The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit the market soon, but its hefty $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games have me reconsidering my investment. My original Nintendo Switch has seen little use since I got my Asus ROG Ally, and the issues I had with the first console are even more pronounced with the upcoming model, particularly in the era of handheld gaming PCs.
Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need
I've been a devoted handheld gamer since my childhood, moving from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS, and the PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about playing games from the warmth of my bed, wrapped in blankets. I was even one of the few staunch supporters of the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college commutes.
The Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it launched in 2017. I bought one soon after its release, but I only used it for exclusives. For games that felt right for handheld play, whether due to their mechanics or graphics, the Switch was my go-to. I mentally categorized these games as "Reserved for handheld," and it was almost impossible for me to play them on any other platform.
However, if these games were available for free on services like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt guilty about buying them again on the Switch. The issue was compounded by the fact that Switch games rarely go on sale, and when they do, the discounts aren't as significant as those found on other platforms. This led to a frustrating cycle of wanting to play games on a handheld but not wanting to repurchase them, resulting in me not playing them at all.
The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally changed everything for me. This handheld gaming PC runs on Windows 11, giving me access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I can enjoy those games I previously avoided on PC due to discomfort, right from the comfort of my bed.
With my Asus ROG Ally, I've delved into a wealth of indie games and am still working through my backlog. Without the Ally, I would have missed out on playing gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and 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 this, I was initially excited about the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, given my fondness for Nintendo's games. However, after the Switch 2 Direct, I'm unsure where this new console fits into my gaming life.
The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore
At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a highly competitive market. It's priced close to the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even the PS5's $399 digital edition was cheaper at launch. Over the past eight years, the original Switch's design has inspired a wave of competitors. The Steam Deck kicked things off in 2022, followed by other handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors suggest that Xbox might be developing its own handheld as well. 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 with ease. They offer access to a vast library of games, including those you already own, making them a versatile choice. The technology behind these devices, such as the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, continues to advance, and it won't be long before the Switch 2 is outpaced by its competitors.
For owners of handheld gaming PCs who are interested in Nintendo's 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 priced at $79.99 and $69.99, respectively, and considering that Nintendo's first-party titles rarely see significant discounts, the investment becomes even less appealing.
While Nintendo's exclusives offer undeniable value and include some of the best games ever made, the Switch 2 might not be the right choice for everyone, especially those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go provide superior performance and access to a vast array of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all the roles I once needed a Switch for, and with its access to multiple storefronts, it's simply a better platform for gaming.
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