The difference between the DS and 3DS isn't just the 3D display. The 3DS also has faster hardware, and wider top screen, and plenty of other new hardware aspect

The difference between the DS and 3DS isn't just the 3D display. The 3DS also has faster hardware, and wider top screen, and plenty of other new hardware aspects that the DS didn't have. So what this is is a different form factor for the 3DS, that doesn't have 3D, and is thus cheaper. It's designed for children under the age of 7, as the hinge design on the normal consoles is too delicate for young children. It's for durability to withstand the non cautious nature of kids.