NoA explains the lack of regular New 3DS “We had to be able to market it”

[zorg1000]

Dusk said:

SJReiter said:
"now, there’s the 2DS, 3DS, and New 3DS XL, all of which have their own functionality and features."

Unless he's referring to the 3DS XL, and not the regular 3DS, this explanation makes no sense. It's my understanding that the original 3DS is no longer sold in the US.

wrong. It has not been discontinued. 

Yes it has, go look at their most recent shipments data, Nintendo has not shipped the original 3DS to America at all this fiscal year (almost a year by now)