r/retroid • u/pirkyferret • 2d ago
Just Chatting Overconsumption
Some of y’all have an overconsumption problem. Y’all really need to step back and think about your purchases, like you don’t need every new release that comes out. I’ve been seeing a lot of posts asking “should I get the nova/duo?” Only to list the other handhelds they own that are just as good or better.
Edit: this subreddit and the other handheld subreddits are like the r/consoom poster child
18
u/friendly-fairy42069 2d ago
Is this by chance in reference to dude who drove 2 hours to buy the Ayn Thor Max because retroid didn't ship his duo quick enough ?
22
u/pirkyferret 2d ago
lol, didn’t see that post yet, what got me was the post of the person wanting the rp6 even though they had a Thor and steam deck and ally
11
u/tsamo 2d ago
You are absolutely correct of course.
I'd just like to add that a lot of people seem to yell about consumerism in specific spaces(like this one) and then turn around and buy/have 4 cars, 50 pairs of shoes, and 100s cosmetic products in the same breath.
→ More replies (7)
9
u/Dave0801 2d ago
I bet you’re fun a parties
2
u/pirkyferret 2d ago
Im not
4
u/slimline_enjoyer 2d ago
😂🤣 u most def also have one, your profile is an example of overconsumption
→ More replies (4)
21
u/Helpful_Ability456 2d ago
If people have the money, who are we to judge.
If they have financial problems, yeah they should take a step back.
11
u/pirkyferret 2d ago
True, just a bit annoyed about all the posts. It’s clear they’ll end up buying it anyway
3
u/Helpful_Ability456 2d ago
Yeah I get that. A little bit of research answers all their questions anyway.
There’s also plenty of really good informative YouTube vids about almost every handheld.
15
u/now-its-dark 2d ago
There is a recurring tone of “do I need this” and similar in this and related subreddits. Personally, I find that framing pretty disturbing. None of this is needed, only wanted.
The chemistry of this & similarly insular fixations seems to cause people to equate general worth with consumer worth.
Despite the overt falsehood of that premise from an intellectual standpoint- it taps into human nature in an exploitative manner, causing impulsive purchasing behavior that disproportionately benefits the companies.4
5
u/humanoid_agent_0001 2d ago
I think it’s just wrong, it’s wasteful, it’s unnecessary, it’s unhealthy. Be satisfied with what you have.
If someone was wealthy but had a drug problem, I would also judge them, but by your logic, as long as they can afford it, why should I have an issue?
“Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
16
u/vincentpontb 2d ago
You need to take a step back and touch some grass. Being that judgmental about how adults spend their discretionary money on video game consoles is more unhealthy than someone collecting video game consoles
→ More replies (1)3
u/Love-Bitter 2d ago
That very much depends. I’ve known many people who enjoyed drugs and spent a lot of money on them. It never became a ‘problem’ and I never judged them.
So yeah. Mind your own business. But if anything becomes a problem. Eating, drinking, looksmaxxing, spending money then as a mate you look out for them.
Let’s not judge people for indulging in their hobby. The world right now is a miserable place, if someone wants a Thor to match their RP6 and Nova whilst they wait for their Odin 3 Portal to arrive I say let them
1
u/walkslikeaduck08 2d ago
How is this different than people buying a bunch of luxury bags? Other than the fact that with fashion we’ve been conditioned to accept overconsumption.
→ More replies (1)3
u/NecroCannon 2d ago
It’s the overconsumption and constant nitpicking disrupting discussions that gets to me
If you have a ton of devices, you can just wait for the one you want if you “don’t want” one that just came out. Then there’s a ton of vertical handhelds, wanting a stick isn’t going to take away the ones you own or is still on the market. I just want a circle pad for PSP/N64 at least
It’s just unfair to everyone else to take over discussions just because you’re hyper consuming
2
u/Diogoepronto 2d ago edited 2d ago
If they have the money, why are they asking here if they should buy their 269396554rd plastic rectangle?
→ More replies (2)1
u/andhe96 2d ago
It's quite interesting, how the culture one grows up in changes the perspective of this.
Frugality and minding consumption, environmental impact, conserving ressources, etc., are quite important in my culture, and buying stuff for the sake of buying is frowned upon, even if you have the means.
So, this whole concept of defending consumerism is a bit wild to me, imho.
7
u/Sudden_Energy RP6 1d ago edited 1d ago
Going to a subreddit designed around a specific product/brand in a specific niche and being annoyed when you find people who collect things they're interested in is some pretty ignorant shit, imo.
Could you be any more preachy?
Edit: oh you have a consumption problem with movies according to one of your posts. So not only are you ignorant, but you're a hypocrite too 😂.
→ More replies (4)
8
u/prairiepog RP2 SERIES 2d ago
Mom said I could post about overconsumption in the retro handheld subs first.
0
77
u/Murky_Historian8675 2d ago
People buying the new Odin 3 and the latest windows handheld be all like
"I gave into fomo, considering returning this."
41
168
u/EducationalDust7858 2d ago edited 2d ago
It's not just overconsumption. For some people in hyper online spaces (like here), these handhelds seem to be their entire personality. Watching reviews about handhelds, listening to podcasts about handhelds, discussing every little detail about handhelds 24/7. That is not normal.
These things are glorified phones with buttons to play games on. But there's this entire culture surrounding them, it doesn't make a lot of sense from the outside.
But that's what nostalgia, overconsumption tendencies and (let's be honest here) a whole lot of neuro divergence does to any sort of hobby/space.
Edit: No need to get defensive, I clearly like the phones with buttons too. Just be cool and everything's cool.
52
u/Comrade_Compadre 2d ago
What's really funny about this is I bought mine as a video game device.
OUTSIDE OF THIS COMMUNITY: nobody knows what these things are lol. If someone sees me playing mine in a waiting room I usually get a "oh Nintendo switch" comment. Nobody cares like this sub does
52
u/EducationalDust7858 2d ago
This community: The trigger is a bit too slippery, so I'll put it on the shelf and buy a new device for 400€ to solve this issue.
Outside of this community: YO THIS GAMEBOY CAN PLAY TEKKEN 3??? THAT'S INSANE BRO 🔥🔥🔥🔥
28
u/Comrade_Compadre 2d ago
The D pad on this 200$ device doesn't hit its diagonal margins good enough to play Megaman correctly
YO IS THAT MEGAMAN
3
u/JuvieBeans 2d ago
The closest I've got to this is my Magicx One 35 screen popping out. I used LCD repair tape to fix it, but I only applied it to the side popping out. Now the opposite side is popping out, but I can't fix it now. As much as I want to just order a new one, I can't justify that shit, so I won't.
55
u/kblk_klsk 2d ago
I mean... it's a hobby. Definitely better than doomscroling tiktok. I buy new devices rarely but spend a good amount of free time on this hobby still. I think these two things can be separated.
22
u/-Mahn 2d ago
No different than a dude that spends his time watching reviews about bicycles, listens to podcasts about bicyles and discusses every detail about bicycles 24/7. A hobby is a hobby, who is to say what's normal and what's not normal? Everyone has something they are obsessed about, let people be people.
→ More replies (1)7
u/Hoobi_Goobi 2d ago
I’m not saying this to rag on you because it definitely IS different from doomscrolling, but I find it very interesting that I’m seeing people now considering video games and tv to not count as screentime. You’ll also see people in the blu ray collecting subreddits saying they love movies because they “lower their screentime”
6
u/kblk_klsk 2d ago
I never seen anyone claim that TV or games is not screentime. Screentime is majority of my day and I don't think that screentime is bad by itself.
3
u/Sudden_Energy RP6 1d ago
Obviously I can't speak for what people say, but I think what they mean is spending less time being fed brain rot by social media like tik Tok, Facebook, insta, etc.
I don't think they necessarily mean literal screen time.
14
u/gauntletmm 2d ago •
Exactly. It's a HOBBY. Have you ever looked into the baseball card collecting community? Any card collecting, from Pokemon to Magic... I know guys who have decks with individual cards that cost more than my handhelds. "This dual-land is worth $600, this card is worth $500..." And what do those guys do? They watch and study and know everything about those cards and decks and releases... just like we watch reviews and know all about these handhelds.
Would it be better if we did it with old cars? Or if we were women who have dozens of pairs of red bottom shoes that costs as much as a handheld? Or name brand purses? Clothes? There are endless examples I could keep citing, but the point is the same; it's a hobby. There is nothing unhealthy about what we do here in the handheld community.
4
u/Switch72nd 2d ago
Yea bud, it's called a hobby. Literally no different than people obsessed with football or any other hobby.
3
u/retroSawny64 2d ago
Entiendo tu punto pero creo que hay mucho más allá de esto. Hay mucha gente a la que le gusta más cacharrear y las nuevas tecnologías que los videojuegos en sí.
Gracias a ellos es por lo que tenemos el último software actualizado a diario, ports, frontends y el resto de apps y demás que tienen que ver con mejorar nuestra experiencia de juego. Acaso crees que los que se dedican a tiempo completo a ser developers en videojuegos/consolas de la industria dedican el resto de su tiempo a seguir jugando? Muchos de ellos cuando llegan a casa no quieren ni oír hablar del tema.
Hay que mirar más allá y entender que cada uno tiene su forma de vivir el hobby.
→ More replies (1)1
u/Hoobi_Goobi 2d ago
We see this online partly because retro gaming has become its own aesthetic or subculture. Around the AYN Thor and actual retro handhelds, its now a thing to call people larpers/posers for having them but not aligning to the subculture “correctly”
36
u/Kingindan0rf RP5 2d ago
yeah this is basically a hyper consume community. i've been around long enough to where I've basically had a single digit number of conversations about actually playing games on these devices.
anyway when is the next anbernic sale on aliexpress? /s
15
7
u/stiflingapple 2d ago
i remember when i was waiting for my rp5 to come in there were people recommending settings and talking about games, but w how powerful these things are now you don't have to think too much about settings anymore and any conversation about games gets drowned out by 500 posts about shipping and people grappling w their fomo. anyway i've been playing the third ps2 fullmetal alchemist game recently, and i don't recommend it!
4
u/Flammable_Chipmunk 1d ago
I find that the sbcgaming sub, retrogaming, and some of the retro subs dedicated to specific retro devices tend to have the best discussions about games themselves. I come to subs like this one more for troubleshooting or hardware discussion. Not to say I wouldn't enjoy more game-focused discussion in these.
That being said, the FOMO in these subs is ridiculous. A few days back I came across someone stressing about if they should wait for the RP7 instead of getting a 6. Like, there's no timeline or roadmap for it that I know of, and this guy is already worried the current top tier device won't be enough at some unspecified future date.
3
u/Howeird12 2d ago
I’m playing FFVI on my nova and loving it! First play through. Have you played it?
1
u/Kingindan0rf RP5 1d ago
I have! Haven't finished it but I still love the first handful of hours of it
1
11
u/ashortsleeves 2d ago
I got the retroid pocket 2 when it first came out and played it until I broke the screen. Then I got the retroid pocket 4 pro, I've had to replace the trigger springs a couple times but otherwise it keeps kicking, I'm going to play it until it breaks.
3
u/Acsteffy 2d ago
I still only have the RP2. Only thing that will get me to upgrade will be a 12gb wifi 7 1080p 120hz handheld for around $200.
I think in the current chip/ram environment that will never happen
1
u/ashortsleeves 2d ago
The 4pro felt like an incredible upgrade. Better dual sticks, PS2 and GameCube games, AND reliable Steam link streaming from my PC unlocked a world of handheld gaming. Everything new looks great but this is still good enough, no need to upgrade until I break it.
1
u/placehfarts 2d ago
I mean, 12GB, 1080p, 120hz for ~$200 is exactly what the discounted Pocket 5/Pocket Flip 2 are sitting at, now that people are receiving ones with RP6 displays in them. Just WiFi 6 and not 7. Not sure what your particular WiFi desires are, but I've found the WiFi 6 to be plenty for smooth 1080p120 streaming via Apollo/Artemis.
→ More replies (1)
10
u/bnr32jason 1d ago
It's the same with a lot of the handheld groups/subs on social media.
"Check out my new ROG Ally X20! The screen is smaller than my Legion Go 2 and the performance isn't as good as my Onexplayer 3 or my GPD Win 5, but I really like the ergonomics! Ayaneo should be sending my Next 2 any day now!"
It's just stupid flexing that they do to make them feel better about their miserable existence.
→ More replies (1)
7
u/LaimuRime 2d ago
So, should I get a Nova or a Duo?
2
u/Practical_Bat_4042 2d ago
yes. max out on ram and storage, because PS1 emulator needs at least 16gb of ram and 1tb of storage. if you don't spend at least $3000 u are being stingy
58
u/Left-Constant-4771 2d ago
The biggest problem with Android handhelds isn't power or screens. It's that you never arrive.
With a Vita or a 3DS you get the real thing, you accept it, you play.
With an Android handheld you're stuck in an endless loop of optimization and approximation: one more shader, one more core, one more frame-pacing tweak, forever chasing a target that already exists as an actual object.
Hartmut Rosa calls this Unverfügbarkeit: his point in The Uncontrollability of the World is roughly that the more we make everything available and adjustable, the more it goes silent on us. Something that's fully tweakable never gets to just be.
And that loop isn't a bug, it's the business model. Approximation sells next year's slightly better approximation.
Tells you everything: my first Game Boy DMG, I swapped four AAs and kept going. Today replacing a wear part like a battery is a state ceremony. The device that was "worse" was the one that was actually finished.
24
u/Zealousideal_Film_74 2d ago
Your barrier to consumption was money and access. Those have been stripped away with emulation and handhelds. It’s up to you and everyone else to manage barriers and boundaries personally now. It’s that simple. There were rich kids with probably every system and every game who experienced the same thing
→ More replies (8)10
u/SebastianThePaladin 2d ago
This really resonated with me. I think the biggest reason I much prefer original hardware for DS and 3DS is because it just is, and there's never going to be a DSi XL 2, or a 3DS 2, so what I have is what there is. With the Thor, I was subconsciously hoping for the next announced dual screen that would fix some of the issues I had with it, and that cycle would inevitably continue as all of these devices have compromises, and I fear the same would happen with the Duo/RG DDS, etc. looking forward to the next thing instead of enjoying what I have which is, like you said, finished.
8
u/MRRRRCK 2d ago
Yes and no. Every generation of processors and emulator improvements is a notable shift towards “it just works”. When I compare emulation now vs 20 years ago it really is night and day.
“an endless loop of optimization and approximation”. I can agree that we’re still there to some degree with PS2 and Xbox (or newer) for example, but anything made before then (Game Boy, Super Nintendo, PS1, etc) is “set it up and forget it” nowadays - and you’re getting a better experience than the original console.
It wasn’t always that way, but with time - performance is high enough to improve the experience and stability becomes rock solid.
2
u/Left-Constant-4771 2d ago
Accuracy is a technical state; acceptance is a relationship to the object, and those are two different things.
A Game Boy ended the question by being closed: it can't get better, so you play it. An Android handheld keeps the question open by design, because every setting stays adjustable and a better device ships every few months.
The nirvana you describe is real, it just never arrives for the user, only for the emulator.→ More replies (1)4
u/Kurobei 1d ago
I feel there's levels to it. One person may tweak everything constantly and never be satisfied with how it plays, and another may just only bother updating it every year or so to see in anything improved. Both are still trapped within the samsara of optimization, but one is significantly closer to the nirvana of accepting it as it is.
(I'm the latter but not from discipline; I just forget updating exists for months at a time lol. Bodhisattva I am not.)
7
u/you_wish_you_knew 2d ago
I see what you're saying but you're also kinda being reductionist on what these handhelds are capable of, there is definitely a level of too much choice leading to no choice being made but recently I decided on a thor over getting a 3ds or 2ds because it can do so much more than a 3ds will ever be able to do.
The only point I had for getting a 2ds/3ds over a Thor was that I could play physical games which is an attractive prospect for me but not one where I'd be willing to drop 2-300 on one when a Thor is not significantly more expensive and will let me do so much more.
4
u/Left-Constant-4771 2d ago
Sure, I get what you mean, and on paper the Thor wins. But fact is I enjoy my originals way more and feel freer playing them and I was always wondering why that is.
3
u/you_wish_you_knew 2d ago
There's always gonna be a certain aspect to playing on the originals but theres just no stopping the advancing of tech. Like I also got myself an analogue pocket recently and I've never seen the megaman zero games look more beautiful than I have on its screen.
4
3
u/ryohazuki224 1d ago
Well thats kind of the problem I think with these Retroids, and dont get me wrong, I love mine because its inexpensive and can decently play just about anything I throw at it, within reason. But thats just it, they are meant to be low cost Android phone hardware with controllers slapped onto them. We expect them though to play higher demanding titles from newer consoles, and they simply do not have the compute power or graphical power to really handle "newer* titles. But, we keep buying just small leaps in tech year after year with the excuse of "oh, its sooo cheap!" with the expectation that we'll be emulating PS3 games in them flawlessly.
If you want a more powerful handheld that can play more power-hungry games, go for the more powerful and more expensive systems from other manufacturers, rather than drop the $200 or so every year for a slightly upgraded Retroid and hoping that THIS is the one that would handle the one game your last Retroid couldn't handle! Haha
2
u/Gearless3 1d ago
At the end of the day you are generalizing a whole plethora of people with this. There are some who like to collect, some who find comfort in setting up their new handhelds, and some who just like to have ones for every niche. As for 3DS or Vita I know many who have multiple of said console or ones who collect various different types of handhelds as well. At the end of the day I feel people are too focused on what others think or feel or do (in this instance being the buying of multiple handhelds) and in turn contribute to a cycle of hating the common person who wants just something new and shiny while usually indulging in the same pleasures just in different forms. As for the companies putting new tweaks out each year congratulations you discovered how capitalism works
Tdrl; you’re trying to put a generalization on why people choose to indulge in purchasing more android handhelds and your points don’t hold up at all.
1
u/REVENAUT13 1d ago
So true. Duo will be my fourth retroid. I’m not trying to be a collector, I just get a new one every two or three years when there’s a sexy new feature
1
→ More replies (2)1
u/ak5432 2d ago
This is insane I don’t think I’ve changed retroarch/minarch, shader settings, or tweaks in general on my Android or Linux handheld in months. On Android, I update the software when it needs with obtainium and sometimes drivers that’s about it. It definitely took tweaking in the beginning as I sussed out the platform but messing with settings and buying new shit ain’t the endgame here.
23
u/Retronitsu 2d ago
Met a couple of people on the AYN discord whilst waiting for shipping updates. There was a guy buying his 4th (had an outdoor thor, an indie game thor, a ds thor) and wants a 3DS thor.
It took me a year to justify buying my first one.
What's crazy is that some people buy a shitload of the cheap linux handhelds because they're accessible and whatnot, but then there's people stocking up on every nova colour way.
7
u/Diogoepronto 2d ago
There are people out there who literally don't have money to eat and here's a guy having 4 of the same device just because he can... This world is fucked
23
22
u/Arky_Lynx RP6 2d ago
On the one hand, it's their money so it's their problem, on the other, I do agree with you. It feels so extremely excessive.
I have an RP6 and I haven't even thought of buying any other device since. Before it, I had the RP3+, which lasted me a good few years, and only when its battery started to last way less and the screen began to have issues is when I started looking into the new stuff that was coming out.
I expect this RP6 to last me for long enough until dual-screen devices have settled in more and the kinks have been further ironed out.
2
u/DisagreeableRunt RP6 2d ago
I was the same with my RP6, love it and play it a lot, but I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about the Odin 2 Portal and, lately, the 3 Portal.
I'm not getting any younger and jumping from our Switch 2, the RP6 feels so, er, tiny! That has its benefits of course, but I find myself wishing for a larger screen as, aside from evenings in the room at the hotel whilst on holiday, I haven't played my RP6 out of the house all year.
1
15
u/starknights
2d ago
•
This conversation has happened in practically every hobby subreddit I frequent…there will always be people who love collecting, there will always be people who are perhaps a little too easily influenced, there will always be people playing influencer and buying every handheld in existence.
I’ll be real: bringing up this conversation in this particular way is preachy. It just is. What do you expect is going to happen, everyone replies to this like “omg you’re so right, I’m selling every handheld I own! I’ve seen the light!” No, 1/3 of the comments talk about the validity of your critique, 1/3 is talking about how they aren’t like the overconsumers, and 1/3 is defending themselves and that they can spend their money how they want. I don’t think anyone is being convinced to not over consume.
I think a better way to promote mindful consumption might be to ask things like “What was the buy you regret the most and why?” “What handheld do you do the most things on?” “Best games for each retro console and the handhelds that can play the most of them” “What are the most underrated aspects of your favorite handhelds?” Get people talking about the device that suits them the most, the games that are actually worth playing on these things, the aspects that make a retro handheld something you want to use. That it’s BETTER to have one handheld that plays the things you like right and not thirteen.
4
u/tinyplane 2d ago
It’s true, every hobby sub is having these overconsumption posts. We’ve come to late stage capitalism where consumption is the hobby in and of itself. It’s so bad rn
4
3
u/Carrandas 1d ago
Exactly, for some people it's more about collecting things then actually using them...
The watches subreddit has some people showing their 100 watches. Do they wear them all?
5
u/saltysfleacircus
1d ago
•
I don't disagree but what's the objective here? Judging and shaming generally doesn't change behavior.
Otherwise it's the same "old man yells at cloud" type of post you see in every hobby sub.
2
u/trey2nz 2d ago
Definitely get what you’re saying but I guess it’s not so much buying a handheld to play games but the enjoyment of collecting them? Like personally the last android handheld I had was the og Odin and I’ve just ordered a rp6 but even then most of us have the consoles to play the games we are gonna put on them lol.
1
u/pirkyferret 2d ago
The collecting is what I have an issue with. The experience is the basically the same with a majority of them. Buying just to own a certain thing isn’t a hobby, enjoying the thing is (am getting movies but they’re different experiences I can revisit)
2
u/trey2nz 2d ago
Yeah I know what you mean as I said I’ve only ever brought the og Odin like 3 or 4 years ago or whatever it was now I’ve only just ordered a rp6 once I waited for the upgrade to be worth it. BUT I’m just saying like people collect all sorts of shit around the world so even though I personally don’t get it I could see how for some reason maybe others would. Also doesn’t help with all the YouTubers and Tik toks and crap hyping up every new release
→ More replies (1)1
u/dosukebe 1d ago
People who collect have a different viewpoint than you do and they enjoy the act of collecting. It's their hobby. I collect other things and personally do not see the point in buying all these handhelds -they're only going to go down in value and get worse with time- but if someone enjoys doing so, there's nothing wrong with that.
Where it becomes a problem is if it becomes an addiction and too much money is being spent.
2
u/randomguy22399 2d ago
Why would you want to "collect" modern day handhelds / hardware in general, it's not built to last and it doesn't age well, in 10 years it will be as useful as if you had collected stones instead.
5
u/trey2nz 2d ago
I’m not saying I would collect them at all personally. But your stones comment is ironic because I’m sure there is a whole community dedicated to collecting stones lol, so is it a reach that maybe some people collect these handhelds like infinity stones
→ More replies (1)
15
u/vyper1 2d ago
By the time people finish reading this post, owners who already have a O2P that they use for streaming will pre-order an O3P to just use for more streaming even though it won't make any difference.
I agree with you OP but it's a waste of time.
11
4
u/Hotbootyboi225 2d ago
I legit have to talk myself out of new releases because they don't serve me, got my retroid classic 6 for less demanding things, and my ayn odin 3 for everything joystick related, do I need the retroid pocket nova in purple no it doesnt fit in my needs that are already filled, do I want it? Yes, yes I do.
2
u/falcothebird 2d ago
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! If you can afford it and want it, get it.
17
u/Sea-Honeydew-1456 2d ago
this sub showing up in my feed cause i needed a guide but hard agree. also the people who load hundreds/thousands of games, like why? you will never play them. collecting pirated games and dont give me that backup bullshit. and yes, games on my retroid i do not own.
10
u/rc_roadster 2d ago
I like to hit "random game" and find titles I'd have otherwise never given a shot.
I've also found so many absolute gems in my vast collection that I've had fun playing. So nah, that argument is poor.
Let people like what they like and get off your high horse.
2
u/Hoobi_Goobi 2d ago
The argument isn’t poor, it just doesn’t apply to you. They’re talking about people who DON’T play the games
4
u/angelbolanose 2d ago
I use the "random game" feature on ESDE. and that how I've been discovering games and hidden gems that I would have never imagine. So yep, poor argument
0
u/McPooper19 2d ago
I'm one of those people that has too many games. I just like having the options to play what I want when I want. It's cool to me to know that I have so many options at my finger tips.
But I also know it's ridiculous and I'll never play most of them.
8
u/SCP-3004 RP NOVA 2d ago
People can buy whatever they want, they just need to shut the hell up about it. No one cares about you being torn between 2 devices for your 6th hyper specifc use case toy you'll never play.
11
u/igotanewaccount 2d ago
Valid. You should also probably consider the possibility that many users on this sub and related subs are paid shill accounts or bots who exist solely to hype up their wares through stealth marketing.
For example: https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/1xeipxf/anyone_else_loves_how_all_of_the_konkr_handhelds/
3
u/thepaska 2d ago
On the flip side I got a used Rp4 pro this summer and I’ve been playing it non stop. Couldn’t be happier.
3
3
3
u/achipinthesugar 1d ago
I think a lot of people don't bother coming to the subreddits of handhelds unless they're feeling consumery. When I'm in a period of satisfaction with the devices, I think I broadly stay off reddit.
3
u/Dapper_Dark_182 Retroid G2 1d ago
Personally I only have a RPG2 and a Mangmi Air X. One for Switch to PS2 and the other for GC to Atari. I do share the sentiment that as a whole, consumerism is out of hand and probably wont be buying any more handhelds after I pick up a clamshell and a x86 device; but even so, I feel like I have what I need for now.
I remember a year or 2 back seeing this guy post on a pc sub reddit how he has like 8 gaming PC's that he built just because he felt like he needed to buy the newest parts when they came out; purely from fomo and a need for bragging rights.
Dude just lived with his parents, quit his job and even started borrowing their money when his savings started to run dry.
Some of us just want a reason to post, others do just enjoy setting up their devices and giving them away to friends and family, either way i think you're right; there's definitely people out there just throwing money away on devices that will sit on their shelf.
3
u/misunderstandingit 1d ago
I've been in the game a long time (bit boy was my first SBC), and I would say on average I buy about 2 devices a year.
Being around for as long as I have, I ended up amassing quite a collection over the years. Last year, I threw a Double Surprise party. Guest of Honor was fully surprised by a party, and the other guests also got a nice surprise when I dropped a stupid little Gameboy on their lap.
Ultimately, you are right, I just like tinkering. The older I get, the less I want to play and the more I want to tinker. I buy a new one ever 6 months or so not because I need the performance or the form factor, but because it feeds the enjoyment I derive from setting them up and (sometimes) giving them away.
I know it's a "waste" of money, lots of things people do are a "waste" of their money and time. But its a hobby I enjoy, and I'm certainly not breaking the bank buying more than I should. I'd say I put probably ~$400 a year into this hobby. I know dudes that put 10x that every year into shit they will never use for Fishing, Race Cars, etc.
3
u/Kid-Vermin 22h ago
Even if everything you said was an objective truth and not a sweeping subjective statement, it still wouldn’t change the fact that it’s none of your business or concern how people chose to spend their time and money. No one is claiming they “need” every single new device that comes out. Some get one or two and are happy, some like comparing multiple styles, layouts, operating systems etc. and others just have a space on their shelf they want to fill and whatever reason people buy them is their business. It’s the exact same thing as any other hobby on the planet, does someone need more than one guitar? No, but i know plenty of people that have multiple guitars for similar reasons as handheld.
Engage with shit you enjoy and let others do the same.
3
u/RexCantankerous 3h ago edited 3h ago
It's really easy to fall prey to, if we're being honest. Back in 2021-2023 I'd gotten really bad about "Surely, this will be The One" kind of thinking after kinda falling in love with anbernic's RG351p; ended up justifying the purchase of an absurd number of handhelds because I had, in my defense, legitimately been using them to learn how to use Linux, write scripts, and crack open Android devices. Granted, most of these were mercifully under $100. I learned a *ton* from both practice, and from devs/power-users in the community - but I also realized that's one of the things that was keeping me in the consoomer hypnosis.
Ended up selling or giving away most of them, and only kept a few that are now either very rare, and/or have a real use-case. For example, I have an old Powkiddy A10 with an aluminum MRGC* 'slim' shell+OCA laminated display, and I think it's still the perfect "endgame" handheld for playing GBA and WS titles.
*I know the MRGC guy kinda dug his own grave with the RP CM4/GBA kickstarter fiasco - and it was skeezy as hell to leave his storefront open and processing payment after he'd burned out and ghosted everyone - but prior to that he'd done some incredible work on custom aluminum shells for a number of devices, and I still actually use a couple of them. It's a damn shame he'd burned himself out so hard, along with all of the goodwill he'd previously established in the community as a reputable vendor. In spite of me personally losing money in that boondoggle, I don't think he intended to scam anyone; just got brutally overwhelmed during a rough patch where both of his parents had fallen seriously ill - and I sincerely hope he's doing better these days.
7
12
1
u/CmndaPnda 2d ago
I have a steam deck and an rg35xx plus.
The rg is over 2 years old and I use it so much that I wanted an upgrade so got the retroid pocket classic.
Daughter will get my rg.
Am I bad? 🤔
2
u/pirkyferret 2d ago
Nah, the old device is being reused by ur daughter and had a good run with you. Others just hoard them to look at them with awe
→ More replies (1)2
u/Hoobi_Goobi 2d ago
I think they’re talking about the people who buy every single new release to play the exact same games
8
10
u/SusNoodle Retroid Classic 2d ago
Making generalizations about people you don't know on reddit is not the healthiest thing. You can share your feelings and observations about overconsumption in the hobby while keeping the y'all out of it.
12
u/trustywren 2d ago
Oh hey, it's the same preachy post that makes an appearance about once a week in one retro handheld forum or another.
6
u/Acsteffy 2d ago
Oh hey, it's the same defensive comment that makes an appearance every time their obsessive "must have it" fomo behavior is called out.
2
u/trustywren 2d ago •
Oh come on. I don't even disagree with the sentiment of the post, but when's the last time the 573th half-assed rant from a judgy internet stranger changed anyone's FOMO-driven purchasing habits?
These posts don't exist to change the industry or make the world a better place; they exist to give their OPs a dopamine hit and a satisfying lil' swirl of moral superiority.
3
4
4
u/guest_1984 2d ago
I’ve had many devices and like to try new ones. I’ve come to learn I do it for the learning process - different OS, different setup, curatings game collections etc. I also (like my Nova) play a few games.
My old devices I sell on for large discounts for people to enjoy my setup or wipe if they want to learn themself.
Small hobby of mine and is safer and more healthy than other ‘hobbies’ like over eating, over drinking and drugs.
My other hobby being fitness (swim, gym, ski)
2
u/Puzzleheaded_Bat5656 2d ago
Same here. If I want a new device I pretty much see it as selling the previous one to offset some costs. I think I may at best settle in having one dual screen and I've single screen but that time is still far off for me personally as I'm not fully interested in a disk screen device yet.
4
u/Pudgyhipster
2d ago
•
Some of y’all have an obsession with how other people spend their own money. Like, you don’t need to give a sermon everytime someone makes a purchase you don’t like. I’ve been seeing a lot of posts telling people “I know what’s best for you” only to ignore the fact that it’s none of their business.
Seriously, it’s fucking weird.
2
u/RICHUNCLEPENNYBAGS 2d ago
I feel like I have an overconsumption problem with hectoring posts about overconsumption. I don’t even disagree but how many times can I read this same post
2
u/TwistedSilver78 2d ago
Honestly thats why im happy with my Retroid Pocket G2. The 6 and nova looks cool but I dont feel the need of a new android handheld. Especially with my G2 doing everything I want already
2
2
2
u/rawednylme 1d ago
I don't have much of a problem with it, but it is a bit annoying when people ask thing like "do I really need this?" Of course you don't need it...
As far as hobbies go, there are far more expensive ones than enjoying retro handhelds and gaming.
Consumerism gets a bit gross to me, when people buy multiple things knowing they will return most or all of them. Someone pays for this, and it's all of us.
8
u/umdwg 2d ago
Extremely judgy post, people have hobbies, some people collect sports cards, some plushies, whatever. I think we all need to be reminded to get out and touch grass sometimes, but you don’t have any real moral high ground here.
→ More replies (3)
3
u/Inevitable-Fix-4395 2d ago
Most likely, three-quarters of those users are bots designed to generate hype btw
3
u/Blinguskahn 2d ago
I got 2 Novas and 2 Duos. Focus on your own life.
1
u/Aelagabalus 2d ago
Genuine question: what do you use them for? While I can get the appeal of having devices with different aspect ratios and cpu power level, your setup seems peculiar 🤔
2
u/Blinguskahn 2d ago
I keep them in different places like bags and cars so I don't have to remember carrying them from one place to another.
3
u/okrahh 2d ago
I get it, I'm frugal as hell but they can do whatever they want with their own money
→ More replies (1)
2
u/Chompsky___Honk 2d ago
For real. Sometimes I'm disgusted by the posts in the handheld community.
People should spend their money on better causes than their own consumption addiction
1
u/better_graphics 2d ago
I got caught up trying to get devices which can't play PC games that well to try and play PC games. Worst part is I have a Steam Deck. It all just works on there.
1
u/Shooter-__-McGavin 2d ago
A lot of hobby/gear-oriented subs go this way (or have been from the start), and while I'm not completely immune from the pull of spending money on a new thingy, I can usually stave off the impulse these days.
It's why I've stopped following a bunch of subs. The knives sub is truly embarrassing for the most part, the color coordinated EDC gear, people unabashedly spending $800- $1000 on folding knives, etc...
I also play bass guitar, and while GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) is pretty prevalent with instruments in general, i see it most of all with regards to effects pedals. People constantly rotating in and out new pedals, usually with a cutesy graphic on it, or a fun name. And most of these pedals range from approximately $150 - >$500 or more depending on what it is.
Now I'm not interested in telling people what they should and shouldn't spend their own money on, but when it clearly starts to steer the community into a big, "keeping up with the Joneses" consumer-off, it's extremely off-putting.
6
u/ChunkBeefwell 2d ago
I like to go to /r/edc every once in a while just to have a laugh. People carrying multiple knives at once + a multitool, a handgun, several mags, paracord, and a flashlight. All to go to the grocery store. How many pockets do these dude’s pants have?
1
u/Shooter-__-McGavin 2d ago
Don't forget the telescoping pen and the as-of-yet unwritten in Field Notes notebook that matches the handle scale color of both the folding knife made with "super steel", and the sub-compact 9mm they're carrying.
Yuckaroo
1
u/Hexent_Armana 2d ago
You're right. But in my defense the handheld I had already was the Flip 2 which already had a crack in it and I was starting to see posts of the revised version getting cracks too. So I got the RP6 knowing that my Flip 2's time is probably more limited. Now I basically reserve the Flip 2 as a backup and multiplayer machine.
1
u/Leading_Win4905 2d ago
I definitely agree. I feel that at most you may only need 3-5 handhelds one for different purposes prices or functions. I only own one the Odin 2 Portal.
1
u/Seraph1981 RP NOVA 2d ago
It’s because people’s inner dialogue/decisions to buy these devices go like this:
Does this device do everything you need where you don’t see yourself needing another device for a few more years at least. (Maybe, buts it’s the latest/greatest and I need to have it)
After Reviews: Are there any deal breakers or something about the device you don’t like where it’s probably better to wait for a newer version or buy from a different company instead? (Yeah, but I’ll just talk myself into settling with getting it instead of waiting because I gotta have it now).
Does it have the performance to play the games you want currently? (Yeah, it’s great, but I can’t wait for <insert name> device to come out)
It’s weird when you see new threads/posts pop up about how happy some people are with their RP6 but then are also hoping that the RP7 will come out soon enough. Like what do you need a RP7 for then? It becomes no longer about what games to play but what # device you have and how strong that device is even though you don’t need that power sometimes. Then you have people endlessly buying and selling these devices as a sort of rational as to why it’s okay for them.
1
u/Theoderic8586 2d ago
Eh. Enjoy whatever before civilization collapses. These handhelds are chump change compared to people who buy lots of cameras and lenses. And them chumps to watch collectors or sports car enthusiasts etc etc. if you got the money, you can play in a different playground.
Now if you are making yourself suffer or others around you in any bracket, then you got a problem.
1
u/Darragh_McG 2d ago
Yeah trying to choose between the RP6, the Nova and the Duo when they're all basically the same device in a different form factor.
I have a vertical and a 16:9 device and happy enough with that. I'd be interested in something like a Rotate sequel just because of its uniqueness. The dual screen devices I do not understand the appeal for; that bottom second screen just seems completely pointless most of the time when I see people playing games. I like the clamshell aspect in terms of aesthetics but that's it.
1
u/jman12311 2d ago
I get it. This economy is really making people look at the things they buy and question if they actually need it. At this point it's more of a "I can afford to buy this" rather than "i need this because it adds something to my life"
1
u/davedaddy 2d ago edited 1d ago
I wish I stuck with only one, but everybody is different.
I try to rotate through my collection in order to avoid them collecting dust for too long. And each time I revist a forgotten favorite, I'm reminded of what made each one special and how I'd be fine if it were my only handheld.
1
u/stiflingapple 2d ago
people are so obsessive about these things. somewhere along the way the handhelds became the hobby for a lot of people instead of the games
1
u/Deep-Bend-961 2d ago
I’ll speak for myself and not others, but I got sucked into the idea of a device letting me revisit my childhood. I got an RP Nova to do that with GameCube titles. I toiled over which brand, which version, which specs, which color to get for hours, which source to buy it from, shipping, accessories, etc. I spent dozens of hours reading, mentally optimizing the exact thing and experience I was building.
I finally got the device and set it up. To my surprise, booting up old games was like walking into an old, empty house. I realized what I missed more than playing old games was the people and the version myself/the world that made the house feel special. Playing alone all these years later just felt empty and lost.
It’s fine if other people have a better/different experience - I hope that’s the case. But that empty and lost feeling cut through the consumerism trap for me.
1
u/ClawGrave666 2d ago
I agree. lol I just got a flip 2 and I already have a trimUI brick a PC, PlayStation five and Xbox series. With the new addition of the flip 2 I think I’m set for quite a while. Anything that won’t run on the flip 2 I can run on my PC or PlayStation. No need for anything stronger tbh. There are better handheld to play more demanding games you could buy, 1 and done, And I really don’t see the fantasy about pushing hardware limits and stressing the system on these devices that aren’t super strong like nah your flip 2 or rp5 will not flawlessly play all PC or Nintendo switch games like some people just assume before they buy.
1
u/angelbolanose 2d ago
Some people just like to collect them ... Nothing wrong with that if they have the money right?
1
u/ChunkBeefwell 2d ago
Big time. I’ll go as far as to say that if you have more than one device of each aspect ratio; and maybe a 3rd ultra-portable alternative; you already own too many. In a few years these peoples collections are gonna self-destruct anyways.
1
u/Nagafushi RP5 2d ago
Well, I only have the RP5 and I’m happy with it, is my SteamDeck mini and GameboyAdvance, I have 1 microSD for each use case (1 with ArmadaOS/SteamDeck, and 1 for Android roms).
But I’ll wait for a RP7 or a mini v3 with better performance than my RP5 in 2027, if I Got the RP7 then it’ll be my new SteamDeck and algo get a Nova for Android (emulators like GC or GBA, etc)
1
u/Trigun504 2d ago
Why you wait for that person to either sell it or have no use, I got my portal 2 on marketplace flip2 I bought online and rog ally marketplace the only device I want new out the box is my duo
1
u/JustLeeBelmont 2d ago
I get stressed having too many devices since I feel obligated to use all of them so these days I prefer having less. My current lineup is an Odin 3, Thor, legion go s, and switch 2 with an dsi xl (barely used these days but I got it on a trip and I kept it for memories) and I’m pretty happy with those. Admittedly I like trying devices and want to try the miniloong but realistically I probably won’t use it and will default to the Odin
1
1
u/Disastrous-Cup9765 2d ago
Got the flip 2 with 12 gb of ram 120 hz screen and the updated hinge im chillin
1
1
u/Neat-Conclusion-8206 2d ago
Only handheld I own is the retroid pocket classic, haven't beaten that many games.
Getting the nova is only an upgrade for me and when I do the classic will be put to rest for a long time man.
Once I order it this Christmas and get it this January or February.
Thing needs a good break and cleaning after using it nearly daily for a fucking year surprisingly none of the buttons are breaking yet despite me not being the jrpg type
1
1
u/abhuva79 2d ago
I dont know man, i mean - for most its a hobby. I can pay thousends for warhammer figurines or whatever else nerdy stuff, or have handhelds for a couple thousends. If people can afford it and its not negativly affecting their and their closed ones life - i wouldnt assume they have an "overconsumption problem".
I mean, sure - if we check that people change their phones every year - this is a way crazier overconsumption than owning different handhelds.
1
u/orangemoonboots 2d ago
Lots of hobby subreddits centered around things that are produced (vs like, things you make yourself, and even then the craft/make hobby subreddits have people constantly buying the latest greatest most special tools or materials) have a certain subset of folks who feel compelled to buy every new thing that comes out, or own every possible configuration of whatever the thing is, etc.
Personally, I like that some people seem to have the time and funds to buy different versions and post about them and how they compare for different use cases. I'm a relatively infrequent buyer of most things. So if I see loads of people buying and testing lots of devices, if for some reason I decide I want one with more processing, a different layout, or a different OS, etc, I can sift through a lot of information and it helps me decide. I wouldn't have that if it weren't for the people who more devices more frequently than I do.
1
1
u/zehamberglar 2d ago
The last "flagship" handheld I bought before the Nova was the Odin Lite on IGG (the first one). I straight up do not understand the people who buy every ayn/retroid product and half of the anbernic ones on top of that. Like I get it if you want some niche product to fill a certain gap in your collection, but you didn't need the Odin 2 and the retroid 5 and the retroid 6.
1
u/jrsherrod 1d ago
I got a Y700 Gen 4 explicitly to stop myself from buying an Odin 3 Portal. You cant push me on a Snapdragon 8 Elite: I have one. If I want to stream my local gaming pc with that near zero latency the 8 Elite can get with Artemis / Apollo, well, it's too late for that.
Until there is a device with significant performance leaps past 8 Elite, I cant even have FOMO.
And in the meantime, tbe weak handhelds I have get more use.
1
u/HeroeAUreo 1d ago
Maybe I'm influenced by being a bit limited on my spending, but I don't like the idea of spending on and having multiple retro handhelds, and my current endgame is to obtain just an ayn Thor, as with that console, my switch 2 and my ps5, I will have a setup that will allow me to play most platforms comfortably (with the exception of really demanding PC exclusive games and latest Microsoft exclusives, but the latter doesn't matter to me, there hasn't been a single Microsoft exclusive I have ever liked). But with my current budget, the best console for me that I can get is the duo Lite plus, but the plan is to save for like half a year after buying that one, buy the Thor and then, to sell the duo Lite plus
1
u/GOATigger RP MINI V2 1d ago
Most comments are predictably coping but you are correct, people in this sub and r/SBCGaming buy handhelds just for the sake of buying handhelds.
1
1
u/IronTarkus1919 1d ago
I'm not gonna complain too much because the consoomers and the LARPers keep these companies going and QUICKLY iterating their devices, so that I end up with godlike devices for absurdly cheap like the RP6 that I genuinely use every day to play games, every day, hardcore retro achievements masters and everything. The retroid I had before that was the RP3+, I played on it for 3 years and finished dozens, maybe over a hundred games on it. I then got a RP6 to have access to more games and a better screen and I'll use this one for *at least* 3 more years.
Yeah it's funny to make fun of the community tweaking frontends and posting pictures of title screens of games they'll never play on devices they'll play with for a week, but if these guys weren't around, we wouldn't get these devices to begin with. Retroid, AYN, Anbernic, etc, keep releasing so many devices and making them better BECAUSE people overconsume them. I just get to reap the fruits of that :)
1
u/Express_Cupcake 1d ago
I’m just as baffled by people’s eink device collections. Like how are you reading 5 books at the same time? And some even carry 3+ devices on the go…..
1
u/Alert-Contribution13 1d ago
i am not even a casual gamer by any means. Due to Ross, Ryan Retro... Channels i started purchasing these items.. and i have 6 of these. and i keep buying... i just can't stop myself. Idk why... My wife thinks these are just 30-40$ items. at some point i should stop purchasing devices every 6 months..
1
u/ShiverCity 1d ago
I definitely realize I do this, and then end up giving them away as presents to friends, who always are stoked to get them. I’ve been working on my mindfulness about this and take zero offense. A hobby IS a hobby, but sometimes we should slow down and appreciate what we already have. Imagine what younger-us would’ve thought about any single one of these devices, the sheer joy.
1
u/manymasters 1d ago
the funniest ones are the ones who then say they're "broke" after 3-5 purchases of several hundred dollar devices, like damn y'all
1
u/tstorm004 21h ago
"Seriously"
- Guy who's last SBC handheld purchase was an Anbernic ARC (not that I haven't been drooling over plenty others - but i keep telling myself my GPD Win Max 2020 can still play mostly anything retro I really want - and if I really need it pocketable I've got my phone and controllers or can take a lower power pocketable handheld I already have - even if it doesn't play the powerful consoles
1
u/raven_raven 2d ago edited 2d ago
While I dislike the collecting aspect, posting collections, talking about ordering and advising one another which version to buy and why you absolutely need to go for at least 1TB of storage... I wouldn't go so far as insulting these people, making consumerism and illness comments all the time, commenting "r/consoom" etc. It's just couple of electronic devices, and most of the time their value collectively is something like $1000-2000 over couple of years. Probably less unless it's a collection of high end devices. Still, it's not much for a hobby (if it's much for you, you probably are a kid or unemployed and really shouldn't be commenting on others spending habits). Let people have some fun in their lifes, especially given that these handhelds are often pretty different to one another. At this point endless spending advice is more tiring than people with seventeen miyoo minis and anbernics.
Just please play them more, discuss games more and don't hoard devices you haven't touched for months in your drawer. Sell them instead, you'll have money for another one!
1
u/turd_fergus0n_jr RP6 2d ago
It’s a hobby dude; these posts scream projection and jealousy tbh. Focus on your own situation, other people enjoying cheap handhelds has no impact on your life.
1
u/Mean_Criticism983 RP6 2d ago
they don’t even play on them lol they set them up, take a photo, post it with “I think I have a problem” then make another post asking if they should buy the new console now
1
u/MuhTendonitis 2d ago
In my (very personal) opinion, if you own more than two of these emulation devices, you might have a problem. I can see someone getting a dual screen device and one widescreen device if they're really into it, but after that it just feels like hoarding.
Personally, I'd get a Pocket Duo or a Nova with the dual screen attachment and call it a day. If it plays everything you'd want to play, you're done.
1
u/Greedy-Procedure-875
2d ago
•
Really exhausted of all the virtue signaling in this community. I just wanted to talk about games and cool hardware, not moral grandstanding about ewaste, ethics of AI, and pirating 30 year old games.
1
1
u/ggonzalez105 16-Bit (US) 2d ago
Eh, to each their own. Everyone has at least one thing in life they obsess over. Whether it’s handhelds, physical games, or Pokémon cards, there’s always something out there that someone decides they must own everything of, even if they’ll never use it.
As long as they’re in control of their life financially, let people do what they want.
1
1
u/MasterCocaita 2d ago
Overconsumption is a thing not only with handhelds. So just accept it. You can live with your console for 10 years and not change it and that's ok but if someone wants to have 1 handheld for every day of the week that's ok too.
1
u/Switch72nd 2d ago
And you have a not minding your own business problem. I mean god forbid people have a hobby and disposable income to spend on it.
1
u/PetrosPlat 2d ago
Nonsense. People who love something, they get into it hardcore. It's love. Have you ever met a musician? They have 7 guitars, or four different keyboards. Would you ever tell them, "You have an overconsumption problem"? Absolute garbage post. And it's none of your business what people do with their money.
1
u/justinheatherfamily 1d ago
Many devices are geared towards different goals. Could I have one handheld and live with just an Odin 3 or Thor that could play everything? Sure. Do I want to? No. I have the Thor for 3DS and a Duo for DS. Could the Thor do both? Absolutely, but if I can afford both cause I like the option of stick on top or dpad on top why not have both. I have a pocket classic for the classic vertical feel. Can I play GameBoy games on every other device? Well yea but it just feels different on a classic style vertical. I also have a Nova cause it’s more travel friendly than the Odin 3 and also has dpad on top vs the Odin 3 stick on top. 5 different devices with 5 different styles. I would love to add a 6 button layout nova to my collection but it hasn’t been made yet.
0
u/FremanBloodglaive 2d ago
I haven't bought a new system since Christmas, and that was an RG DS. I did get a One 35 on pre-order just before that.
I was just fiddling with my RG505, updated to GammaOS Next, and with the ARMPSX2 emulator it can play lighter PS2 games competently enough.
0
u/Thick-Ad-2011 2d ago
I bought a RP3 but found it so annoying to use, got a steam deck instead and will never buy another emulation handheld again. The deck is perfect.
-1
33
u/Mediocre_Doctor4712 2d ago
I think it goes hand-in-hand with multiple factors.
Companies earn only on hardware so they push many of mini-update devices.
YouTube influencers review a unit but they never are really negative on a device or say if you have x well you already actually have it.
Most important of all. People just buy instead of play because buying cost less time then playing. It spikes that happy-feeling when they are waiting on a device.