Quick opinion piece.
I think it is smart, with a couple of missteps.
PROBLEMS:
The name may confuse parents buying it (“will it play the 3DS games? Little Johnny wants a 3DS”).
GREY AREA:
Less portable. This is a selling point to some people. For others, it doesn’t matter.
REASONS IT IS HAPPENING:
The target market (kids who don’t have a 3DS and will NEED one for the new Pokémon, parents who are worried about 3D on their kids eyes, people with lower budgets) will eat this up.
As for some comments I’ve heard about “Kids will break it!” I have to say this: The hinge on the current line is a weakpoint. This is a tablet/slate design, which isn’t any more breakable than your iPad or smart phone (which parents hand off to toddlers often).
Get more info here: www.Nintendo.com
I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m pretty excited about this.