It served to "refresh" the 3DS in a way, even if it wasn't really necessary.
The improvement wasn't as big as, say, the DS to DSi was. The extra control inputs are appreciated (Albeit not handled in a very elegant manner) and the slight CPU power increase is somewhat pointless. I doubt we'll see very many New3DS exclusive titles, since Nintendo would be alienating a large portion of their market base. So it benefits Nintendo more than anyone else, really.
Personally, I don't see a reason to own a New3DS, unless Rune Factory 5 gets confirmed as a New3DS exclusive (Which won't happen, because RIP Neverland :'( 1993-2013) I think I'll be just fine with my standard version.
"Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience."
-Samuel Clemens
