"Switch 2 Faces New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The much-anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, but its hefty price tag of $449.99, coupled with games priced at $79.99, has dampened my enthusiasm. My 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 even more pronounced with its successor, particularly in the era of handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As someone who has been hooked on handheld gaming since childhood, transitioning from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable, this style of gaming remains my favorite. There's something uniquely comforting about playing games from the cozy confines of my bed. I was even one of the few staunch supporters of the PlayStation Vita, enjoying it daily during my college train commutes.

When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it was a revelation. Despite purchasing it near its release, I primarily used it for exclusive titles. For games that felt more suited to handheld play due to their mechanics or graphics, I reserved them for the Switch. However, if these games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt guilty about repurchasing them on the Switch. The reluctance to buy games at full price, compounded by the rarity of significant discounts on Switch games, often led me to not play them at all.

The arrival of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 changed everything. This handheld gaming PC, powered by Windows 11, offers access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. It allowed me to enjoy games I previously avoided on PC due to discomfort, right from the comfort of my bed. With the Ally, I've explored a wealth of indie games and tackled my backlog, discovering gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake, all without additional expenditure. The Asus ROG Ally has not only become my preferred handheld device but has also saved me a considerable amount of money.

Although I was initially excited about the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement due to my fondness for Nintendo games, the Switch 2 Direct left me questioning its place in my gaming life.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

With a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a highly competitive market, positioning itself close to the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Notably, the PS5's $399 digital edition launched at a lower price. Over the past eight years, since the original Switch's debut, its design has inspired numerous competitors. The Steam Deck paved the way in 2022, followed by other handheld gaming PCs such as the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors also suggest that Xbox is developing its own handheld device. The Switch 2 no longer stands alone as a unique offering, making it a less compelling investment, especially for those like me who already own a handheld gaming PC.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games effectively. They offer access to a vast library of games, including those you already own, making them a versatile gaming solution. The upcoming AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset promises even greater performance, potentially outpacing the Switch 2 in the near future.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's appeal is limited to Nintendo's exclusive titles. However, with exclusives like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza launching at $79.99 and $69.99 respectively, and considering the rarity of discounts on Nintendo games, the investment becomes even more challenging to justify.

While Nintendo's exclusives hold significant value and have produced some of the most iconic games in history, the Switch 2's high cost is hard to overlook, especially for those with a capable handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go offer superior performance and access to an extensive range of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my handheld gaming needs, providing access to a broad selection of games across various storefronts, making it a more practical and cost-effective choice.