I really don't think it's an age/nostalgia thing that makes people like EMs more than anything else. I'm 17 and typically enjoy playing EMs more than solid states.
There's a simple joy that comes from the quick and challenging games that EMs have to offer. I can play the same one over and over again (assuming it's a good game), because I always feel like I can do just a bit better. With modern solid states I don't really get that same feeling, because I'll play one 10 minute long grindy game and then be sick of it and not want to play again for a while.