I don't really think Nintendo's online is that bad on Switch. I play Splatoon 2, ARMS, MK8D, and USF2 online and they run well. Sure I get a disconnect once in a blue moon but it's not something I haven't experienced before on other consoles, and by that I mean PS4 and Xbox 360. I mean Wii U was a little worse with Smash Bros., but even the lag and dropouts weren't often. And I'm sure you'll find videos of online issues related to games like Battlefield, Diablo, or Street Fighter V. Granted, this is coming from someone who doesn't care for voice chat due to mediocre experiences in the past.
I think the differences between handheld and home consoles don't matter much to me. However they present themselves, they're consoled through and through. They play video games so I don't want things like handheld gaming being undermined when talked about. Appreciate successes like the DS and GBA like you appreciate the PS2 and Wii. Being cheaper to buy and whatnot shouldn't undermine great handheld consoles and their success. I don't care if handheld gaming is cheaper, customers still gotta buy them to matter.
Also, I don't know if you can really determine the fan base of Nintendo based on home console sales alone. There are things like the excitement in their upcoming theme parks, Pokémon repping Japan in the World Cup, and the inclusion of Mario in the hand off during the Closing Ceremonies of the Olympics last year to an ovation.
