It begins...

Hmmmmmm I think they should have holded off for this option.I know this makes for a better offering in japan, specially since its about 50 dollars cheaper, but I still think they should have pushed the home console aspect of it further there.If pricing was a problem, bundles should have been the first option.But alas.

An interesting move that solidifies the Switch as a handheld. They've got to be careful that doesn't become the mainstream message though.

Hehehe, how mean of Atlus to try to sell to an established platform to maximize sales instead of trying to grow a platform.

It depends though. While its great to see some of Nintendo's biggest games run on a handheld device (BoTW, Mario Kart, Odyssey, Xenoblade 2, and, soon, Smash Bros.), some are anticipating great hype for Pokemon because of the fact its going to be considered the first main series game on a home console and the first HD main series game in the franchise rather than saying its on a handheld (as every main game has released on handhelds that were usually known to be handheld versions of the last gen home consoles at the time, i.e., Game Boy being the NES you take on the go or the GBA being the SNES on the go).

Plus, most of these games run better (whether it be significant or not) docked. You can't say that Xenoblade 2 looks better on handheld when compared to it being docked. And most have probably wanted to experience the latest Zelda on a TV rather than on handheld, same with Mario. Thus, I wouldn't be surprised if Smash Bros. on Switch would mostly be seen docked while I watch tournaments.

The separate dock has been at mass retail for a long time now.  So, by your own logic, the Switch has long since been solidified as a home console.

Fair enough, and I would also not to clarify that I am claiming that the Switch is a handheld. I feel strongly that it is a compromise between handheld and home console, but that far more compromises were made to the benefit of the handheld experiences than the to the benefit of the home console experience.

This is why they've got to be careful. The Switch is seen as a hybrid and as such benefits from the narrative running in both console and handheld circuits. That's very important because it places them in a position as an alternative to the PS4/XB1. The handheld market is well and truly Nintendo owned and it would take a huge push for Sony to even put a dent in that, MS need not apply. Therefore, Nintendo need to hold tightly onto the console narrative more than the handheld narrative. Lose sight of the console identity, start pushing the handheld identity and they could lose a whole market for promotions. If the general public start referring the Switch as a handheld, that leaves only 2 consoles to compete and could either open the door for MS or enable Sony to gather even more momentum.

That's quite a maze of a paragraph but I hope it's clear enough. This is a dangerous move in what is essentially a perception based industry. 

you wont get optimal charge with samsung s8 charger, it will take a long time to charge  and wont charge while in use. actually the price savings is 45$ cheaper in japan, i would much rather the original charger, joy con grip, hdmi and  dock, for 45$, but if you're that cheap ok ...

Oh, geez, you're right.  Without being able to see any joycons buttons in the vidcap, for some reason I thought it was a pic of the whole system held vertically with a therefore horizontal scratch.  My bad.  Thanks for the closeup.