The imminent release of the Nintendo Switch 2 has stirred excitement, yet its hefty $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games have dampened my enthusiasm. My current device, the Asus ROG Ally, has already overshadowed my original Nintendo Switch, and the issues I faced with the first console are only amplified with its successor, particularly in the era of handheld gaming PCs.
Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need
As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've journeyed from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. The comfort of gaming under a cozy blanket in bed is unparalleled. I was even one of the few steadfast PlayStation Vita users, enjoying it during my daily college train commutes.
The Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it launched in 2017. I purchased it near its debut, but my usage was limited to exclusives. For games that seemed perfect for handheld play, I reserved them mentally for the Switch, feeling unable to enjoy them on a PC due to discomfort. However, if these games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I hesitated to repurchase them on the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games compounded this dilemma, often leaving me not playing the game at all.
The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally transformed my gaming experience. This handheld gaming PC, powered by Windows 11, grants access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I can play those games I previously avoided on PC from the comfort of my bed.
With the Asus ROG Ally, I've delved into a vast array of indie games and tackled my backlog. Without it, I might never have discovered gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or the Resident Evil Remake, which have become some of my all-time favorites. The Ally has not only become my preferred handheld device but has also saved me a significant amount of money.
Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, given my affection for Nintendo's games, the Switch 2 Direct has left me questioning its place in my gaming setup.
The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore
At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a highly competitive market, closely rivaling the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Notably, the PS5 launched with a more affordable $399 digital edition. Over the past eight years, the original Switch's design has inspired 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. Rumors even suggest that Xbox might be developing its own handheld. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a less compelling investment 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. They offer access to a vast library of games, including those you already own across various platforms. As technology progresses, chipsets like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme promise even greater performance, potentially outpacing the Switch 2 in the near future.
For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's appeal is primarily limited to Nintendo's first-party exclusives. However, with the high cost of these exclusives, such as Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, and the rarity of discounts on Nintendo games, the investment becomes less appealing.
While Nintendo's exclusives hold immense value, boasting some of the greatest games ever made, the Switch 2 might not be the best investment for everyone, especially for those with handheld gaming PCs. Devices like the Legion Go provide superior performance and access to a broader range of indie and third-party titles. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my former needs for a Switch, offering a more versatile and cost-effective gaming experience.
