With a lot of games being released in Japan this summer, 3DS really looks like it's doing well. While that is true and 3DS has made it's mark on western culture, only Japan seems to be keeping the handheld thriving. Other than a few 3rd party games being released this summer, 3DS has really nothing to interest the west until Smash and Pokemon come out. But by that point will it be too late for hardware to increase greatly this holiday season. Everyone is seeing tons of PS4/XB1 games being released over the summer and even Wii U having a decent fall, but the next major 3DS game isn't coming out until October 3rd. Hopefully 3DS can have a good holiday.

Rule 1 of Nintendo 3DS Sales:
Never doubt Pokemon!

PokePower

3DS also has Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney in August, Theatrhythm in September and Persona Q at some point this year, Sonic Boom, and Fantasy Life along with a selection of great eShop titles.

While there is a bit of a summer slump going on now (but what console isn't slumping now?), theres still a good number of great games coming out this year, which will keep 3DS owners like me happy, and keep bringing in more. While we shouldn't expect numbers as big as last year, I don't think the 3DS will have a "bad" holiday by any means...

I don't think that's an issue. The 3DS already has a lot of quality software.

Personally, I've been looking to get one, and I'm kind of overwhelmed which games to pick up first.

The irony of your statement is the most current numbers on VGChartz show Japan being the 3DS weakest market for the week... :)

Pokemon and Smash will do more than to fire up the 3ds sales globally

Losing... to what? Cause according to many people, the 3DS is competing against the Vita, not the PS4/XBone/WiiU. And it will have a great holiday There's a big chance for a price cut.

Did you look at the sales? Did you compare the sales of 3DS in europe and Japan? In the release week of Youkai Watch 2 sales in Japan reach the sales in europe, in the week ending 5th July sales in Japan are only half of that in europe. And you tell me that Japan leeps it thriving? Look at the facts and rethink your OP.

Pokemon... Smash... Monster Hunter... Fantasy life, Story of Seasons, Harvest Moon (hesitant to say this one), Persona.... I think it will be fine in the west.