FINALLY, the answer I was looking for!

nintendo is wise and always has a reason

It was quite clear for me that the New3DS doesn't deliver much new. However my Launch 3DS started to show some Problems with the upper screen due to heavy use. So it was exactly the right time to switch to the new model. Got a MM special Edition XL.
I would say Nintendo made the New3DS for people like me.

Haha yes exactly !

I think they wanted to refuel some interest in the 3DS for new consumers (new advertising, better system), and if some real fans bought the second one while owning the first for the additional features, well it's more cash for them

To replace my broken 3DS original. But yeah, I wouldn't have gotten it otherwise, just there for new owners and diehards which is perfectly fine, more options are always gewd.

Nintendo likes to help the scalpers out. First it was the Gamecube controller adaptor. Then the amiibo. They also like to release limited editions of 3DS. Why make people work an honest living, when Nintendo can make it easy for them? 😒

As far as all the 3DS editions that keep coming out. I'm a sucker for all of them. I probably have 10 different editions of them. Just because I can. 😎 I do it to increase my e-penis size in hopes that girls will like me.

There really is no purpose for them. Where they make you have to ditch your old unit. Every Nintendo handheld goes through a midlife crisis and makes changes. You can only go so far and then you ponder about what you can do for the remaining time of your life. Then make a change to make the remaining time enjoyable.

To get money

Amiibo support is the main reason.

As others have already mentioned, to keeps sales afloat. Also, have you played on the original 3ds with 3d mode on? That alone is a big improvement on the new 3ds, og model was awful with 3d on, some games were nearly unplayable for me, so much that I turned it off until I could grab a new 3ds.

To extend the life of the 3DS improve it since it must be much cheaper to make and to keep it relevant as long as possible until the NX comes out.