They’re much worse, for a myriad of reasons, but mainly because they are extremely litigous and overprotective of their IP to the extent that they regularly kill open source emulation projects that support games they don’t even sell, and also shut down any kind of fan-made projects or events.
The Steam Deck brings about a conversation about what a console is. To me, it’s something that plugs into the TV and doesn’t require KBM, and in that regard it very much is.
Physical goods are no different in that when you pre-order something you really have no idea what you’re getting. You’re counting on the reputation of the company to deliver on their claims. Which is often a bad idea.
I sure as hell am glad I bought my Switch and and several games second hand
I had a Switch but I sold it after realizing that even second hand games sell for 90% of new. I’ve no idea how the economics of that situation works out…