I thought the clue is in the name "3DS" without 3D it wouldn't be what it is, and would be very misleading..
This is how it is in the console/handheld industry:
You either do someting innovative and affordable or you go for power/graphics etc.
Wii vs X360/PS3
3DS vs PSP2
DS vs PSP
Without 3D Nintendo would be breaking their usual trend and just going for power.
Disconnect and self destruct, one bullet a time.