I think you just naturally end up with that because the things appear indestructible. The first ever kindle I bought (dunno how long ago, it was before paperwhite, so more than 11 years) still works without issue. Even retains all the music I put on it 14 years ago when it was still an experimental feature.
I think the only thing that has been discontinued is the free 3G internet all over the world that they apparently figured was too expensive.