The anticipation surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2's imminent release is palpable, yet its lofty price of $449.99 and $79.99 for games have tempered my enthusiasm. My original Nintendo Switch has seen little action since I got my hands on the Asus ROG Ally, and the issues I had with the first console are only magnified in its successor, particularly in the era of handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've cherished playing on devices like the Game Boy, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable. There's an unparalleled comfort in gaming from my bed, wrapped in a blanket. I was even one of the dedicated PlayStation Vita fans, using it daily during my college train commutes.

The Nintendo Switch was a revelation when it launched in 2017, and though I purchased it near launch, I mostly used it for exclusive titles. I reserved certain games for handheld play, feeling they were best enjoyed on the Switch. However, if those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I hesitated to buy them again on the Switch. The reluctance to repurchase games, combined with the rarity of significant discounts on Switch games, often left me not playing them at all.

The Asus ROG Ally, launched in 2023, broke this cycle for me. This Windows 11-powered handheld gaming PC opened up access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more, allowing me to enjoy my games comfortably from bed. Thanks to the Ally, I've delved into a variety of indie games and tackled my gaming backlog, experiencing titles like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake—games I wouldn't have played without it. 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 due to my fondness for Nintendo 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 fiercely competitive market, closely aligning with the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Notably, the PS5's $399 digital edition initially offered a more affordable entry point. Over the past eight years, the Switch's design has spurred 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 even suggest Xbox might be developing its own handheld. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a less compelling investment for those already owning another handheld like myself.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games effortlessly. With a vast library and access to games you already own, these devices are the ultimate gaming hubs. The ever-improving chipsets, like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, promise to keep these devices ahead of the curve, potentially outmatching the Switch 2 in the near future.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, investing in a Switch 2 primarily for Nintendo exclusives feels less justified. With the high cost of entry and expensive exclusive titles like Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, the appeal diminishes, especially given the infrequent discounts on Nintendo games.

While Nintendo's exclusives hold undeniable value, offering some of the most cherished games in history, the Switch 2's high price might not be worth it for everyone, especially those with a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go provide superior performance and a vast selection of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills everything I once needed from the Switch, and with access to a broad range of storefronts, it's simply a better platform for gaming.