"Switch 2 Faces New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, but its hefty $449.99 price tag and games starting at $79.99 have given me pause. My experience with the original Nintendo Switch has been underwhelming, especially since acquiring an Asus ROG Ally. The issues I faced with the first console seem even more pronounced with its successor, particularly in the era of advanced handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've journeyed from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about gaming under a blanket in bed. Even as one of the few PlayStation Vita enthusiasts, I cherished playing it during my college train commutes.

The Nintendo Switch was revolutionary when it debuted in 2017. I bought one near launch, yet I mainly used it for exclusives. For games that felt suited for handheld play, my mind categorized them as "Reserved for handheld," making it hard to play them on any other platform.

However, the guilt of repurchasing games I already owned for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice was a barrier. Switch games seldom go on sale, and when they do, discounts are minimal compared to other platforms. This cycle of wanting to play games on a handheld but not wanting to spend extra money often led me to not play them at all.

The launch of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 changed everything. Running Windows 11, it provides access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. This allowed me to enjoy games in bed that I previously found uncomfortable to play on a PC.

Now, I dive into a wealth of indie games on my Ally, steadily working through my backlog. 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 but has also saved me a significant amount of money.

Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, my enthusiasm waned after the Switch 2 Direct. Nintendo's games hold a special place in my heart, yet I'm unsure where the new console fits in my gaming life.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

Priced at $449 at launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a highly competitive market. It's close to the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, with the PS5's digital edition initially launching at a lower $399. Over the past eight years, the original Switch's design has inspired a wave of competition. 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 even suggest Xbox is developing its own handheld. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a tough sell for those who already own a handheld gaming PC.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games smoothly. With access to a vast library and all previously owned games, they're a versatile choice. The ever-improving chipsets, such as the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, indicate that the Switch 2 may soon be outclassed.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs interested in Nintendo exclusives, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use may not justify the investment. If devices like the Asus ROG Ally can handle everything from third-party to indie titles, the Switch 2 would primarily serve for first-party games.

The high price of exclusives, like Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, further complicates the decision. Given that Nintendo Switch games, particularly first-party titles, rarely see significant discounts, the cost adds to the hesitation.

Admittedly, Nintendo exclusives offer immense value and have a storied history of greatness. Many will find the Switch 2's upcoming titles compelling enough to justify the expense. However, for those of us with handheld gaming PCs, the need for more is evident.

Ultimately, the Nintendo Switch 2 may not be the best investment for everyone, especially handheld gaming PC owners. Systems like the Legion Go offer superior performance and access to a vast library of games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my handheld gaming needs with its diverse range of available storefronts, making it a more compelling choice for gamers like me.