The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, but its hefty $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games give me pause. My enthusiasm wanes, especially since I've barely touched my original Nintendo Switch since acquiring an Asus ROG Ally. The issues I had with the first console seem only magnified in its successor, particularly in today's world of 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 Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. There's nothing quite like the comfort of gaming from bed under a cozy blanket. I was even one of the few die-hard PlayStation Vita fans, playing it daily on my college train commute.
The Nintendo Switch was a revelation in 2017. I bought one near launch but found myself using it mainly for exclusives. I reserved certain games for handheld play, feeling a mental block against playing them on PC due to discomfort. Yet, when those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I hesitated to buy them again for the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games compounded this issue. This cycle of guilt and desire often left me not playing the game at all.
The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally changed everything for me. This handheld gaming PC, running on Windows 11, opened up a world of gaming through Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. It allowed me to enjoy those games I'd previously shunned on PC, all from the comfort of my bed.
Now, I immerse myself in a variety of indie games on my Ally, steadily working through my backlog. Without the Ally, I might never have experienced gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or the Resident Evil Remake. These have become some of my all-time favorites, and I didn't have to repurchase them. The Ally has not only become my preferred handheld but has also saved me a significant amount of money.
Despite this, I was initially excited about the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, given my affection for Nintendo's games. However, after the Switch 2 Direct, I'm unsure of its place in my gaming life.
The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore
At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a crowded market. It's nearly as expensive as the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and the PS5's $399 digital edition was even cheaper at launch. Since the original Switch's debut, the handheld gaming landscape has transformed. The Steam Deck kickstarted the trend in 2022, followed by devices like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. There are whispers that Xbox might be developing its own handheld too. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, and its value diminishes 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 a vast library and access to games you already own across multiple platforms. With advancements like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme on the horizon, the Switch 2 could soon be outclassed.
For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's appeal is limited to Nintendo's first-party exclusives, which come with a steep entry cost and high game prices. Titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are set to launch at $79.99 and $69.99, respectively. Given the rarity of discounts on Nintendo's first-party titles, the prospect of investing in the Switch 2 becomes less appealing.
While Nintendo's exclusives hold undeniable value, offering some of the greatest games ever, the Switch 2's high cost and limited utility for those with handheld gaming PCs make it a tough sell. For enthusiasts like me, the Asus ROG Ally and similar devices fulfill all my handheld gaming needs, providing access to a broad range of games across various storefronts. The Nintendo Switch 2 simply doesn't justify the investment for everyone, especially those already equipped with a capable handheld gaming PC.
