[xyzzy123]

It's really hard to put my finger on it, but I find things created before microtransactions and in-game ad support really have a different quality about them.

It seems like the more integrated a device is to payment systems and analytics the more exploitative it will tend to be. Phones and tablets have a fairly direct link to the user's wallet, it seems like an inevitable consequence is that on that platform the games with the most marketing behind them will basically be cognitive exploits.

Switch is probably a no for me due to availability of microtransactions / eShop. It's a shame because it has a lot of great stuff. I would understand if some parents have a different opinion about that platform.

I try to mostly give my kids pirated retrogames. Like, refurb GBC + SD cart. Pandora console.

At some point I will need to work through all the exploits in modern entertainment with them so they aren't naive when they come to navigate it for themselves.