Blob on 31 August 2014
To extend the life of the 3DS: I think their next gen handheld is a way off, probably likely to drop the same time as their next gen console. This move is to buy time till then IMO.
Too add amiibo support: Amiibos are a big part of Nintendos plans I think, having the capability to read them is key.
To fix things that the original 3DS should have had like a second analouge stick.
For easy console ports by having the same buttons as a console.
To increase power so that vita ports are more likely to happen
