"Switch 2 Faces New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, but its hefty $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games have dampened my enthusiasm. My experience with the original Switch has been overshadowed by my Asus ROG Ally, and the new console's issues seem even more pronounced in today's market of handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've cherished devices from the Game Boy to the PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about gaming from the cozy confines of my bed. I even stood by the PlayStation Vita during my college years, using it daily on my train commute.

The Nintendo Switch was revolutionary when it launched in 2017. I bought it early on, but found myself using it mostly for exclusives. Games that felt suited for handheld play were mentally reserved for the Switch, making it difficult to enjoy them elsewhere. However, if these games were available for free through services 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 intensified this dilemma, often leading me to not play the game at all.

The Asus ROG Ally, launched in 2023, changed everything. This handheld gaming PC runs Windows 11, giving me access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. It allowed me to enjoy games I previously avoided on PC due to discomfort, right from my bed.

Now, I dive into a vast array of indie games on my Ally, steadily working through my backlog. Without the Ally, I might never have experienced gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or 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 love for Nintendo games, the Switch 2 Direct left me uncertain about the console's place in my life. The original Switch was more than just exclusives; its versatility and affordable entry price made it a compelling ecosystem. At the time, it was the only viable handheld option, offering great exclusives without competition.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

Priced at $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a crowded market. It's nearly as expensive as the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and the PS5's $399 digital edition was even cheaper at launch. The past eight years have seen a surge in handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors even suggest Xbox is developing its own handheld. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a less appealing investment for those already owning another handheld.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games with ease. Their vast libraries and access to games you already own make them a versatile choice. The upcoming AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset promises even more performance, potentially outmatching 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. With games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza priced at $79.99 and $69.99, respectively, and rarely discounted, the cost of entry becomes even more prohibitive.

Nintendo's exclusives undeniably offer great value and some of the best games in history. For many, the Switch 2's lineup over the next few years will justify its cost. However, for those with handheld gaming PCs like me, the Switch 2 may not be the best investment. Devices like the Legion Go offer superior performance and access to a broad range of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally meets all my handheld gaming needs, providing a better platform to enjoy games across various storefronts.