3DS gaming isn't "cheap" thanks to the sheer volume of amazing games that have come out and WILL come out on the console. I do wish they'd release more eshop titles, I've been waiting ages for Super Mario Bros 3 and Pokemon Red/Blue.
I own both a 3DS and a Vita and the 3DS have given me the most playtime, and with Pokemon X and Y coming out soon I will be stuck on the 3ds for months/years. The vita's value is however getting better, it's now matching the price of the XL and you can usually find a bundle with atleast a 4gb memory card and a game. Both are great systems.