"Switch 2 Confronts New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release soon, and while we have a wealth of information about it, the high price point of $449.99 and the steep cost of games at $79.99 give me pause. My interest in investing in it has waned, particularly after my experience with the Asus ROG Ally. The issues I had with the original Nintendo Switch seem to have only grown with its successor, especially in the current landscape dominated by handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've cherished the joy of playing on devices like the Game Boy, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable. There's an undeniable comfort in gaming from the warmth of my bed, wrapped in blankets. I even remained a staunch supporter of the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college commutes.

The original Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it launched in 2017. I was an early adopter, but my use was largely limited to exclusives. I reserved certain games for handheld play, 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 compounded this issue. This cycle often resulted in me not playing the game at all.

The arrival of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 changed everything for me. This handheld gaming PC, running on Windows 11, gave me access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Games I would otherwise find uncomfortable to play on a traditional PC became enjoyable from the comfort of my bed.

Now, I dive into a vast array of indie games on my Ally, tackling my backlog with ease. Without the Ally, I might never have experienced gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or the Resident Evil Remake, which have become some of my all-time favorites. The Ally has not only become my preferred handheld device but has also saved me considerable money.

Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, my enthusiasm has been tempered by the Switch 2 Direct. Nintendo's games hold a special place in my heart, but I'm questioning where the new console fits into 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 similarly to the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even the PS5's $399 digital edition undercuts it. Over the past eight years since the original Switch's launch, its design has inspired a wave of competitors. The Steam Deck led the charge in 2022, followed by other handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. There are even whispers of an Xbox handheld in the works. The Switch 2 no longer stands alone, making it a less compelling investment for those already invested in handheld gaming PCs.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indies and third-party games with ease. They offer access to a vast library of games you may already own, making them an excellent choice for gamers. The technology behind these devices, like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, is only improving, which means the Switch 2 might soon be outclassed by its competitors.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited utility for Nintendo exclusives make it a less appealing investment. With games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza priced at $79.99 and $69.99, respectively, and Nintendo's tendency to rarely discount their first-party titles, the financial commitment becomes even more daunting.

While Nintendo's exclusives are undeniably valuable and have produced some of the best games in history, for those of us with handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2 may not be the best fit. Devices like the Legion Go offer stellar performance and access to a massive library of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally has become my go-to device, fulfilling all my handheld gaming needs with access to various storefronts, making it a more versatile and cost-effective choice.