Oh, I agree there, it was definitely not a good selling point!
As a parent, I don't mind admitting that I was wary of the 3DS to start with. I was worried that the 3D aspect would hurt my younger kid's eyes. I wouldn't even consider buying it until I discovered that you could control launching in 3D via parental controls. We eventually bought it with Mario Kart 7, but it was played with the 3D locked out for a long time.
Then we got Luigi's Mansion 2.
That game really showed off the 3D, and added to the experience for me. Even though the game has gyro controls they are very sensitive and the movements small, so I never found myself losing the sweet spot in 3D. There are certain tasks in the game that are easier to complete in 3D.
That said, I can only manage playing in 3D for half an hour or so before my eyes get tired.
I don't think it's as much of a gimmick as it was initially perceived, although I'm just as happy playing the 2DS as I am the 3DS. I think the 3D is a good feature, and I'd be sorry to see it go if and when Nintendo releases their next generation of handheld. I'd like to see what they could do to improve on the 3D, to make it easier for those who are missing out.
Overall, it's earned its worth, IMO.
