The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, but with a hefty price tag of $449.99 and games priced at $79.99, I find myself reconsidering my investment. My current Nintendo Switch has been collecting dust since I got my Asus ROG Ally, and the issues I had with the original console seem even more pronounced with its successor, especially in today's landscape of handheld gaming PCs.
Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need
As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've cherished every moment spent with devices from the Game Boy to the PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about gaming under a blanket in bed. I even stood by the PlayStation Vita, playing it daily during my college commutes.
When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it was revolutionary. I bought mine near launch and used it primarily for exclusives. I mentally categorized certain games as "Reserved for handheld," feeling that they belonged on the Switch due to their mechanics or graphical style. However, if these games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt guilty about repurchasing them on the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games only added to this dilemma, often resulting in me not playing the games at all.
The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally changed everything for me. Running on Windows 11, it provides access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more, allowing me to play those games I'd previously avoided on PC due to discomfort, right from my bed. Thanks to the Ally, I've discovered and enjoyed a plethora of indie games, including Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake, without the need to repurchase them. This device has not only become my preferred handheld but has also saved me a significant amount of money.
Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, given my love for Nintendo's games, the Switch 2 Direct left me 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 crowded market. It's priced competitively with the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even more so considering the PS5's $399 digital edition at launch. Since the original Switch's release, the market has seen the emergence of powerful handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors suggest Xbox might also enter the handheld arena. The Switch 2's uniqueness is diminished, and its value is questionable for those, like me, who already own a capable handheld.
Handheld gaming PCs boast superior hardware, perfect for indie and third-party games, and offer access to a vast library of existing games. The continuous improvement in chipsets, such as the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, means the Switch 2 may soon be outclassed. For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use for Nintendo exclusives make it a tough sell.
The steep prices of Switch 2 exclusives, like Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, only add to the challenge. Nintendo's games are rarely discounted, which makes the investment even harder to justify.
While Nintendo's exclusive titles offer undeniable value and have a rich history, the Switch 2 may not be the best investment for everyone, particularly those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go provide excellent performance and a wide range of games. My Asus ROG Ally meets all my handheld gaming needs and offers access to numerous storefronts, making it the superior choice for my gaming experience.
