What they “pumped” into linux (proton, actually) is a general investment for the future, not something that should be taken into account when discussing the Steam Deck hardware cost, specifically.
You’re also assuming that they hadn’t already purchased the steam deck components at a lower cost, before everything started to get more expensive. Once that inventory ran out, they increased the prices.
Basically you’re making up a relatively plausible but nevertheless imaginary scenario with 0 proof/sources.
What they “pumped” into linux (proton, actually) is a general investment for the future, not something that should be taken into account when discussing the Steam Deck hardware cost, specifically.
You’re also assuming that they hadn’t already purchased the steam deck components at a lower cost, before everything started to get more expensive. Once that inventory ran out, they increased the prices.
Basically you’re making up a relatively plausible but nevertheless imaginary scenario with 0 proof/sources.