"Switch 2 Confronts Unique Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, but its high price tag of $449.99 and expensive games, starting at $79.99, have dampened my enthusiasm. My interest in the original Nintendo Switch has waned since I acquired an Asus ROG Ally, and the issues I had with the first console seem even more pronounced in its successor, particularly in today's thriving handheld gaming PC market.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've cherished every device from the Game Boy to the PlayStation Portable. There's nothing quite like the comfort of playing games nestled under a blanket in bed. I was even a staunch supporter of the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college commute.

The Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it debuted in 2017. I bought it near launch but primarily used it for exclusives. I reserved certain games for handheld play, convinced they belonged on the Switch. Yet, if these games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I hesitated to repurchase them for the Switch. The rarity of significant discounts on Switch games only intensified this dilemma. This cycle of reluctance to spend on games I already owned versus my desire for handheld play often resulted in me not playing the games at all.

The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally changed everything. This handheld gaming PC runs on Windows 11, granting access to a vast array of games on Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. It allowed me to play games I previously avoided on PC due to discomfort, right from the comfort of my bed.

Thanks to the Ally, I've delved into a rich collection of indie games and am still working through my backlog. Without it, I might never have experienced gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or the Resident Evil Remake, which have now become some of my all-time favorites. The Ally has become my preferred handheld device and has saved me a significant amount of money.

Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, my affection for Nintendo's exclusive titles is tempered by uncertainty about where the new console fits into my gaming life, especially after the Switch 2 Direct.

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 led the charge 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 devices like the Asus ROG Ally capable of playing a wide range of games, the Switch 2 would primarily serve as a platform for first-party titles.

The high cost of exclusives, such as Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, further diminishes the appeal of the Switch 2. Given that Nintendo games rarely see significant discounts, the prospect of purchasing them at full price is daunting.

While Nintendo's exclusives offer undeniable value and include some of the best games ever made, the Switch 2 may not be a worthwhile investment for everyone, especially those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go provide superior performance and access to a vast library of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my handheld gaming needs, offering a more comprehensive and cost-effective gaming experience.