I really wish there was a modern "computer console" like the Commodore 64 or Sinclair Spectrum of old, where you could boot straight into a programming environment.
Something comparable to the Nintendo SNES or DS's hardware capabilities, which seemed like the perfect sweet spot between artistic freedom and "helpful" limitations which actually improved creativity by lowering complexity.
Picotron [0] is looking like that. I am watching that project closely right now.
[0] https://www.lexaloffle.com/picotron.php
There are other fantasy computers, too. Check out https://github.com/paladin-t/fantasy.
An open issue [1] makes a point that MMIXX [2], which adds graphics to Knuth's MMIX, is a fantasy computer.
[1] https://github.com/paladin-t/fantasy/issues/109
[2] https://www.malgil.com/mmix/graphics/
One could argue the opposite. There are countless 'computer console' available at various low price ranges.
The closest thing today is RaspberryPI, and boot to a linux in text mode, you're basically there.
What is more difficult to find is the combo hardware/software, but the Pi 400 includes keyboard and a mouse comes with as a kit.
Just like in the old days, find a (~TV) cheap LCD monitor and plug and play.
And you have hundreds of games for free, thousands possibly with emulators etc. And you can program in virtually every languages on the planet.
If anything, what you have now paralysis by choice. There is just too much you can do with a basic computers, so you wind up on youtube and social medias instead of being bored with 1 compiler and 1 book.
ref: I grew up on ZX Spectrum+! :)
And you have the option to branch off into any other kind of development. A C64 Style clone is mostly nostalgia. A raspberry pi is presenting you (or your children) with dozens of ways to learn employable skills project based and in a fun way.
You might like the Commander X16. [1]
[1]: https://www.commanderx16.com/
Also the Foenix C256: https://c256foenix.com/
These kinds of projects are becoming more and more common in retrocomputing circles.
You might enjoy the Pimoroni PicoSystem, or its HDMI bro, the PicoVision:
https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/picosystem?variant=323695...
https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/picovision?variant=410489...
(Not affiliated nor trying to sell it, the shop is just the best link for information.)
EDIT: Also it's not quite boot into IDE, but the vibe of both is similar in every other way.
Also take a look at Circuit Playground Express. https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-made-easy-on-circui...
It's a "computer" that boots straight to your program. MicroPython (I even did it with TinyGo), and you can make lights blink! But seriously... there's some very interesting stuff with it, and you can also add on another chip that lets you rock and roll with motors, speakers, etc. https://www.adafruit.com/product/3093
Not quite what you meant, but close enough for a mention: The Playdate.
It's a platform specifically made for games (as opposed to a Raspberry Pi for example), has a library of great games and is ostensibly easy to develop for.
check out the Mega65: https://www.mega65.org
This might be a bit more complex. We like to remember that we were creative in C64 BASIC, but it is really too slow for any sprite-based game development. What's different between then and now is that changing the frame color used to be an event you told all friends about.
An intersection of simple and impressive - I feel like Raspberry Pi Pico and the likes embody this spirit nowadays.
The ZX Spectrum Next is exactly this.