The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, but its hefty price tag of $449.99 and $79.99 games are making me think twice about investing in it. Since getting my hands on the Asus ROG Ally, I've barely touched my original Nintendo Switch, and my issues with it seem even more pronounced in 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 devices from the Game Boy to the PlayStation Portable. There's nothing quite like the comfort of gaming under a cozy blanket in bed. I was even a staunch supporter of the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college commute.
The Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it launched in 2017. I got mine soon after release, but I found myself using it mostly for exclusives. PC gaming wasn't comfortable for me, so I reserved certain games for handheld play on the Switch. However, if those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt reluctant to repurchase them on the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games only added to my dilemma, leading me to often not play those games at all.
The arrival of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 changed everything. This Windows 11-based handheld gaming PC opened up my entire library on Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more, allowing me to enjoy games comfortably from my bed. Now, I'm diving into a wealth of indie games and catching up on my backlog. Without the Ally, I might never have played gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or the Resident Evil Remake, which have since become some of my all-time favorites. The Ally has not only become my go-to handheld but has also saved me a lot of money.
Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, given my fondness for Nintendo's unique games, the Switch 2 Direct left me uncertain about 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, closely aligning with the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even exceeding the initial $399 digital edition of the PS5. Over the past eight years, the original Switch's innovative design has spurred a wave of competitors. The Steam Deck led the charge in 2022, followed by devices like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. There are even whispers of an upcoming Xbox handheld. The Switch 2 no longer stands alone, making it a less compelling investment for those of us who already own a capable handheld gaming PC.
Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware and can handle a vast array of indie and third-party games. With access to an extensive library and the ability to play games you already own, they offer a comprehensive gaming solution. The chipsets in these devices, like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, are continually improving, suggesting that the Switch 2 might soon be outclassed.
For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use for Nintendo exclusives make it a tough sell. With the Asus ROG Ally capable of playing almost everything, the Switch 2 would mostly be used for first-party titles. The steep prices of these exclusives, such as Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, further complicate the decision, especially since Nintendo games rarely see significant discounts.
While Nintendo's exclusives are undeniably valuable and include some of the best games ever made, the Switch 2's high price might not be justified for everyone. For handheld gaming PC users like me, the allure of systems like the Legion Go, with their superior performance and vast game libraries, makes the Switch 2 a less appealing choice. My Asus ROG Ally meets all my handheld gaming needs, offering a better overall experience with access to multiple gaming storefronts.
