The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is on the horizon, yet its hefty $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games have me second-guessing my investment. My enthusiasm has waned, especially since I've barely touched my original Nintendo Switch since acquiring an Asus ROG Ally. The issues I had with the first console are magnified in its successor, particularly in today's world of handheld gaming PCs.
Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need
As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've transitioned from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS, and even the PlayStation Portable. There's nothing quite like the comfort of playing games from my bed, wrapped in blankets. I was one of the few who remained loyal to the PlayStation Vita, using it daily during my college train commutes.
The Nintendo Switch was a game-changer when it launched in 2017. I bought mine near launch, but it was mostly for the exclusives. I reserved certain games for handheld play because playing on a PC wasn't as comfortable. However, if a game was available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt reluctant to repurchase it on the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games only compounded this issue. This cycle of wanting to play games on a handheld but not wanting to spend extra money often left me not playing the games at all.
The arrival of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 changed everything for me. As a handheld gaming PC running Windows 11, it grants access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I can enjoy games I previously found uncomfortable on a PC, all from the comfort of my bed.
With the Asus ROG Ally, I've delved into a vast array of indie games and am steadily working through my backlog. Without the Ally, 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 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, the Switch 2 Direct left me questioning its place in my gaming life. The original Switch's versatility and lower price point made it a standout, especially when it was the only viable handheld option.
The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore
With a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a crowded market. It's priced closely to the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even the $399 digital edition of the PS5 was cheaper at launch. The landscape has evolved significantly since the original Switch's debut, with competitors like the Steam Deck in 2022, followed by the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors suggest Xbox may even be developing its own handheld. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, and its value diminishes if you already own another handheld, as I do.
Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games effortlessly. With access to a vast library and all the games you already own, they are an ideal gaming solution. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme is poised to enhance these devices further, potentially outpacing the Switch 2 in performance.
For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use for Nintendo exclusives make it a less appealing choice. If the Asus ROG Ally can handle everything from third-party to indie games, the Switch 2's primary appeal is its first-party titles.
The high prices of exclusives, like Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, further complicate the decision. Nintendo games rarely see significant discounts, making the prospect of purchasing them less exciting.
While Nintendo's exclusives offer undeniable value and have produced some of the greatest games ever, the Switch 2 might not be a worthwhile investment for everyone, especially those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go offer superior performance and access to a broader range of games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my previous needs for a Switch, providing a more comprehensive and cost-effective gaming experience.
