Steam Deck’s Estimated Install Base is Approximately One-Third of the PS Vita’s
According to recent market research from IDC, the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device from Valve, has sold around four million units since its launch. This figure is significant but represents only about one-third of the total sales of the PS Vita, another handheld console that was released years earlier.
One reason for the Steam Deck’s relatively modest install base is its exclusive sales model. Valve only sells this device through its online store, which means it lacks a presence in physical retail outlets. This makes the Steam Deck more of a product for dedicated gamers rather than a mass-market item. Additionally, the Steam Deck allows players to use existing Steam game libraries, which were designed for traditional PCs. This approach is different from other handhelds like the PSP or PS Vita, which needed specific software support to run games.
The outlook for the handheld gaming market shows some growth potential, yet it remains relatively small. IDC has predicted that combined sales for several competitors in the market, including the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw, could reach under two million units in 2024. This paints a clear picture of how limited the market currently is for handheld PCs aimed at gamers.
Despite these numbers, the gaming industry sees a lot of opportunities in this area. Microsoft has confirmed it is working on its handheld gaming device, and there are rumors that Sony is also planning to develop a similar device for its upcoming PS6.
Furthermore, data reveals that about 3% of those who own a PS5 have purchased the PS Portal, a device that enables Remote Play streaming. Given that Sony has shipped around 75 million PS5 consoles worldwide, that would suggest approximately two million PS Portals have been sold in just over a year. This indicates that there is a market for handheld devices that expand gaming possibilities.
The Steam Deck and other similar devices have the advantage of not needing dedicated games designed specifically for them. If Sony is indeed developing a new handheld device to complement the PS6, it is crucial that this new product works effectively with the games already available in its library. This compatibility will likely be a key factor in its success in the marketplace.
In summary, the handheld gaming market, while currently limited, is showing potential for growth as major companies like Microsoft and Sony explore opportunities in this space. The Steam Deck is a significant player, but it remains to be seen how the landscape will evolve as new products enter the market and adapt to consumer needs.
