Steam Deck (Valve’s handheld PC, 2022) succeeded where others failed by running full PC games portably at $399-$649. Linux-based (Proton compatibility layer) but users wouldn’t know, it just worked. Inspired competition (Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go) creating handheld PC category. Proved portable PC gaming viable and accidentally advanced desktop Linux gaming compatibility as side effect.
Sources: Steam Deck Sales Estimates, Handheld PC Market Analysis
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