The Nintendo Switch isn’t a home console, it’s not even a hybrid console. In fact, back in October of 2016 Nintendo announced their leaving of the home console market to thunderous applause. That applause came not for their leaving the market, but instead the fashion in which they left.
"As Valve readies the Steam Deck for launch later this year, history only allows us to wonder how long, as opposed to if, the new PC-like hardware will be able to survive against Nintendo’s onslaught."
WHY do people think this thing is competing with Switch!? It is insane to me. It might take a little market away from it, mainly from PC players who no longer have to double dip on older games or indies, but it is primarily a companion device. This isn't Sony going after the same market, this is Valve trying to expand its PC audience & provide value to those who are already in its ecosystem.
Switch has exclusives that NEVER legally are released anywhere else. I have been gaming more in handheld mode since I picked up the OLED Switch. I still prefer to play on a big screen. People comparing Steam Deck to Switch, are not legally playing Nintendo exclusives.
It won't happen now, but I wish Nintendo would release a Super powerful console, and Switch 2. With all games releasing on both systems. The stand alone console for dedicated gamers. The Switch 2 for people who prefer both handheld and TV. They could also add a handheld only version.
There would be multiple options, with the same 1st party games. Never going to happen. I hope Switch 2 is at least as powerful as X1X. It probably won't be.
It's more like after the absolute failure of the Wii U Nintendo changed directions and gave up on making a pure home console instead making a handheld gaming device that could also optionally connect to your TV. The later release of the Switch Lite without that capability shows that to Nintendo home console gaming is an afterthought.