Switch 2 Faces New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, but its hefty price tag of $449.99 and $79.99 games have me reconsidering my investment. My original Nintendo Switch has seen less use since I got the Asus ROG Ally, and the issues I had with the first console seem even more pronounced in its successor, especially in today's world of handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've cherished playing on devices from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. There's nothing quite like the cozy comfort of gaming under a blanket in bed. I was even one of the few staunch supporters of the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college train commutes.

The Nintendo Switch was a game-changer when it launched in 2017. I bought mine near launch but only used it for exclusives. If a game felt better suited for handheld play, I reserved it mentally for the Switch. However, 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 on the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games made this dilemma even more painful, often resulting in me not playing the game at all.

The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally changed everything. This handheld gaming PC runs on Windows 11, giving me access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I can enjoy games that were previously uncomfortable to play on a PC from the comfort of my bed.

Thanks to the Ally, I've delved into a wealth of indie games and am still working through my backlog. Without it, I wouldn't have experienced gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or the Resident Evil Remake, which are now among my favorite games. The Ally has not only become my preferred handheld device but has also saved me a significant amount of money.

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

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

With a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a crowded market. It's priced near the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, with the PS5's $399 digital edition offering a cheaper alternative at launch. Over the past eight years, the Switch's design has spurred a wave of competition. The Steam Deck set the trend in 2022, followed by other handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors even suggest Xbox might be developing its own handheld. In this landscape, the Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a less compelling investment for those already owning another handheld, like myself.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware, capable of running indie and third-party games with ease. They offer a vast library and access to games you already own, making them a versatile choice. With advancements like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme on the horizon, the Switch 2 could soon be outpaced by its rivals.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use case for Nintendo exclusives are significant drawbacks. If devices like the Asus ROG Ally can handle everything from third-party to indie games, the Switch 2 would primarily be used for first-party titles.

The steep price of exclusives like Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99 further complicates the decision. Given that Nintendo Switch games, particularly first-party titles, seldom see substantial discounts, the cost of entry becomes even harder to justify.

While Nintendo exclusives offer undeniable value, the Switch 2 may not be the right investment for everyone, especially those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go provide superior performance and access to a vast library of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all the roles I once needed the Switch for, making it a more versatile and cost-effective gaming solution.