It is in Canada
Interesting. It's a special case though; America, the Middle East, Asia and Europe are generally open to letting the airline decide the rules, and they get the heaviest amount of air traffic.
I don't know if it's government enforced but the two airlines I travel on, those being West Jet and Air Canada, require all electronic devices to be off for the duration of the flight unless they have some sort of airplane mode.
does the plane itself have an airplane mode
How do they enforce it? Do they actually come around and check to make sure everyone has their phones/tablets/laptops on airplane mode?
some kid brought his switch into school the day after it released and got it stolen
I can't condone stealing, as it's a despicable behaviour, but honestly, you need to be protective of your expensive equipment.
I wouldn't even steal that.
Not even to sell it to buy a Vita or PS4 Pro?