Looks at steam machines... steam controller, steam link... The Deck is probably the first hardware success they've had.

...what? Steam Machines, sure, they flopped, but the other two were fine.

Steam Controller died because of a lawsuit, the controller itself is solid. Uptake would've probably been considerably higher if not for that since AFAIK it's the first controller that let you sort-of play FPS games with a controller and not use stick or gyro aim.

Steam Link is now entirely software-based, called Remote Play. I'd count that as a success since it's effectively optimised out needing the hardware in the first place, but that hardware still works too.

---

Valve also has more experience on the software side of things, when you're making a device like this you need both. Steam OS is a far more complete package than Windows+Crate and I'm waiting to see what that looks like when it becomes available for use on other devices.

The Ally looks interesting but the fact it runs Windows is a big concern IMO, I'd be surprised if it even takes a day before an issue comes up when the masses have it. I also fully expect that a Windows update breaks something important before the year's out.

Side note: Lack of experience with hardware also means lack of inhibitions about trying something new, which is clear from button placement and even having duel trackpads in the first place with the Steam Controller. I don't understand why controllers have offset sticks and the Ally is mirroring that whilst the Steam Deck isn't. My only gripe with their button layout is actually the rear paddles, they're too low so I can't use both sets of paddles whilst also gripping for bumper usage.