agree.the standard 3DS is the 3ds lite already. i really dont see how they can improve the design and finish of the 3DS with another model...but we ll see i guesss

No and you're numbers are misleading.

3DS XL sold best of all models... and its an original style 3DS, just larger.

All those sales point to is people want one of two options... really cheap or the larger model.

3DS Xl is a much better system anyway

exactly my point.do you guys read OPs? gosh

THE MARKET is saying it wants those 2 and only those 2 models.

why should Nintendo keep the old one? shouldnt they release a new one and replace the one thats performing worst?

Because its still selling and making money.

When they redesign, its an actual different item. If they redesigned the 3DS, then that design would flow to the 3DS XL too... which is the best selling model.

Only changes I could see coming would be a clamshell designed 2DS with better screens/battery life, but then that would also get an XL variation.

sure

which do you think is the most profitable model right now?

the older as it is th oldest? maybe

but that 2DS looks REALLY cheap to make with its one screen, no clamshell, no 3D, no leds etc

Hahah true... maybe its time we discontinue reading Supernihilist's posts

What does most profitable have to do with anything? Even the DS was still offered long after the DSi killed it in routine sells.

XL is an original 3DS model and it is the highest selling model and likely the most profitable.

2DS sold really well due to its cheap price, but who knows if those $99 sales had any margin on them.

1) Now, they won't just stop making the 3DS and only offer 2DS/3DSXL. That's simply not an option as they want/need that middle priced/sized tier. Its profitable and sales well regardless if it is less than others.

2) The 2DS plus the specific questions in the Club Nintendo surveys do point to Nintendo considering the remove of the 3D effect. That would be in a full redesign where a new model would replace the 3DS AND 3DSXL. This would likely be a similar body style, but better screens/no 3d/better battery life, etc.

I don't think that a redesign of the 3DS would have to carry over to the XL at all.  The XL is already fine for what it is.  It doesn't need a redesign.

The 3DS, however, would benefit greatly from a redesign for several reasons.  First, although the dimensions of the system while closed are almost identical to the DS Lite, it just doesn't feel as compact thanks to the "muffin top" lid and the "layered cake" look of the unit is an eyesore.  And compared to the DSi, the 3DS looks like a Frankenstein's monster.

Secondly, the 3DS' buttons are pretty bad - something the XL already improves nicely.  But there are many people who would prefer a smaller portable than an XL, not to mention the improved resolution of the original sized screen, which is noticable.

I personally think that a newly released, standard sized 3DS with the DSi's improvements (sleeker design, better buttons and even the matte finish to help differentiate it further) with a better battery and a $149 price would be a perfect compliment to the pricier, larger XL option and the cheaper, unique 2DS.

But how should they reposition it between the two extremes? They should find a way to make it recover any lost mid-range sales without affecting high and low-end. If this can be done, or if at least a new mid-range model can offer higher profit margin and higher overall profits of the whole 2-3DS range (that is if profit increase is higher than any possible decrease of the other models profits), then yes, they should definitely do it.