> Unlike a modern game download, the cartridges could extend the functionality of the base system, allowing console manufacturers to extend the life of their consoles.

This... sounds strictly worse than the modern game download. If I have an SNES and everyone has moved to making cartridges with included GPUs, then to play three new games I have to buy three games and three GPUs.

If I have a computer and everyone has moved to making games that require a new GPU, then to play three games I need to buy three games and one GPU.