If you're a fan of handheld gaming, the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is generating quite a buzz, but its $449.99 price tag and premium-priced games ($79.99 for new titles) have me questioning whether it’s worth the investment. As someone who’s embraced the Asus ROG Ally, my experiences with the original Switch make the idea of upgrading to its successor less appealing, especially in today’s post-handheld gaming PC landscape.
The Asus ROG Ally Has Replaced My Need for a Dedicated Handheld
A lifelong fan of portable gaming, I’ve always gravitated toward handheld consoles. From the Game Boy and Nintendo DS to the PlayStation Portable, there’s something cozy about curling up with a game in hand. Even the underappreciated PlayStation Vita found a home in my daily routine during college commutes.
When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it blew me away. Its hybrid design was revolutionary, and I eagerly purchased one close to launch. However, my usage leaned heavily toward exclusives, as playing on PC felt uncomfortable. If a game seemed better suited for handheld play, I mentally filed it away for the Switch. Yet, if that same title was available for free on platforms like the Epic Games Store or Game Pass, I hesitated to rebuy it on the Switch. Discounts were rare, and when they did happen, they paled in comparison to other storefronts. This led to a frustrating loop: I avoided buying games I already owned, yet yearned to play them on a handheld. Ultimately, I ended up not playing those games at all.
That all changed with the arrival of the Asus ROG Ally in 2023. As a handheld gaming PC running Windows 11, it grants access to Steam, Game Pass, and countless other platforms. Suddenly, those games I’d never consider on PC because of discomfort became accessible from the comfort of my bed. Today, my Ally serves as my go-to device for indie gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, and Resident Evil Remake. I’ve even caught up on my backlog without breaking the bank. For me, the Ally has become indispensable.
Still, excitement for the Switch 2 remains—Nintendo exclusives hold a special place in my heart. However, after the recent Switch 2 Direct, I find myself questioning its role in my gaming life.
When the original Switch debuted, its appeal went beyond exclusives. Its versatility and lower price point made it an attractive entry into gaming. At the time, it was the only viable handheld option: affordable, exclusive-rich, and unique. But things have changed dramatically in the eight years since.
The Switch 2 Faces Stiff Competition
Priced at $449 (starting), the Switch 2 now competes directly with heavyweights like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, whose digital editions launched at $399. Worse still, the Switch 2 isn’t alone anymore. Since its debut, competitors have emerged. The Steam Deck kicked off the trend in 2022, followed by handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. There are even whispers of an Xbox-branded handheld on the horizon. The Switch 2 is no longer the sole option in its niche, and its value diminishes further for those who already own a handheld gaming PC.
Modern handheld gaming PCs boast impressive hardware capable of running both indie and third-party titles seamlessly. With access to expansive libraries and existing game collections, they cater to almost every gaming preference. As technology evolves, chips like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme promise even greater power. It won’t be long before the Switch 2 struggles to keep pace with its rivals.
For those of us with handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2’s steep price and limited appeal to third-party titles present challenges. If systems like the Asus ROG Ally can handle everything from indie darlings to AAA releases, why shell out for a dedicated Switch 2? First-party exclusives aside, the lack of discounts on Nintendo games makes the proposition less enticing.
Don’t get me wrong—Nintendo exclusives remain unparalleled. From Mario Kart to Donkey Kong, the company continues to deliver timeless masterpieces. For many, the Switch 2’s future lineup will justify its cost. But for gamers like me with a trusty Asus ROG Ally, the appeal is diminished. The Ally’s versatility, coupled with its vast library and affordability, makes it a superior platform for my needs.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t a must-buy for everyone, especially if you already own a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Lenovo Legion Go offer stellar performance and a diverse game selection. My Asus ROG Ally does everything the Switch once did—and more. With access to multiple storefronts, it’s simply the better choice for modern gaming enthusiasts.
