"Switch 2 Confronts New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable, yet its hefty $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games have me reconsidering my investment. My current Nintendo Switch has been gathering dust since I got my hands on the Asus ROG Ally, and the issues I had with the original console seem even more pronounced with its successor, especially in today's landscape of handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've cherished every device from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about gaming under a blanket in bed. I was even a staunch supporter of the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college commutes.

The Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it launched in 2017. I bought it near launch, but my usage was limited to exclusives. For games that felt right for handheld play, I reserved them mentally for the Switch. Yet, if those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt guilty about repurchasing them. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games only compounded this issue, leading to a frustrating cycle of wanting to play but not wanting to spend more.

The Asus ROG Ally, launched in 2023, broke this cycle for me. Running on Windows 11, it grants access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I can enjoy those games I'd previously avoided on PC from the comfort of my bed. My Ally has become a gateway to a vast library of indie games, allowing me to catch up on my backlog. Without it, I might never have experienced gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or the Resident Evil Remake, all of which have become favorites without costing me extra.

Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, the Switch 2 Direct left me questioning its place in my gaming life.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a crowded market. It's priced close to the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even the PS5's $399 digital edition was cheaper at launch. Over the past eight years, the original Switch's design has inspired a wave of competitors. The Steam Deck kicked off the trend in 2022, followed by devices like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors suggest Xbox might be developing its own handheld. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a less compelling investment for those who already own a handheld gaming PC like myself.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games with ease. With access to a vast library and all the games you already own, they offer a comprehensive gaming solution. The technology behind these devices, like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, continues to advance, promising to outpace the Switch 2 in the near future.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use for Nintendo exclusives make it a tough sell. If devices like the Asus ROG Ally can handle everything from third-party to indie games, the Switch 2 would primarily serve for first-party titles. The high price of these exclusives, such as Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, further diminishes the appeal, especially given the rarity of discounts on Nintendo games.

While Nintendo's exclusives offer undeniable value and a rich history of gaming excellence, the Switch 2 might not be the best investment for everyone, particularly those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go provide superior performance and access to a broader game library. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my handheld gaming needs, offering a more versatile and cost-effective gaming experience.