It's not an article, it's a post on a discussion forum. By it's very nature, it's an opinion.  One does not need to state an opinion is an opinion.  3DS is trending downward and is losing buzz in an increasingly fast-advancing segment (handheld devices).  Nintendo needed this New 3DS, and it will need an entirely new system sooner than later.  The brilliance of the N3DS is tha they will be able to port Wii games to give it content while focusing main teams on Wii U and future systems for 2016 and beyond.

I wouldn't bet on either points.

I think the rumors may be true, that nintendos next hardware will be a console and protable, thus, they're releasing this to tide over.

Nintendo Fusion 2016.
It's almost here.

entirely new handheld is definitely not coming anytime soon, they wouldn't waste resources for such an updated hardware of the same handheld if that was the case

maybe they added more power in order to encourage ''new 3DS'' exclusives and Wii ports by 3rd parties?

and I really hope you are righ about supporting WiiU with more games as part of their plan

Late 2016 is perfect and the 3DS is selling a little above average at best. I agree this will recreate momentum, but don't ham it up.

I`m beggining to think that NEW 3DS became a reality because 2DS just didn`t do what Nintendo wanted.
3DS sales have fallen and Nintendo needs something to turn things around.

It`s too soon for a new console, but not for a revamped system that could really make a living of Wii and GC ports.
Wii ports are easy. Lots of great 1st party and even 3rd party content to port to NEW 3DS.
GC ports because, well... there were none for Wii U despite WW being a financial success on Wii U.
What i mean is, there`s got to be a reason why we didn`t see more GC remakes after WW, despite them taking so little time to port and being cheap to do so.
My guess, Nintendo can`t shift resources from the 3DS to the NEW 3DS because that would imply creating droughts on both sides. So, if Nintendo brings a lot of ports from GC and Wii, they can fill the holes.

That way, they can keep selling the 3DS and even increase software sales without allocating a lot of human resources for the 3DS. Resources that it needs now and is going to need in a year or so to start creating games for the new consoles.

Both DSi and Game Boy Color had lifespans of about 2 years (give or take) before the 3DS and Game Boy Advance came out.

I'd expect the same here ... new Nintendo fusion portable coming in 2016.

By 2016 a handheld capable of Wii U graphics should be possible, the Tegra K1 Nvidia tablet is already out today and that costs $300 with a really high resolution 8 inch screen.

Give two more years for that type of tech to scale down in cost and Nintendo will likely use a smaller/cheaper screen and you have something probably with some serious horsepower for about $200-$220 IMO.

Please do not compare any handheld to the GBA, there was literally no competition for it, 3DS has to deal with mobile phones

All the more reason for there to be a new portable in 2016. Mobile phones and tablets are too big of a threat for Nintendo to combat with even just the New 3DS.