@gamingonlinux I really do hope the Steam Deck kicks off a new form factor for PCs and also that it starts the trend of gaming PCs coming with Linux pre-installed. Is there any reason why Valve couldn't do a laptop, a small Xbox Series S style gaming PC, and a full-size high-end model?

I really hope those are their next steps.

My guess is they could but it would make Microsoft angry who could then threaten hardware and software devs? Just a theory. Who knows the laptop could be in the works.

@andyvgr @gamingonlinux why couldn't Microsoft launch their own competitor? They don't fret about other companies competing.

They easily could, it just seems like a very Microsoft thing to do though
I've done some more thinking, I wonder if Valve didn't go or won't go the laptop route as the performance wouldn't match other gaming laptops and they didn't want to compete in that space?

@andyvgr @gamingonlinux I think the affordable handheld is more compelling given how affordable it is. Sell a laptop at $1500+ that doesn’t run Windows and it will take more convincing for the average PC gamer.

My theory though is that now that Steam Deck consumers are used to SteamOS and they know what to expect they would be more open minded to a laptop. However, not at $1500, it has to be priced more in line with a mid-range Chromebook.

@gpowerf @gamingonlinux Alas, "Steam Boxes" never really took off a few years ago. I was really surprised to see another attempt with Steam OS, but glad it worked out, specifically with Proton.

@hollerpots @gamingonlinux perhaps the market is different now after Steam Deck. Now that people are used to it other form factors might not be an issue provided the price is right.

@gpowerf @gamingonlinux I hope you're right! And I think you are. We saw a similar thing happen with VR - basically came and went in the 90s, dead and gone. Then bam, portable room scale units for the masses decades later.

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