"Switch 2 Faces New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable, yet its hefty price tag of $449.99 and games costing up to $79.99 have me rethinking my investment. My original Nintendo Switch has been collecting dust ever since I got my hands on an Asus ROG Ally. The issues I had with the original console seem magnified in its successor, especially when handheld gaming PCs are now a viable alternative.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

I've been a handheld gaming aficionado since my childhood days, hopping from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS, and even the PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about playing games nestled under a blanket in bed. I was one of the few who swore by the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college train commutes.

When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it was a game-changer for me. I bought one near launch, but my use was limited to exclusives. I reserved certain games mentally for handheld play, feeling they were better suited for the Switch's portable format. However, if these games were available for free on platforms like the Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt reluctant to repurchase them on the Switch. The lack of substantial discounts on Switch games only compounded this issue, leaving me in a frustrating loop of wanting to play but not wanting to spend extra.

The arrival of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 changed everything. This handheld gaming PC runs on Windows 11, granting access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Suddenly, the games I'd avoided on PC due to discomfort were now playable from the comfort of my bed.

Thanks to the Ally, I've delved into a variety of indie games and tackled my backlog. Games like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake became favorites without the need to repurchase them. 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 games have always held a special place in my heart, but the new console's place in my gaming setup is now uncertain.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

Priced at $449 at launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a highly competitive market. It's nearly as expensive as the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even the PS5's $399 digital edition was more affordable at launch. Over the past eight years, the original Switch's design has inspired numerous 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 that Xbox might even be developing its own handheld. In this crowded field, the Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a less compelling investment for those who already own a handheld gaming PC.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games seamlessly. With access to a vast library and the ability to play games you already own, they're an all-encompassing gaming solution. As chipsets like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme continue to evolve, the Switch 2 might soon be outclassed by its competitors.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use for Nintendo exclusives make it a tough sell. If devices like the Asus ROG Ally can handle everything from third-party to indie games, then investing in a Switch 2 primarily for first-party titles feels less justified.

The high price of Switch 2 exclusives, like Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, further diminishes the appeal. Given that Nintendo's first-party games rarely see significant discounts, the cost of entry becomes even more daunting.

While Nintendo's exclusives offer undeniable value and are among the greatest games in history, the Switch 2's high cost and limited utility for those with handheld gaming PCs make it a less appealing investment. Systems like the Legion Go provide superior performance and a vast library of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my previous needs for a Switch, offering access to multiple storefronts and making it the better choice for gaming today.