The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, but its hefty price tag of $449.99 and the high cost of games at $79.99 have dampened my enthusiasm. My experience with the original Nintendo Switch has been limited since I acquired the Asus ROG Ally, and the issues I had with the first console seem to be magnified in its successor, especially in the current era dominated by handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As someone who has been a handheld gamer since childhood, hopping from Game Boy to Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable, I find handheld gaming to be the coziest way to enjoy games. I was one of the few who remained loyal to the PlayStation Vita, playing it daily during my college commutes. When the Nintendo Switch debuted in 2017, it was a revelation, but I only used it for exclusives. I reserved certain games for handheld play, feeling a mental block against playing them on my PC due to discomfort. However, if those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I hesitated to repurchase them on the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games compounded this dilemma, often leading me to not play them at all.

The introduction of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023 changed everything. As a handheld gaming PC running Windows 11, it provided access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more, allowing me to enjoy games comfortably in bed that I had previously shunned on PC. Now, I'm delving into a wealth of indie games and catching up on my backlog. Thanks to the Ally, I've discovered gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake, which have become some of my favorite games without the need for additional purchases. The Ally has not only become my preferred handheld device but has also saved me considerable amounts of money.

Despite my love for Nintendo's exclusive titles, the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 left me uncertain about its place in my gaming life. Initially, the original Switch was more than just a platform for exclusives; its versatility and affordability made it an attractive entry point into gaming. It stood alone as the premier handheld option at the time, offering great exclusives at a reasonable price.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a highly competitive market, nearing the cost of the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The PS5's initial $399 digital edition even undercut it. Over the past eight years, the Switch's design has inspired a wave of competitors, starting with the Steam Deck in 2022, followed by devices like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors suggest even Xbox might be developing its own handheld. The Switch 2 no longer stands alone, and its value is diminished for those already invested in other handhelds.

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 you already own, these devices are a comprehensive gaming solution. The evolving technology, like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, promises even more powerful handhelds soon, potentially outpacing the Switch 2.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use for Nintendo exclusives make it less appealing. 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's first-party titles, the investment feels steep. While Nintendo's exclusives offer significant value and some of the best games ever created, for those with a handheld gaming PC, the Switch 2 may not be the best choice.

The Nintendo Switch 2 may not be a worthwhile investment for everyone, especially if you already own a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go provide excellent performance and access to a vast library of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my handheld gaming needs, offering a superior gaming experience across multiple platforms. For me, it's simply a better place to play games.