"Switch 2 Confronts New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, yet its hefty price tag of $449.99 and $79.99 games have me reconsidering my investment. Since acquiring the Asus ROG Ally, my use of the original Nintendo Switch has significantly diminished, and the issues I had with it seem only to be magnified in the new model, particularly in the era of handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong enthusiast of handheld gaming, I've transitioned from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS, and even the PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about playing games nestled under a blanket in my bed. I was also one of the dedicated few who championed the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college commutes.

The Nintendo Switch, when it launched in 2017, was a game-changer for me. Despite purchasing it near launch, I primarily used it for exclusive titles. I reserved certain games mentally for handheld play, feeling that they were best experienced on the Switch due to comfort and graphical suitability. However, when these games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I hesitated to repurchase them on the Switch. The lack of substantial discounts on Switch games further compounded this dilemma, leading me to often forego playing these games altogether.

The introduction of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 was a turning point. This handheld gaming PC, running on Windows 11, opened up access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Suddenly, games I had been avoiding on my PC due to discomfort became enjoyable from the comfort of my bed. Thanks to the Ally, I've delved into a variety of indie games and tackled my backlog, discovering gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake, without the need to repurchase them. The Ally has not only become my preferred handheld device but has also saved me considerable money.

Despite my enthusiasm for Nintendo's games, the Switch 2 Direct left me questioning its place in my gaming life. The original Switch's appeal was its unique versatility and affordability, making it a compelling choice at the time. It was the only viable handheld option, boasting great exclusives at a lower price point than competitors.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a highly competitive market, closely rivaling the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even surpassing the $399 PS5 digital edition at launch. Over the past eight years, the handheld gaming landscape has evolved significantly, with devices like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw emerging. Rumors even suggest Xbox might be developing its own handheld. In this crowded field, the Switch 2 no longer stands alone, making it a less attractive investment for those already equipped with another handheld.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games with ease. With access to a vast library and the ability to play games you already own, these devices are versatile and future-proof. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset is poised to enhance these devices further, likely outpacing the Switch 2 in performance soon.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs looking to enjoy Nintendo's exclusives, the Switch 2 represents a costly and limited-use proposition. With the Asus ROG Ally capable of handling a wide range of games, the Switch 2's appeal narrows to its first-party titles alone.

The high cost of exclusives, such as Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, further diminishes the Switch 2's allure, especially given the rarity of discounts on Nintendo's first-party games.

While Nintendo's exclusives offer undeniable value and have produced some of the greatest games ever, the Switch 2 may not be a worthwhile investment for everyone, particularly for those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go provide superior performance and access to a broader range of indie and third-party titles. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my handheld gaming needs, offering a more comprehensive gaming experience across multiple storefronts.