The Nintendo Switch 2's impending release has stirred a mix of excitement and hesitation among gamers, especially given its high price point of $449.99 and the steep cost of its games, starting at $79.99. As someone who has transitioned from the original Nintendo Switch to the Asus ROG Ally, my enthusiasm for the Switch 2 is tempered by my current satisfaction with handheld gaming PCs.
Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need
My love for handheld gaming dates back to childhood, from the Game Boy to the PlayStation Portable, and it remains my preferred way to enjoy games. The comfort of playing from my bed or during my college commutes on the PlayStation Vita was unparalleled. When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it was a game-changer, yet I found myself using it mainly for exclusives. The allure of playing games that felt better suited for handheld on the Switch was strong, but the reluctance to repurchase games available for free on services like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, or PlayStation Plus made me pause. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games further complicated my decision-making process, often leading to me not playing the game at all.
The Asus ROG Ally, launched in 2023, revolutionized my gaming experience. As a handheld gaming PC running Windows 11, it grants access to a vast array of games on platforms like Steam, Game Pass, and Epic Games. This allowed me to comfortably play games I had previously avoided on my PC, right from the comfort of my bed. My gaming library has since expanded with indie gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake, all without the need to repurchase them. The Ally has not only become my go-to handheld but has also saved me a considerable amount of money.
Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, the Switch 2 Direct left me questioning its place in my gaming life. The original Switch was revolutionary due to its versatility and affordability, making it the go-to handheld at the time. However, the landscape has changed.
The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore
At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a highly competitive market, closely aligning with the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even surpassing the initial $399 digital edition of the PS5. Over the past eight years, the handheld market has evolved significantly, with devices like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw entering the fray. Rumors of an Xbox handheld further intensify the competition. The Switch 2's uniqueness has diminished, making it less of an essential purchase, especially for those who already own a capable handheld like the Asus ROG Ally.
Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running a wide range of indie and third-party games, offering a larger library and access to games you already own. With advancements like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme on the horizon, the performance gap is likely to widen, challenging the Switch 2's position. For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2 might only be used for Nintendo exclusives, making the high entry cost and expensive games less appealing.
Nintendo's exclusives, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, are priced at $79.99 and $69.99 respectively, and their rarity in discounts adds to the financial burden. While Nintendo's track record of delivering exceptional games is undeniable, the value proposition for handheld gaming PC owners like me is less compelling.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2 may not be a worthwhile investment for everyone, particularly those already invested in the versatile world of handheld gaming PCs. Devices like the Legion Go and my Asus ROG Ally offer robust performance and access to a vast library of games, making them a more attractive option for gamers seeking both comfort and value.
