It’s cost:performance ratio at the time was crazy, it is widely assumed Valve is selling it as a loss leader or at mfr cost. The only thing they’ve said is that it’s pricing was “painful”. It’s hardware isn’t that niche, it’s just a PC in a handheld form factor.
I mean the last one was released in 2013, it’s not exactly super relevant but if you’re that unaware of it I assume you were playing habbo hotel or whatever little kids played 10 years ago.