What do you think about the next iteration of the Nintendo handheld likely being a phone with controller ports? I imagine it as basically a current iPhone/Android except with dual ports on each short side for controllers to plug in.
I think Nintendo is the only company that could compete and introduce its own app store/walled garden. Chinese companies, even Samsung, cannot have their own walled garden because nobody wants to specialize for them, as they offer no unique benefits.
I assume it would succeed with the general public due to AAA Nintendo games being supported, but I also think Nintendo would have the opportunity to introduce a blue sea for Japanese business software to be introduced.
I also think that SteamDeck, with its desktop support, shows the interest in something that can replace desktop/laptops[0]. Also, I think this could compete in the desktop area like Microsoft Continuum[1].
It also introduces a new vector, that is non-American, for surveillance, except in this case it would be via Japan.
[0]: https://beebom.com/how-use-desktop-mode-steam-deck/
[1]: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/continuum
> I think Nintendo is the only company that could compete and introduce its own app store/walled garden.
Maybe they could, but the "ecosystem" business isn't very attractive these days. With European changes coming down the pipeline and increased US regulatory scrutiny, another entrant might make the outlook even less profitable.
> I also think that SteamDeck, with its desktop support, shows the interest in something that can replace desktop/laptops[0].
The Steam Deck includes desktop mode because it's more work to patch it out of the OS than it is to add a "switch" button. It's a fantastic feature and very helpful in a pinch, but I don't think it exhibits much of a demand for anything. It's just a nice feature, testing the waters. Same goes for Samsung DEX and the like.