"Switch 2 Faces Unique Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The much-anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is just around the corner, yet its hefty $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games have me questioning my enthusiasm. My original Nintendo Switch has been collecting dust since I got my Asus ROG Ally, and the issues I had with the first console seem even more pronounced with 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 every device from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about playing games from the warmth of my bed. I was even one of the few who remained loyal to the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college train commutes.

The Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it launched in 2017. I bought one near its release, but I only used it for exclusives. For games that felt better suited 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 reluctant to repurchase them on the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games only added to my hesitation. This cycle of wanting to play games on a handheld but not wanting to spend extra money often resulted in me not playing them at all.

The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally changed everything for me. This handheld gaming PC runs on Windows 11, giving me access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I can enjoy those games I previously avoided on PC due to discomfort, all from the comfort of my bed.

With my Asus ROG Ally, I've delved into a wealth of indie games and am steadily working through my backlog. Without it, I would have missed out on gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and the Resident Evil Remake, which have become some of my all-time favorites. The Ally has not only become my preferred handheld but has also saved me a significant amount of money.

Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, given my affection for Nintendo games, the Switch 2 Direct left me uncertain about 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 highly competitive 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. They offer access to a vast library of games, including those you already own, making them a versatile choice. The technology behind these devices, such as 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 less attractive option. With games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza priced at $79.99 and $69.99, respectively, and given the rarity of discounts on Nintendo's first-party titles, the investment becomes even harder to justify.

While Nintendo's exclusives offer undeniable value and include some of the greatest games ever made, the Switch 2 may not be the best choice for everyone, especially those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go provide superior performance and access to a vast array of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all the roles I once needed the Switch for, and with its access to multiple storefronts, it's simply a better platform for gaming.