kano

I think its a conspiracy. Once they solved the problem of NiMH batteries rapidly discharging themselves even when on the shelf (modern ones will stay charged for years, as long as you don't put them in anything!), they needed to find a new way to sell batteries. What better way, than having your flashlight drain them down to zero and ruin them while you're not paying attention?

I think it's more likely that a lot of devices that contain data storage need to shutdown properly to sync written data, which is dangerous if you have a mechanical power button. Old-school Gameboys are primitive compared to say the Switch, and this necessitates extra caution to how people use it, which means soft power switches. You can also incorporate extra features such as a timed turn-off if the device is not being used, which you can't do with a mechnical power button.

To be fair it is pretty misleading when so many things have an, "always on state" now. I mean at least the only thing in my possession that requires phantom power is a condenser mic.

I honestly prefer my Desktop to be the only computer ran device I own. Computers are great when they work but I prefer hard mechanical functionality over a chipset where I can help it.