The methods SE used are nothing unusual in the modern world of myriad exploitative monetization strategies in games.
But in that era, when the entire gaming industry was focused on 'making more entertaining games' and 'selling more handheld consoles,'
SE took the lead in breaking away from the pack, initiating a wave of massive profiteering through the sale of 'DLC.'
Of course, this DLC was not like others.
The handheld consoles had an additional port into which a separate miniature cartridge could be inserted.
This cartridge, when inserted into the handheld console alongside the main 'Electronic Pet' cartridge,
would add numerous interactive features to 'Electronic Pet.'
But here's the catch.
This cartridge wasn't sold directly.
Players had to go to offline pachinko parlors and play pachinko.
They would have to collect a certain number of small steel balls to exchange for a 'DLC' cartridge.
