Because I don't like Metroid enough to dig into my closet for my 3DS and I am not so obsessive a gamer that I feel like I am missing out on something. I have plenty to play on my Switch, I don't need, and I especially don't want multiple handheld videogame devices kicking around.
Playing Metroid Returns on the 3DS would be "appointment viewing" for me, and I just can't be bothered. I'm not spending good money on a game I will play once, probably won't finish anyway, and on a system I haven't touched in well over a year.
I'm just not getting how retrieving something from your closet is so especially onerous.
You haven't touched it in over a year. What does that have to do with anything? Does it not still work? If it still works, what does it matter when the last time you used it?
You really don't have space in your house for two small, handheld systems?
I'm sorry, I'm sincerely trying to understand your logic and position, but none of your reasons make much sense to me. You like Metroid enough that you would play it if it came out for Switch, but won't play it since it is on 3DS. Despite the fact that you already have a 3DS and could easily play it if you bought the game.
To me, it sounds like you've just decided that, since the Switch exists, the 3DS should no longer exist, and therefore you are just choosing to forgo new quality 3DS games simply because of that position. But that seems kind of silly. Why deprive yourself of good games that you would probably enjoy for a system that you already own, simply because you think the system should be retired?