Gaming Hardware Drives OS Shifts

When a widely adopted gaming device (e.g., Steam Deck) bundles polished compatibility layers (Proton) and an app ecosystem, it can materially raise a non‑incumbent desktop OS’s market share by turning a consumer device into a migration pathway. The effect shows hardware + software compatibility is a faster lever for user‑base change than standalone OS campaigns. — Shifts in desktop OS share driven by consumer hardware alter platform power, procurement choices, chipset market shares (AMD vs Intel), and national tech‑sovereignty calculations.