Not exactly true. Nintendo did this a few years ago with their 3ds product line (“New 3ds”), which featured an improved processor/3d that didn’t make your eyes bleed/built in circle pad.

Yes, there are a lot of different faceplates you can buy separately, though you may have to order them online. I’ve only seen them carried physically at Nintendo World so far. Solid colors are usually around $10, and some of the nicer custom ones like fire emblem can run up to $20-25.

There’s also a lot of cool 3rd…