It also coincides with the release of Pokemon X & Y, likely for parents who are poor and can't afford the whole 3DS and their kids reeeeeeeeally love Pokemon and the like, the 2DS is a cheaper alternative, especially if they are younger children who are probably gonna bang it around quite a bit.
Plus, for poor college students like me, the 2DS is a godsend. It could also be used if you have no friends and want to reap the benefits of the multiplayer features so owning two systems that play 3DS games to play with yourself (3DSturbating I call it) is good too.
It's like bronies ragging on MLP for making decisions which cater to little girls, the primary marketing incentive is actual children, not manchildren who have nothing better to complain about.
I admit that my interest is piqued. I've been wanting to get a handheld for a while (a 3DS in particular). While I could afford one, I can't really justify getting one when there's other needs right now. I also have no interest in the 3D gimmick.
I just wish the 2DS folded, but I understand that I'm also not the target demographic.
Honestly? On paper it seems like a really good idea. In most games the 3d has been unnecessary and making an entry level system would allow for a lot of people who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford it to get into this generation of handheld gaming (but I bet it has to do a lot with Pokemon X and Y coming out). That would include poorer families, people in college who are trying to make ends meet, and people who have medical issues and have problems with the 3D technology. I completely agree with what Fia said...
In reality though, I know this is subjective, but I think most of the hate comes from the 2DS's design being ridiculous. Seriously, the system looked so goofy I thought it was a bad photoshop job the first time I saw it.
^That's probably a key factor in the shape. The clamshell is like the original DS, that shit breaks so easily. My brother was 15 and he broke his when he had it so a 6 year old will probably break it so so easily.
Whatever Nintendo's other fuck ups are (cough-WiiU-cough) They'll always have the handheld console market sewn up, it's what they're good at. And when it comes to these things price is key, just watch the E3 video where Sony announced the ps4's gonna be $100 cheaper than the Xbone.