"Switch 2 Faces Unique Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The buzz around the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable, yet its hefty price tag of $449.99 and games costing $79.99 have me rethinking my investment. My current Nintendo Switch has been gathering dust since I got my hands on an Asus ROG Ally, and the issues I had with the original console are magnified in its successor, especially in today's landscape dominated by handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

My journey as a handheld gamer began in childhood, moving from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS, and even the PlayStation Portable. There's nothing quite like the comfort of gaming under a blanket in bed. I was one of the few staunch supporters of the PlayStation Vita, playing it daily during my college commute.

The original Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it launched in 2017. Despite buying it near launch, I mainly used it for exclusives. If a game felt right for handheld play, I wanted it on the Switch. These games were mentally categorized as "Reserved for handheld," and I couldn't imagine playing them on any other device.

However, 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 for the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games only intensified this dilemma. This cycle of hesitation often led to me not playing the game at all.

The Asus ROG Ally, launched in 2023, broke this cycle for me. Running on Windows 11, it seamlessly integrates with Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I can enjoy those games I once avoided on PC, comfortably from my bed.

With my Asus ROG Ally, I've delved into a vast array of indie games and tackled my backlog. Without it, 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 but has also saved me a significant amount of money.

Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, given my love for Nintendo's exclusives, the Switch 2 Direct left me questioning its place in my gaming setup.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

Priced at $449 at launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a highly competitive market. It's nearly as expensive as 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 things off 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 AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset is poised to enhance these devices further, potentially outpacing the Switch 2 in performance.

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 devices like the Asus ROG Ally capable of handling everything from third-party to indie games, the Switch 2 would primarily serve as a platform for first-party titles.

The high price of Switch 2 exclusives, such as Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, adds to the hesitation. Given that Nintendo games rarely see significant discounts, the cost of entry feels even steeper.

While Nintendo's exclusives offer undeniable value and have produced some of the greatest games in history, the Switch 2 might not be the best investment for everyone, especially those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go provide superior performance and access to a broader range of games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my handheld gaming needs, offering a more comprehensive and cost-effective gaming experience.