"despite the advantages SteamOS brings"

I'm sorry but the above is rather comical at best as the DISADVANTAGES surely out weigh whatever 'advantages' there might be.

However lets look at Microsofts track record:

- while even as far back as when Gates was in charge MS released a 'tablet' that was down right horrible to operate using touch.

- fast forward to 2025 and while the experience IS better than what they started with, it is still no where near what you get with Android or iOS.

- WIN11 is a constantly moving target with each week/month/quarter/years 'update' changing how those that might be stuck with it are able to interact with it.

- Unless Microsoft comes up with a 'XboxOS' or some such that is optimized for gaming platforms the market is ripe for someone (like Valve) to step up and provide a viable solution.

Is SteamOS currently a more user friendly solution for handheld gaming platforms? Sure.

For HP and other OEM's to enter the handheld market space they need to see a viable amount of profit available. However given that many/most OEM do all or most of their manufacturing in China and given the current US Admin's 'tariff policies' it might prove difficult at best to price an attractive product.