The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, and while there's much excitement around it, the high price point of $449.99 and its $79.99 games have dampened my enthusiasm. My current gaming setup, the Asus ROG Ally, has already reduced my use of the original Switch, and the new console's issues seem magnified in today's landscape of advanced 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 PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about playing games nestled under a blanket in bed. I was even a dedicated PlayStation Vita user during my college years, enjoying it on my daily train commute.
The Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it debuted in 2017, and I purchased one near its launch. However, I mainly used it for exclusives. I preferred playing games on the Switch if they were better suited to handheld play, mentally categorizing them as "Reserved for handheld." Yet, if those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt reluctant to buy them again on the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games compounded this issue, leading to a frustrating cycle where I often ended up not playing the game at all.
The Asus ROG Ally's launch in 2023 changed everything for me. As a handheld gaming PC running Windows 11, it seamlessly integrates with Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. This allowed me to enjoy games I'd previously avoided on PC due to discomfort, all from the comfort of my bed.
With the Asus ROG Ally, I've delved into a rich selection of indie games and tackled my gaming backlog. Without it, I would have missed out on gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake, which have become some of my all-time favorites. The Ally not only saved me money but also became my go-to handheld device.
Despite my excitement for Nintendo's games, the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement left me questioning its place in my gaming life. The original Switch was a game-changer due to its versatility, affordability, and unique position in the market. It was the go-to handheld console with no real competition.
The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore
At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a crowded market. It's priced near the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even the PS5's $399 digital edition was more affordable at launch. Over the past eight years, the handheld gaming landscape has evolved significantly. The Steam Deck kicked off a wave of competition, followed by devices like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors also suggest Xbox might be developing its own handheld. The Switch 2 no longer stands alone, making it less compelling for those already invested in handheld gaming PCs.
Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running a vast array of indie and third-party games. With access to a larger library and all the games you already own, they offer a versatile gaming experience. The chipsets in these devices, like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, continue to advance, promising to outpace the Switch 2 in the near future.
For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use for Nintendo exclusives make it a tough sell. With devices like the Asus ROG Ally handling everything from third-party to indie games, the Switch 2's appeal narrows to Nintendo's first-party titles.
The steep pricing of exclusives such as Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, coupled with Nintendo's rare discounts, makes the Switch 2 an expensive proposition. While Nintendo's exclusives are undeniably valuable and have a storied history, the high cost of entry and games is a significant barrier for handheld gaming PC users like myself.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2 may not be a worthwhile investment for everyone, particularly those who already own a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go offer robust performance and access to a vast library of games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all the roles I once reserved for the Switch, providing a superior gaming experience across various platforms.
