[short_sells_poo]

Phones are not general purpose computers, they have a specific use which is to communicate with people over a distance.

See?

But you can in fact turn it around, because both phones and games consoles are in fact general purpose computers that are able to execute any program, before the arbitrary limitations are imposed on them by the manufacturers.

[kube-system]

My point is that it is normal for special purpose devices to be regulated in such a way that prioritizes their primary purpose. And this is true for smartphones. The parts of your phone that must comply with telecom regulatory standards are locked down in black boxes separate from the main system.

[lukeschlather]

The problem is this doesn't prioritize their primary purpose. It ensures that the device will simply stop functioning within a relatively short time frame. This sort of crypto-locking of parts makes them impossible to fulfill their primary purpose when a part fails and the manufacturer won't sell a replacement part. It's unacceptable to brick devices in the name of cheat defense.

[kube-system]

I disagree. If it is not playable due to the manufacturing failing to prevent cheating, there is no need to replace parts on it, as it would be broken either way. A fair playing field is essential part of a functional game.

If the immobilizer on your car fails, it will brick your car too. The solution isn't to prohibit immobilizers and shrug our shoulders at car thieves, it is to require manufacturers to provide parts. Which we have long done for cars in the US.

TL;DR: Don't prohibits locks that protect consumers just because the lock could need maintenance. Require the manufacturer to provide parts for the lock.

[lukeschlather]

I have a Nintendo Switch, I've literally never used it to play a game where cheating is a concern. Cheating in games is not a crime and it's not worth bricking devices to avoid.

[kube-system]

I'm glad your experience has been fine. That doesn't mean that everyone has the same experience. Cheating in games can easily become criminal, and people have been arrested for doing so. Even though cheaters are often not prosecuted, these activities can often amount to fraud or hacking.