Subsidization pretty much requires that the hardware be locked down and walled-gardened so the subsidy they put into it eventually pays off. The Steam Machine, currently, lets you install whatever OS you want and use it like a regular PC without locking you into the Steam ecosystem at all.
For this to be true, you’d need to have some data that a significant portion of Steam Deck (to name the hardware that’s out for years) users wipe SteamOS and not use it for Steam.
I don’t have that information, but I almost bought a Deck to use in such a manner. Figured it would be easier to carry around than my laptop since I pretty much just move from a docking station in my office to the docking station in my den (my org is BYOD since pretty much everything is through Citrix). Ultimately decided to just buy a smaller laptop (yay X1 Carbon).
Honestly, it just sounds like you’re mad at GabeN for having money.
Honestly, it just sounds like you’re mad at GabeN for having money.
No, I’m not. Just pointing out that others are subsidizing hardware cost and that the money to do so would be there but it was decided to sell a “Beginner’s Gaming PC… At an Enthusiast Price” as Giant Bomb described the SM in their review.
For this to be true, you’d need to have some data that a significant portion of Steam Deck (to name the hardware that’s out for years) users wipe SteamOS and not use it for Steam.
I don’t have that information, but I almost bought a Deck to use in such a manner. Figured it would be easier to carry around than my laptop since I pretty much just move from a docking station in my office to the docking station in my den (my org is BYOD since pretty much everything is through Citrix). Ultimately decided to just buy a smaller laptop (yay X1 Carbon).
Honestly, it just sounds like you’re mad at GabeN for having money.
Then don’t make such a claim.
No, I’m not. Just pointing out that others are subsidizing hardware cost and that the money to do so would be there but it was decided to sell a “Beginner’s Gaming PC… At an Enthusiast Price” as Giant Bomb described the SM in their review.