THQ's Core Games VP Danny Bilson told IndustryGamers that Nintendo really pushed for a 3DS version of Saints Row to help the platform appeal to core gamers and not make it appear as a kiddie platform.
"Nintendo really wants to launch with a very balanced portfolio. They really don't want it to feel like a kiddie platform. They were very clear: they really wanted Saints Row on it." he said.
He went on to mention that the 3DS version is costing little more to the company to develop: "The interesting thing about the game is we were already making it. We were already making it as our Xbox Live game and in 3D also. It's designed for 3D already. So the 3DS version is an incremental cost. It's not a big startup cost."