"Switch 2 Confronts New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 has stirred excitement, but its hefty price tag of $449.99, along with games costing $79.99, has left me hesitant. My enthusiasm has waned, especially since my original Nintendo Switch has seen little use since I got my Asus ROG Ally. The issues I faced with the first console seem amplified in its successor, particularly in today's thriving market of handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've cherished every device from the Game Boy to the PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about gaming under a blanket in bed. Even the PlayStation Vita, despite its limited appeal, was a daily companion during my college commutes.

When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it was a game-changer. I bought one near its release but used it mainly for exclusives. For games that felt better suited for handheld play, I reserved them mentally for the Switch. However, if those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt reluctant to repurchase them on the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games only deepened this dilemma, often leading me to not play the game at all.

The Asus ROG Ally, launched in 2023, broke this cycle for me. Running on Windows 11, it offers access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I can enjoy games like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake from the comfort of my bed without repurchasing them. My Asus ROG Ally has become my go-to handheld, saving me money and allowing me to explore a vast array of indie games.

Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, the Switch 2 Direct left me questioning its place in my gaming setup. The original Switch was a revolutionary handheld due to its versatility, affordability, and exclusive titles. However, times have changed.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a crowded market. It's priced close to the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even the $399 digital edition of the PS5 at launch was more affordable. Over the last eight years, the handheld gaming landscape has evolved, with devices like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw emerging. Rumors of an Xbox handheld further intensify the competition. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a less compelling investment for those like me who already own a handheld gaming PC.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games with ease. With access to a vast library and the ability to play games I already own, these devices offer a comprehensive gaming solution. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip is poised to elevate handheld gaming PCs even further, potentially outpacing the Switch 2 in performance.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, investing in the Switch 2 might only be justified for Nintendo exclusives. Yet, with games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza priced at $79.99 and $69.99, and given the rarity of discounts on Nintendo titles, the cost feels prohibitive.

Nintendo's exclusives are undeniably valuable, boasting some of the greatest games ever made. For many, the upcoming titles for the Switch 2 will justify its cost. However, for those of us with handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's appeal is diminished. Devices like the Legion Go offer superior performance and a broader game library, making them a more attractive choice for gamers like me who prefer the versatility and value of a handheld gaming PC.