The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit the market soon, but its hefty price tag of $449.99 and the $79.99 cost of its games have made me reconsider my investment. Since getting my hands on the Asus ROG Ally, I've hardly touched my original Nintendo Switch, and the issues I had with it seem to be magnified in the upcoming model, particularly in today's era of handheld gaming PCs.
Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need
As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've transitioned through various devices from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. There's an unmatched comfort in playing games snuggled under blankets 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 purchased mine shortly after its release, but my usage was limited to exclusives. I reserved certain games for handheld play, feeling they were better suited for the Switch's portable format. However, if these 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 compounded this issue, often leaving me unable to justify the additional cost. This dilemma typically resulted in me not playing the game at all.
The arrival of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 changed everything. This handheld gaming PC runs on Windows 11, granting 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 cozy confines of my bed.
Thanks to the Ally, I've delved into a rich collection of indie games and am steadily working through my backlog. Without the Ally, I wouldn't have experienced the joys of Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or the Resident Evil Remake—now some of my all-time favorites. The Ally has become my preferred handheld device and has saved me a considerable amount of money.
Despite my enthusiasm for Nintendo games, the Switch 2 Direct left me questioning the console's place in my gaming life.
The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore
Priced at $449 at launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a competitive market, nearly matching the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The PS5's $399 digital edition initially launched at a lower price point. Over the past eight years since the original Switch's debut, the market has seen a surge in handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors suggest even Xbox is developing its own handheld. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a less compelling investment for those already owning a handheld gaming PC, like myself.
Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware, capable of running indie and third-party games with ease. Their expansive libraries and access to games you already own make them a versatile choice. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset promises even more power, likely outpacing the Switch 2 in the near future.
For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's appeal might be limited to Nintendo's exclusive titles. With high-priced exclusives like Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, and the rarity of discounts on Nintendo games, the investment becomes harder to justify.
While Nintendo's exclusives undoubtedly offer immense value, given their storied history of exceptional gaming experiences, the Switch 2's high cost may not be worth it for everyone, particularly those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go offer superior performance and access to a vast array of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my former Switch needs, providing a broader gaming ecosystem that's simply better suited for my current gaming habits.
