"Switch 2 Confronts New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The anticipation surrounding the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable, yet its hefty price tag of $449.99, coupled with $79.99 games, has me reconsidering my investment. My current experience with the original Nintendo Switch has been underwhelming since I acquired an Asus ROG Ally, and the issues I faced with the first console seem magnified in its sequel, particularly in the era of handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong enthusiast of handheld gaming, I've cherished devices from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. There's an unparalleled comfort in gaming from the cozy confines of my bed. I even remained a loyal fan of the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college commutes.

The Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it launched in 2017, and I was among the early adopters. However, my usage was limited to exclusives. I preferred playing games on the Switch when they were better suited for handheld play due to mechanics or graphics. These games were mentally categorized as "Reserved for handheld," making it difficult for me to enjoy them on other platforms.

The dilemma intensified when games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice. The reluctance to repurchase them on the Switch, coupled with the rarity of significant discounts on Switch games, often led to me not playing these titles at all.

The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally transformed my gaming habits. Running on Windows 11, it provides seamless access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. This allowed me to play games I previously found uncomfortable on a PC, right from my bed.

With the Asus ROG Ally, I've delved into a rich variety of indie games and tackled my backlog. Games like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake, which I might never have played without the Ally, have become some of my favorites. The Ally not only offers a superior handheld experience but also saves me money by eliminating the need to repurchase games.

Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, driven by my affection for Nintendo's exclusives, the Switch 2 Direct left me uncertain about its place in 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 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 handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors suggest Xbox is developing its own handheld as well. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, and its value diminishes 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 effortlessly. With access to a vast library and the ability to play games already owned across various platforms, they offer a comprehensive gaming solution. The performance of these devices is set to improve with advancements like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, potentially outmatching the Switch 2 soon.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs interested in Nintendo exclusives, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use case are significant deterrents. If devices like the Asus ROG Ally can handle everything from third-party to indie games, the Switch 2's appeal narrows to first-party titles only.

The high cost of exclusives, such as Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, further complicates the decision. Nintendo's games, especially first-party titles, are notoriously slow to receive discounts, making the investment even less appealing.

While Nintendo's exclusives offer undeniable value and the company has a storied history of creating exceptional games, the Nintendo Switch 2 may not be a worthwhile investment for everyone, particularly for those who already own a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Lenovo Legion Go provide stellar performance and access to a vast library of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my previous needs for a Switch, offering a more versatile and cost-effective gaming experience across multiple storefronts.