"Switch 2 Confronts Unique Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The excitement around the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable, but its $449.99 price point and $79.99 games give me pause. My enthusiasm wanes further considering I've barely touched my original Nintendo Switch since acquiring an Asus ROG Ally. The issues I experienced with the first console seem magnified in its sequel, especially in today’s landscape dominated by handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

I've been immersed in handheld gaming since my childhood, transitioning from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. There’s something uniquely comforting about playing games from the cozy sanctuary of my bed. I even stood by the PlayStation Vita during its less popular days, using it daily on my college train commute.

When the Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017, it was a revelation. I purchased mine shortly after launch, but found myself using it solely for exclusives. For games that felt perfect for handheld play, I reserved them mentally for the Switch, unable to enjoy them on my less comfortable PC setup.

However, the financial strain of repurchasing games I already owned on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, combined with the Switch's notoriously minimal discounts, made me hesitate. This internal conflict often resulted in me not playing the games at all.

The 2023 release of the Asus ROG Ally changed everything. This handheld gaming PC, powered by Windows 11, opened up a world of gaming through Steam, Game Pass, and Epic Games. Suddenly, I could enjoy those previously untouched games from the comfort of my bed.

My Asus ROG Ally has become my go-to device for a vast array of indie games, helping me tackle my ever-growing backlog. It introduced me to gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake—titles that have since become some of my all-time favorites, without the need to repurchase them. The Ally has not only saved me money but also enriched my gaming life.

Despite this, the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 piqued my interest, given my fondness for Nintendo's exclusive titles. Yet, following the Switch 2 Direct, I find myself questioning its place in my gaming ecosystem.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a crowded market. It's positioned near the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even the PS5's $399 digital edition at launch was more budget-friendly. The original Switch's success was partly due to its unique design and affordability, but the landscape has shifted dramatically.

Since the Switch's debut, competitors like the Steam Deck in 2022 have paved the way for a surge of handheld gaming PCs, including the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors also suggest an Xbox handheld is on the horizon. The Switch 2 no longer stands alone, making it less appealing if you already own a capable handheld like mine.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running a vast library of indie and third-party games. With access to all your existing games across various platforms, they offer an unparalleled gaming experience. Advancements like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme promise even more potent future devices, potentially outclassing the Switch 2 in no time.

For those with handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's steep entry cost and limited utility—it's mainly for first-party games—pose a significant challenge. With titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza launching at $79.99 and $69.99, and Nintendo's reluctance to offer substantial discounts, the investment seems increasingly less justifiable.

Nintendo’s exclusives undeniably hold immense value, boasting some of the most iconic games ever created. Many gamers will find the Switch 2's offerings over the next few years justify its price. However, for those of us already equipped with a versatile handheld gaming PC, the Switch 2 feels like a luxury we can do without.

The Nintendo Switch 2 might not be the best investment for everyone, particularly those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go offer robust performance and access to an extensive library of games. My Asus ROG Ally meets all my handheld gaming needs, and with its wide range of available storefronts, it remains my preferred gaming platform.