The anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable, yet its hefty $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games give me pause. My enthusiasm has waned, especially since my current Nintendo Switch has seen little action since I got my hands on the Asus ROG Ally. The issues I had with the original console seem only magnified in its successor, particularly in the era of handheld gaming PCs.
Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need
As a lifelong handheld gaming aficionado, I've journeyed from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and the PlayStation Portable. There's an unparalleled comfort in playing games wrapped in blankets from the warmth of my bed. I was even one of the dedicated few who cherished the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college train commutes.
The Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it launched in 2017, and I was an early adopter. However, I found myself using it mainly for exclusives. For games that felt better suited for handheld play due to their mechanics or graphics, the Switch was my go-to. These titles were mentally categorized as "Reserved for handheld," and it was as if my brain wouldn't allow me to play them on any other platform.
Yet, the guilt of repurchasing games that were available for free on platforms like the Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice often held me back. The fact that Switch games seldom go on sale, and when they do, the discounts are modest compared to other platforms, only deepened this dilemma. This cycle of "Why waste money on a game I already own" versus "I want to play this on a handheld" often led to me not playing the game at all.
The arrival of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 broke this cycle for me. This handheld gaming PC, powered by Windows 11, opened up a world of possibilities with access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Suddenly, the games I had avoided playing on my PC due to discomfort were comfortably playable from my bed.
Now, I immerse myself in a variety of indie games on my Ally, working through my backlog. Without the Ally, gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake might have remained unplayed. These have become some of my all-time favorites, and I didn't have to spend extra money to enjoy them, unlike if I had to buy them again on the Switch. The Ally has become my preferred handheld device, saving me both money and frustration.
Despite this, the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 piqued my interest, given my fondness for Nintendo's exclusive titles. However, after the Switch 2 Direct, I'm left questioning its place in my gaming life.
The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore
With a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a fiercely competitive market. It's priced near the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and the PS5's $399 digital edition was even cheaper at launch. Over the past eight years, the Switch's design has spurred a wave of competitors. The Steam Deck kicked things off in 2022, followed by the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. There are even whispers of an upcoming Xbox 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 with ease. With access to a vast library and all previously owned games, they're a versatile choice. The technology is advancing rapidly, with chips like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme poised to further elevate these devices. It won't be long before the Switch 2 is outclassed by these competitors.
For owners of handheld gaming PCs who are interested in Nintendo's exclusives, the Switch 2 represents a costly investment with limited utility. If a device like the Asus ROG Ally can handle everything from third-party to indie games, then the Switch 2 might only be used for first-party titles.
The high cost of exclusives, such as Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, adds to the Switch 2's steep price. Given that Nintendo's first-party games rarely see significant discounts, it's challenging to justify the expense.
Nintendo's exclusive titles are undoubtedly valuable, having contributed some of the most iconic games in history. For many, the Switch 2's lineup over the next few years might justify its price. However, for someone like me, with a handheld gaming PC, the Switch 2's appeal is diminished.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2 may not be the best investment for everyone, especially those who already own a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go offer superior performance and access to a broader range of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all the functions I once relied on the Switch for, and with its extensive library across various storefronts, it remains the ultimate handheld gaming solution.
