https://www.theregister.com/2023/09/27/osseu_steam_os_3/
Valve's work on Steam OS 3 for the Steam Deck help everyone, corporate users included
The title could mention Steam Deck, but not mentioning it makes better clickbait. Warning: This reply has some random thoughts about the system being or not being a game console.
I personally don't like calling the Steam Deck a game console, but I get why it is seen as such. The reality is, it's a PC in handheld form factor treated as a game console. I guess the one important distinction is, that developers can target the Steam Deck specifically, which makes it a game console like PC. The other handhelds or laptops based on PC technology aren't consoles, even though the concept of the Deck existed before. That's why I do not consider any specific PC configuration, such as Aya Neo or the other competitors a game console. Because developers do not target those specifically (and they lack an operating system dedicated being a console).
The reality is, the lines between game console and general computing devices get blurry, once you involve "real" PC hardware and operating systems suited for general operations. And the Steam Deck has both. It's tricky. But I really like the fact that the Steam Deck can be targeted and optimized by developers and that Valve takes their time for an iteration of the "system". What we were thinking of game consoles changes with this open platform. And the best thing is, the game library does not depend on this specific hardware; you are not bound to a specific company in example, not even a specific shop or library.
Valve entering the game console market with a Linux based system is probably one of the most important steps in videogame history. I suspect this will have bigger impact in the future than most people imagine now. At least I hope so...
Once the "new generation" consoles were released with Ryzen hardware I "knew" we were "close" to that nexus point of blur.
But yes indeed, having an open source/"free" operating system that is portable is such the major step.
I'm running EndeavourOS and steam is running smoothly for me..
I think its the notion that its a game first device, that also happens to do pc stuff. Like you mention, the lines get blurry as theres always weird exceptions (e.g. xbox having dev mode allowing for unique softeare to be ran, also can technically run microsoft cloud edition if you wanted something computer like, or like the PS3 being able to run "OtherOS" before sony backtracked on allowing PS3 users to run Linux on the device. Would fall under the same kinda distinction that seperates a laptop and a "gaming laptop" drspite it functionally being the same.
The only differemce is valve tailored SteamOS in a way thats console like, despite its linux internals, almost in the same way that Xbox's os is a severely stripped down version of Windows but is still windows nonetheless