This is coming from an Aussie who owned a Steam Deck for over a year via StockX. I know my country. Our consumer laws are no stricter than Europe’s. Yes it was our doing that Steam has a refund policy, but Europe forced USB-C on every company and they have Steam Deck. Both of these are good for the consumer so I have no qualms about those.
We have ROG Ally, which is a direct competitor to Steam Deck, Valve is literally losing money for their choice and their choice alone. Steam Decks work perfectly here, all the parts are AU certified besides the charger which is not even an issue for 99% of companies.
Is it our population? well why is Australia and New Zealand literally THE ONLY first-world countries to be locked out of buying a Steam Deck? Again, it’s Valve’s loss. Steam and PC gaming is HUGE in Australia. Go on Whirlpool and the entire general gaming forum is about PC. We had a shitload of people importing Steam Decks if they are in the know.
Stop using the government as an excuse. we have had 18+ games for a decade now, censorship is worse in the UK.
Finally, I have yet to hear Australians own up to the fact Steam Deck can’t be sold due to government. It’s always been from countries that are privileged to buy a Steam Deck.
I am sorry for the aggressiveness in this post but it needs to be said.
Steamdeck is made in China/Taiwan, it’s cheaper and faster to send things here than Europe or even USA (not by a lot for USA)