pretty big and people are going crazy over it so maybe they thought it was too risky at the moment to release a real next gen handheld and decided to just use the 3ds name as a boost to their 'soft of' next gen portable.

3. NFC -

People may not like them but these NFC figures are insanely profitable. Activision has their own line with Skylanders and in one year in raked in 2 billion in sales and i'm not sure if they've been out for 2 years yet it's making more money than current cod. Now with the built in NFC reader it will make amiibo figures a lot more accessible.

Thoughts?

Cash grab.

I think its to extend the life of the 3ds more than anything tbh. Cause if you look at the new 3ds, its more powerful and it has more inputs which = more potential games that maybe couldnt have been done before with a normal 3ds so I think instead of them announcing their next handheld like say in 2016 as an example, they will now announce it in 2018 or something

Also, it might have something to do with piracy as well but this is more of a wild guess cause the 3ds homebrew is nearly completed which apperently works on all versions of the 3ds. Versions as is version # that is but maybe with the new 3ds, there will be even higher security so that the homebrew wont work on it

Care to elaborate?? After all every company is trying to make money, why would Nintendo be any different.

I think the main reason is the same reason any console gets redesigned. Cut production costs and boost sales for a product that is starting to sell below expectation. i.e: almost every console ever from the 1st gen to now.

2 made me laugh. 3DS is like Nintendo's least successful handheld. It will be lucky to pass the GBA at this rate.
I wouldnt exactly say the 3DS name is strong (especially when it tried to piggyback off of the DS in the first place)

I think they're trying to expand the userbase by making something new and a bit more advanced but without cannibalizing 3DS game sales.

As far as I'm concerned, the New 3DS was created for me alone so that I can play Xenoblade anywhere at any time. That's a good enough answer for me.

I think they need more time for the next 3ds.
And it could be the fusion thing too.
They want the 3ds cycle to finish, the same time as the wii u.
So they are trying to get the most with the 3ds.

And about the new 3ds, can more than 1 person see the 3D?

because the 3ds didnt have nfc and thus wouldnt help sell amiibos for the 3ds version of smash.