"Switch 2 Faces Unique Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is generating buzz, but its $449.99 price point and $79.99 games have me reconsidering my investment. My experience with the original Switch has been underwhelming, especially since I've shifted my focus to the Asus ROG Ally. The issues I faced with the first console seem to be magnified in its successor, particularly in today's market dominated by handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've journeyed through the Game Boy, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable eras. There's something uniquely comforting about gaming under a blanket in bed. I even championed the PlayStation Vita, playing it daily during my college commutes.

The Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it launched in 2017, and I was quick to buy one. However, I mainly used it for exclusives. PC gaming wasn't as comfortable, so I reserved certain games for the Switch, mentally categorizing them as "Reserved for handheld." Yet, if those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt reluctant to repurchase them on the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games only compounded this dilemma, leading to a cycle where I often didn't play the games at all.

The arrival of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 changed everything. Running on Windows 11, it provides access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. This allowed me to enjoy games from the comfort of my bed that I previously found uncomfortable on PC. Now, I'm exploring a wealth of indie games on the Ally and tackling my gaming backlog. Without the Ally, I wouldn't have experienced gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or the Resident Evil Remake—now some of my all-time favorites—without spending extra money. The Ally has become my preferred handheld, saving me a significant amount of cash.

Despite my enthusiasm for Nintendo's games, the Switch 2 Direct left me questioning its place in my gaming life. The original Switch was groundbreaking for its versatility and affordability, offering a unique handheld experience at the time. However, the landscape has changed dramatically.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

Priced at $449 at launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 now competes with the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, with the PS5's $399 digital edition offering a more affordable alternative. Over the past eight years, the handheld market has evolved, with devices like the Steam Deck leading the charge in 2022, followed by the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors of an Xbox handheld further indicate that the Switch 2 is no longer unique. For those already invested in another handheld, like myself, the Switch 2 may not justify its cost.

Handheld gaming PCs boast robust hardware capable of running indies and third-party titles smoothly. With access to a vast library of games, including those you already own, these devices are versatile gaming hubs. The technology is advancing rapidly, with chips like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme poised to enhance performance further, potentially outpacing the Switch 2.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's appeal may be limited to Nintendo's first-party titles. Yet, the high cost of these exclusives, such as Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, alongside the rarity of discounts on Nintendo games, makes the investment less appealing.

Nintendo's exclusive titles undoubtedly hold immense value, offering some of the best gaming experiences available. However, for those already equipped with a handheld gaming PC, the Switch 2 might not be the best investment. Devices like the Legion Go provide strong performance and access to a broad range of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all the functions I once sought from a Switch, with the added benefit of multiple gaming storefronts, making it a superior choice for my gaming needs.