This is corroborated by research into training for expertise. Simulations don't need much visual fidelity to be useful. At no point do you need to be fooled into thinking you're doing the real thing.

The important thing is that your mind and hands go through the right motions.

(This is useful knowledge! I have trained system administrators with simulations that basically amount to pen-and-paper role-playing with some screenshots interspersed.)

Indeed, in the older ones the graphics for any enroute flying are even completely missing. They'll by default get you into the clouds at 400 or 1000ft above ground level and come out at similar heights on landing. In between the front windows just turn white.

That's fine for learning to fly a 737, by that time it doesn't matter much anymore. But for earlier training it's too easy, because in the real world partial visibility and light effects in clouds cause much more disorientation than zero visibility.

the point of these expensive simulators is such that you can practice all the emergency procedures in the manual.