If it is a true story then the device was probably a dev kit. I don’t see them radically changing the hybrid formfactor unless it stops selling well. Or maybe unless there is some radical new direction like going to VR.

Yes and no. I had a modded Sega Saturn with a ram cartridge that I traded in to afford a Dreamcast when it came out. I love the Dreamcast so it wasn’t a bad trade, but I do wish I still had the Saturn too.