I know this is just a rumour, but I do belive it is true.
Sony's marketing KNOWS that they can't have similar specs to 3DS, because that would make it too similar to PSP, and people would not see the point of upgrading. So they are practically forced to make another powerhouse handheld, while people will see the 3D screen and PSP-like graphics as an impressive improvement from the regular DS.
Nintendo's got Sony exactly where they want them. Jugding from the third party games, that would be typical launch titles for a Playstation appearing on 3DS, I think third parties know this too.
I don't see what Sony can possibly do with another powerhouse handheld like the PSP. The successor won't be made by an 'unbeatable' console company, and it's competitor is not considered the underdog anymore.
EDIT: I'll also add, that moving upmarket is the textbook incumbent behavior in disruption litterature.
I LOVE ICELAND!
