Shamefully knicked this from NeoGaf:

"So, here's what the word is about the coins that we've seen around town on the 3DS:

Link

Now, let's just assume it's 100% true for a moment. There are some real clever implications here that I think are really forward thinking on Nintendo's part. For one, you can earn stuff for your game even when you're not playing. This ties "lifestyle" to your game, which is so brilliant I'm a little surprised this is the first time it has been thought of at this level.

I hate achievements, but, I don't hate walking. I don't hate doing shit in real life. Real life is awesome. But I do like games and it's a hobby. The added bonus, of course, is it might encourage some to keep walking. If I was not thinking of taking my 3DS with me some times, now I certainly would. Even from a marketing standpoint this is a really incredibly clever bit of functionality.

So, discuss this little under-reported feature and its implications, along with other "lifestyle marriage" type functionality that can be implemented into these devices."

I like the sound of this. It reminds me of the Pokewalker, only developed a lot futher to support a whole gaming device. It would be a very good way to encourage non-Japan to carry around their handheld gaming machines on a daily basis.

SCREW ACHIEVEMENTS

damn you nintendo and your schemes to make us fit D: lol

seriously: i don't like taking my ds everywhere( especially if i have no intent of playing it) because i am afraid i might lose or it might get stolen or it might get scratched more than normal. Maybe i am being a little paranoid but i am not comfortable taking something that expensive everywhere with me D:

Wow this is one hell of a clever idea! Walking is very good for health and 3DS reward those attitudes! Nice!

This is a cool idea but it still doesn't change the fact that the 3DS still lacks a centralized user ID that can show you your progress on the games you've completed and a good history of the things you've accomplished to compare with your friends.  A cool concept but still lacking compared to the 360's Achievements and PS3's Trophys. 

I don't understand why Nintendo doesn't make a centralized account.  It seems like a basic thing in modern gaming. 

This is a fact? Have you got a link to support this?

No i'm just basing it off all info released so far.  If it does end up having one that is awesome and a huge positive for the system.  In fact the lack of one is the main reason I'm considering not buying one until they price drop later on.

I'm not trying to turn this into a Nintendo vs other companies thread at all because I think the 3ds looks great I just find it a bad business decision to not have a centralized ID with game tracking like the other systems currently have.  If it adds one in that is awesome news.

That brings back memories of my little brother shaking his "Pokemon Pickachu" nonstop for two weeks to earn volts

It's a really clever idea, though! They reward you for taking the handheld with you which is awesome! Well I guess playing it more often also increases software sales hehe

@BenVTrigger: It may lack an achievement system but I think it shows you how much time you put into each game. And Streetpass is also some sort of way to "show off" I guess. It surely is different from other systems, though.

This is genious. The Pokewalker helped me stay focused on HeartGold, and this would encourage me to go everywhere with a 3DS... conveniently giving me more oppurtunities to play it.

Well played Nintendo.

Well, I carry my Dsi in my pocket everyday, so this adds actul reason for it now... :)

I like how some people think that everything nintendo does is great and everything its competitors do is bad.