My understanding is the Deck getting HDR is the first functional implementation of HDR on Linux. Proton is another huge example. Phenomenal for the wider Linux community.

100% this. They announce ahead of time because that’s the time they expect to clear old stock on shelves or because they want the announcement in time for a shareholder meeting or any number of other reasons that effect the bottom line. “Customer perception” doesn’t show up quickly enough on a spread sheet to worry about.

Realistically, Valve announced it at the last possible moment before distribution centers start getting stock and the info leaks. That’s all. No matter when you make the cutoff, someone will be upset they made a bad purchase, you just offset the timeline.

On the other hand, I might pick up a used Deck on the cheap for my kids…