This reminds me of how Playdate owners make it very obvious they don't use the thing in the way they retroactively justify their purchase by commenting on quirkiness or aesthetics at the expense of functionality or usability. I guess I get it but there's cheaper plastic toys out there.
I don't think that is retroactive, people bought it because it was different and looks cool and is quirky. I think it is a very fun device and has some great games for it. It isn't for everyone but it is a cool device for people that appreciate what Panic is doing with it.
Right, I remember reading that story, pretty cool but I had a hard time imagining the mechanics of the game at the time. Purchased, I'll give it a shot.