The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch soon, but its hefty price tag of $449.99 and $79.99 for games has me rethinking my investment. My experience with the original Nintendo Switch has been underwhelming since I acquired the Asus ROG Ally, and the issues I faced with the first console seem to be magnified with its successor, particularly in the era of handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gaming enthusiast, I've cherished gaming on devices like the Game Boy, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable. There's an unmatched comfort in gaming from the coziness of my bed. I was even one of the dedicated PlayStation Vita users, enjoying it on my daily college commute.

The Nintendo Switch was a game-changer when it launched in 2017. I bought it shortly after its release, but my use was limited to exclusives. I preferred playing games on the Switch that felt suited for handheld play, mentally reserving them for that experience. However, if those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt guilty about repurchasing them for the Switch. The lack of substantial discounts on Switch games made this dilemma even more frustrating, resulting in me not playing those games at all.

The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally broke this cycle for me. As a handheld gaming PC running Windows 11, it provides access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. This allowed me to enjoy games from the comfort of my bed that I previously avoided on a PC due to discomfort.

With the Asus ROG Ally, I've delved into a wealth of indie games and am steadily working through my backlog. Without it, 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 not only caters to my handheld gaming needs but has also saved me considerable money.

Despite my excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement, my enthusiasm waned after the Switch 2 Direct. The original Switch was more than just exclusives; its versatile design and affordable entry point made it an attractive ecosystem. It was 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 competitive market. It's priced close to the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and even the PS5's $399 digital edition undercuts it. Over the past eight years, the Switch's design has inspired a wave of competitors. The Steam Deck led the charge in 2022, followed by handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors suggest Xbox might be developing its own handheld too. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, making it a less compelling investment, especially for those who already own a handheld gaming PC like me.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games seamlessly. With access to a vast library and all previously owned games, they offer a superior gaming experience. The upcoming AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipsets are set to enhance these devices further, likely outpacing the Switch 2 in the near future.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited use for Nintendo exclusives are significant deterrents. With devices like the Asus ROG Ally capable of handling a broad range of games, the Switch 2 would primarily serve as a platform for first-party titles.

The steep prices of Switch 2 exclusives, such as Mario Kart World at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza at $69.99, add to the hesitation. Given Nintendo's history of minimal discounts on first-party games, the investment becomes even more daunting.

Nintendo's exclusives undoubtedly hold immense value, with a legacy of iconic games. For many, the upcoming Switch 2 titles will justify the system's cost. However, for handheld gaming PC owners like me, the Switch 2 doesn't offer enough to warrant the investment.

The Nintendo Switch 2 may not be the best choice for everyone, particularly those already invested in handheld gaming PCs. Systems like the Legion Go offer superior performance and access to a vast library of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all the roles the Switch once did, and with access to numerous storefronts, it's simply a better platform for gaming.