Why would this even be considered a rival to Nintendo or PlayStation?
First, it is a computer, not a console. While it offers a console-like experience in some ways, that comparison only makes sense when viewed against a traditional PC. The average console user is far too casual for a device like this—just the complexity of its controller utility alone would likely overwhelm them.
Second, it is significantly more expensive than almost any other gaming console. The base model is the only version that comes close to console pricing, yet it still costs more than both a Nintendo Switch and an Xbox Series S. Even compared to a PS5 Digital, it is priced similarly but offers only a quarter of the internal storage.
Third, availability is another major issue. Unlike consoles, which are widely sold at major retailers worldwide, this device is not easily accessible. Even in the regions where it is officially sold, it is often unavailable in physical stores, forcing potential buyers to rely on online orders or niche distributors. That alone severely limits its reach.
Finally, its global availability is highly restricted. It is not sold in many key gaming markets, including three of the five countries with the highest number of Steam users. That means a significant portion of the PC gaming audience cannot even purchase it through official channels.
The Steam Deck is not a console, it’s a Handheld Computer. And it clearly dominate that market even if it’s fairly more limited in availability than it’s direct competitors.