One thing I see as underestimated is that having a major standard device is huge for indie development and could greatly benefit the most flourishing artistic landscape.
One of the problems today is that the indie and AAA markets are increasingly distant, publishing a game on the PS5 or XSX digital store is prohibitive for a small indie team, but if Steam Machine is successful, we can expect more easy access to indie games by (ex)console gamers, and later a reduction in publishing costs on consoles.
I believe Steam Deck has already started this process, but with a device that will compete with the 9th generation of home consoles the indie game diffusion could accelerate.
I remember this same discussion point when Valve released the first Steam Machines ten years ago.
The big difference is the compatibility is actually there now. Also, controller support is a lot more common for PC games now.
Mark it up as an advantage of getting old. You get to sit and eat popcorn while people debate issues you’ve already debated.
I still want to buy one, mind you.
Same!
In particular though, I loved my old Steam Controller, and hope this new one compares. I’d still be using one now if they weren’t all bought by asshole scalpers and marked up 6000%…