The Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to launch soon, but with its high price tag of $449.99 and games costing up to $79.99, my enthusiasm has waned. My experience with the original Nintendo Switch has been limited since I got my hands on an Asus ROG Ally. The issues I faced with the original console seem magnified with its successor, particularly in today's world of advanced handheld gaming PCs.
Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need
As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've cherished the joy of playing on devices from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about gaming from the warmth of my bed. Even as a staunch supporter of the PlayStation Vita, using it during my college commutes, the Nintendo Switch initially captivated me in 2017. However, my use was primarily for exclusives. I reserved certain games for handheld play, but if those games were available for free on platforms like the Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, the guilt of repurchasing them on the Switch was too much. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games only compounded this dilemma, leaving many games unplayed.
The launch of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 changed everything for me. This handheld gaming PC, running on Windows 11, opened up access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I could comfortably play those games I had previously shunned on PC, all from my bed. Thanks to the Ally, I've discovered and enjoyed indie gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and the Resident Evil Remake, all without spending extra on the Switch. The Ally has become my preferred handheld and a significant money-saver.
Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, the Switch 2 Direct has left me questioning its place in my gaming life. The original Switch was unique due to its versatility and affordability, making it an attractive option at launch. It was the only viable handheld option at the time, boasting great exclusives and a compelling ecosystem.
The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore
Priced at $449 at launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a crowded market, competing closely with the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even the $399 PS5 Digital Edition. Since the original Switch's debut, the landscape has evolved with competitors like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw entering the fray. Rumors even suggest Xbox is developing its own handheld. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, and its value diminishes if you already own another handheld like I do.
Handheld gaming PCs offer robust hardware capable of running a vast library of indie and third-party games. With access to games you already own, they present a versatile and cost-effective solution. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset promises even more power in future devices, potentially outpacing the Switch 2.
For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's appeal is mostly limited to Nintendo exclusives, yet the high cost of entry and pricey exclusives like Mario Kart World ($79.99) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($69.99) make it a tough sell. Nintendo's games are rarely discounted, adding to the hesitation.
While Nintendo's exclusives hold significant value and promise many enjoyable titles in the coming years, for those of us with handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2 might not be the best investment. Devices like the Legion Go provide superior performance and access to a vast game library. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my handheld gaming needs, making it a more practical and versatile choice for gaming today.
