If it had a backlight, I would have bought one by now.

Unfortunately, that type of screen cannot be backlit. There are frontlit versions, but they are thicker and would consume a bit more power.

Sometimes I concede on this point with certain devices, but the screen on the playdate basically requires light at a specific angle for it to be at all discernible, so I don't blame you and can't recommend it as a result

A kind of tintype display.

Do not buy one. You will regret it. Without backlight, it's a gimmick.