> are there sufficient problems that the average game-player at home has that are better answered by a Steam Machine than a Windows 11 box?

Absolutely. The UI on Windows 11 is not designed for couch gaming, and Microsoft licencing rules mean that you are not allowed to hide Windows.

> Microsoft licensing rules mean that you are not allowed to hide Windows.

What do you mean? As in - manufacturers can't create an overlay similar to Steam Deck's "Gaming Mode"?

	▲	happymellon 3 days ago \| parent \| next [-]
		As in > manufacturers can't replace Explorer with a desktop similar to Steam Decks GameScope. You have to use Microsoft's OOB experience. Improved with "handheld mode", but still not as slick and you are not allowed to improve it. You can have a "full screen launcher", but you have to boot to Explorer and then run your Big Picture Mode.
	▲	benoau 3 days ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		Steam do on Windows through "Big Picture" mode.