"Switch 2 Confronts New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit the market soon, but its steep $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games are making me think twice about investing. My current Nintendo Switch has seen less use since I got my Asus ROG Ally, and the new console's issues seem magnified in today's landscape of handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've cherished devices from the Game Boy to the PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about playing games snuggled under a blanket in bed. I was even a devoted PlayStation Vita user during my college years, playing it on my daily train commute.

When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it blew me away. I bought one near launch, but used it primarily for exclusives. For games that felt right for handheld play, I wanted them on the Switch, mentally reserving them for that experience alone. Yet, if those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt guilty about repurchasing them. The notoriously smaller discounts on Switch games didn't help, often leaving me caught in a cycle of wanting to play but not wanting to spend extra money. As a result, I often ended up not playing the game at all.

The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally changed everything for me. This handheld gaming PC, running on Windows 11, opened up access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, games I'd previously shied away from on PC due to comfort could be enjoyed from my bed.

Thanks to the Ally, I've delved into a wealth of indie games and tackled my backlog. Games like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake, which I might have never played without the Ally, have become some of my favorites. The Ally has not only become my go-to 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 hold a special place in my heart, but I'm unsure where the new console fits in my life now.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

The Nintendo Switch 2's starting price of $449 places it in direct competition with the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The PS5's $399 digital edition even launched at a lower price point. Over the last eight years, the 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 Xbox might be developing its own handheld device. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a less compelling investment, especially for those who already own a handheld gaming PC like myself.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games effortlessly. With access to a vast library and all the games you already own, these devices are a versatile choice. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset is poised to enhance these machines even further, potentially outmatching the Switch 2 in the near future.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs looking to play Nintendo exclusives, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use for first-party games make it a tough sell. With games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza launching at $79.99 and $69.99 respectively, and Nintendo's reputation for minimal discounts on first-party titles, the cost adds up quickly.

Nintendo's exclusives do offer significant value, boasting some of the greatest games in history. Many will find the upcoming Switch 2 titles worth the investment over the next few years. However, for those of us with handheld gaming PCs like the Legion Go, which offer excellent performance and a broad library of games, the Switch 2 may not be the best fit.

In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2 may not be a worthwhile investment for everyone, particularly for those who already own a capable handheld gaming PC. My Asus ROG Ally meets all my handheld gaming needs and provides access to a wide range of storefronts, making it a superior choice for gaming on the go.