I dunno, it's a pretty useful alternative for people who don't care for the 3D effect or if it hurts their eyes - no reason to pay extra for a 3D feature you're never going to use.

Also pretty sure that there are different people who work on the hardware from the ones who make the games. :v

Well that is true >.> tbh it did kind of hurt my visions the first time I gave it a try back in Best Buy.. X3
But how can you even fit this into your pocket or even keep it close to protect the screen? Well sure you can just give it scree protectors but I like the clam-shell versions better.

Then again the original 3DS and XL have a slider so you could turn OFF the 3D effects and keep your eyes undamaged :I cause I prefer either playing games on 3D or not. >.>

Tis a big waste of money Nintendo is doing here. :\

I can't say anything on fitting it into pockets since I've never actually owned a handheld. Kinda agree about not being able to close it is a downside though.

But the whole point of making it non-3D is to have a cheaper version so you don't have to pay for the ability to use 3D when you're never going to use it.

Or just buy a regular 3DS at a cheaper retail price for the same price or less. XD

I seriously have no explanation on this at all.... I have a 3DS, so it's not going to affect me at all.