Is Scratch-only hardware a good first platform?
Our position, and the accessibility counterpoint.
Our position
Some boards are sold exclusively with a block-based editor. That is fine for first contact, but makers eventually outgrow blocks. A Nano programmed from the Arduino IDE can start in Tinkercad Circuits with blocks and graduate to C++ on the same board. A locked block-only board has a ceiling.
Other voices
Reputable sources worth reading before you decide. Labels reflect our honest read of each source's general stance, not direct quotes.
Tinkercad Circuits graduation path
Broadly agreesTinkercad Circuits is specifically designed as a blocks-to-text pipeline. Kids can start with blocks and flip to C++ in the same tool, on the same virtual Arduino.
Arduino IDE 2.x
Broadly agreesArduino's own IDE is explicitly designed as a tool kids can grow into. The blocks-to-text graduation is the whole pedagogical argument.
Scratch / MakeCode community
Nuanced / mixedThe Scratch / MakeCode world argues that most learners never need to leave blocks, and forcing a graduation to text is the wrong goal. For casual learners, they are right. For future engineers, less so.
Accessibility-first educators
Pushes backSome educators argue block programming is more inclusive and students should not be pushed to text. Valid for some students; not the right ceiling for a kid who wants to become an engineer.