It most definitely is the 3DS successor. It's being made and sold in a way to confuse and distort that fact, but rest assured it's the heir apparent.

I agree in theory that the Switch as we see it now isn't Nintendo's handheld console... but it will be. Give it two years or so, they'll drop the dock and sell a cheaper SKU as their entry-level device.

I just don't see how they can get away with selling a (relative to the time) 3DS-powered console anymore. 3DS sells because it has the userbase. Going forward, we're seeing devs dropping Vita versions of games even in Japan because it's not powerful enough. Assuming a cheap, entry-level device is slightly more powerful than Vita that means... that these devs would ignore any new 4DS.

A Switch without dock would have the power needed; plenty of userbase etc. Makes sense to me.

Why have a 2nd console when you could just potentially play portable games and console games on one system..?

Because Nintendo wants to tap into the low budget  and family market?

There definitely is a gap in the market with Nintendo lacking a product in the 200 dollar area. If the Switch takes off though, I don't see them making a dedicated handheld.

Why was he/she warned for this?  Isn't this standard internet forum talk?

The 3DS started from $250 till it go the price cut

I don't think it's the 3DS successor, but it's not because of those points though :p

3DS launched at $250. Which is definitely in the ballpark of Switch. But at least 3DS games were selling for $40 instead of the $60 that Switch is asking.

Well, it seems the screen has about the size of the closed New 3DS XL - which just fits fine into my jacket-pocket. The joycons are removable and can be stashed in another pocket. Should be fine.