The anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable, yet its hefty $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games give me pause. My interest wanes, especially after my Nintendo Switch has been largely neglected since I got an Asus ROG Ally. The issues I faced with the original console seem magnified in its successor, particularly in today's era of advanced handheld gaming PCs.
Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need
Handheld gaming has been a lifelong passion of mine, from the Game Boy and Nintendo DS to the PlayStation Portable. There's an unparalleled comfort in playing games wrapped in blankets on my bed. I even championed the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college train commutes.
The Nintendo Switch was a revelation in 2017, but despite purchasing it near launch, I mainly used it for exclusives. For games that felt right for handheld play, I reserved them mentally for the Switch, unable to enjoy them on PC due to discomfort. However, the guilt of repurchasing games available for free on Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice was significant. The rarity of substantial discounts on Switch games only compounded this issue, leading to a frustrating cycle where I'd end up not playing the game at all.
The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally broke this cycle. As a Windows 11-powered handheld gaming PC, it grants access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. It transformed my gaming experience, allowing me to enjoy those 'reserved for handheld' games from the comfort of my bed.
Now, I immerse myself in indie games on the Ally, steadily working through my backlog. Without the Ally, 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 saved me money and become my preferred handheld.
Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, the Switch 2 Direct left me questioning its place in my life. The original Switch was more than just about exclusives; its innovative design and lower entry price made it a compelling ecosystem. It was the go-to handheld option, offering great exclusives at a reasonable cost with no direct competition.
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, with the PS5's $399 digital edition once being cheaper at launch. Since the original Switch's debut, the handheld gaming landscape has evolved. The Steam Deck ignited a trend in 2022, followed by devices like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors even suggest an Xbox handheld in development. The Switch 2 no longer stands alone, and its value diminishes if you already own a capable handheld.
Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware, adept at running indie and third-party games. Their vast libraries and access to existing game collections make them versatile platforms. As chipsets like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme continue to advance, the Switch 2 may soon find itself outclassed.
For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's appeal lies primarily in Nintendo's exclusives, yet the high cost of entry and the expensive nature of these games—take Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99—make it a tough sell. Nintendo's first-party titles rarely see significant discounts, further dampening enthusiasm.
Nintendo's exclusives offer undeniable value, featuring some of the most iconic games in history. For many, the upcoming Switch 2 titles will justify its cost. However, for those of us with handheld gaming PCs, like the Asus ROG Ally, the need for the Switch 2 is minimal.
Ultimately, the Nintendo Switch 2 may not be a worthwhile investment for everyone, particularly if you already own a powerful handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go offer superior performance and access to a broader game library. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my handheld gaming needs, providing a more cost-effective and versatile gaming experience.
