"Switch 2 Faces New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, but with its hefty price tag of $449.99 and $79.99 games, I'm finding it harder to justify the investment. Since getting my Asus ROG Ally, I've barely touched my original Switch, and the issues I had with it seem to be amplified in 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 playing on devices from the Game Boy to the PlayStation Portable. There's nothing quite like the comfort of gaming from my bed, wrapped in blankets. I even remained a loyal PlayStation Vita user, playing it daily during my college commutes.

When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it was a game-changer for me. I bought one near launch but used it mostly for exclusives. For games that felt better suited for handheld play, my mind reserved them for the Switch, despite the discomfort of playing on a PC. However, if I already owned these games on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, the thought of repurchasing them on the Switch felt wasteful, especially since Switch games rarely go on sale and the discounts are minimal compared to other platforms. This cycle of indecision often left me not playing the games at all.

The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally changed everything for me. This handheld gaming PC runs Windows 11, giving me access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I can enjoy those games comfortably from my bed. The Ally has opened up a world of indie games for me, and I've been able to dive into my backlog, playing titles like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake—games I might never have played without it. The Ally has become my go-to handheld, saving me money and providing a vast library of games.

Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, my enthusiasm waned after the Switch 2 Direct. The original Switch was special for its versatility, affordability, and unique exclusives. At the time, it was the only viable handheld option.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

Priced at $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a crowded market. It's close in price 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 Switch's design has inspired a wave of competitors. The Steam Deck started this trend in 2022, followed by devices like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors suggest Xbox might even be developing its own handheld. With these options available, the Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a less compelling investment for those who already own a handheld, like myself.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware and can handle indie and third-party games with ease. They offer a larger library and access to games you already own, making them a versatile choice. As chipsets like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme continue to evolve, the Switch 2 will likely be outmatched soon.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high price 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 Nintendo's reluctance to offer significant discounts, the cost of entry is steep.

While Nintendo exclusives hold undeniable value and have produced some of the greatest games ever, for those of us with handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2 might not be the best investment. Systems like the Legion Go offer strong performance and a vast selection of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally covers everything I used to need a Switch for, and with access to numerous storefronts, it's simply a better place to play games.