I agree if there was a Pokemon game at launch especially a main series RPG I probably would have invested in a 3DS at launch like many other people would have. However with no RPG's in sight for the 3DS, it will not be getting my money until I see a Pokemon game or some sort of other very compelling, LONG LASTING experience. But with no Pokemon game being announced for even Japan right now we will be waiting a while.
Pokemon sells systems for me, I play a ton of other games on my DS but Pokemon is the system seller for me. Without Pokemon, I may as well just play games on my iPod touch.
The only reason I can think of why they don't have a new game, and I am going out on a limb here, is that they will be releasing the original Pokemon Red/Blue games for the E-shop. Really going out on a limb here, if those games come out with online trading and battling, it will be a system seller for me no doubt.