[smoldesu]

> 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.

[PaulHoule]

Yeah, if Nintendo made a phone they’d have to deal with carriers and all their bullshit, They’d make Nintendo install mobile games that aren’t fun, wreck their brand, etc.if I remember right the reason. icrosoft gave up on Windows a phone was that U.S. carriers said “No”.