Working with the cycle gamers are used to with console launches really dosent work for Nintendo IMO. Marketing wise or in content delivery. How many Nintendo fans end up buying a new box just for one launch window game anyway?
If the goal is broader appeal or breaking the mold, I'd argue a blitz close to launch is safer than showing a casual friendly/appealing box and waiting for months to sell the thing. Your just languishing your reveal hype and as time goes on the only people waiting for the date are the faithful who will be there either way.
Personally, It's been rare for me to purchase any console at launch and not experience a dust phase with it. Surely not the intention (all the time) of the maker but its common. Maybe with digital, DLC and ponying up to mobile Nintendo will have a strong gap filler. logically we're looking at a new box that will depend on Nintendo and the coalition of friendly publishers holding the weight while they build a base.
Selling a tech product over reveal hype isn't a bad thing; it proves to work and could be a good move. It dosent mean the product is sub par, it's just thinking more like a start up and playing to what the limitations are.