The anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable, yet its hefty $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games give me pause. My enthusiasm has waned, especially since my Nintendo Switch has been largely sidelined since I acquired an Asus ROG Ally. The issues I had with the original console seem only amplified in its successor, particularly in today's thriving handheld gaming PC market.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer, I've transitioned from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. The intimacy of playing from the comfort of my bed under a cozy blanket is unmatched. I was even one of the few staunch PlayStation Vita supporters, playing it daily during my college train commutes.

The Nintendo Switch was revolutionary when it launched in 2017, and I was an early adopter. However, I mostly used it for exclusives. For games that seemed perfect for handheld play, I wanted them on the Switch, mentally reserving them for that experience. Yet, if those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I felt reluctant to repurchase them. The notorious lack of significant discounts on Switch games exacerbated this dilemma, leading to a frustrating cycle of indecision that often resulted in me not playing the games at all.

The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally changed everything. As a handheld gaming PC running Windows 11, it grants access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I could comfortably play those games I'd previously shunned on PC from the comfort of my bed. My Asus ROG Ally has become a treasure trove for indie games, allowing me to finally dive into my backlog. Without it, I might never have experienced the joys of Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or the Resident Evil Remake—now some of my all-time favorites—without spending extra money.

Despite my enthusiasm for Nintendo's games, the Switch 2 Direct left me questioning the console's place in my gaming life. The original Switch was groundbreaking due to its versatility, affordability, and exclusives. It was the only viable handheld option at the time, offering a unique gaming ecosystem.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a highly competitive market, closely rivaling the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The PS5's $399 digital edition even launched at a lower price point. 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 devices like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors suggest even Xbox may be developing its own handheld. The Switch 2 is no longer unique, and its value diminishes if you already own a handheld gaming PC.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware capable of running indie and third-party games with ease. They offer a vast library and access to all your existing games. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset promises even greater performance, which could soon outpace the Switch 2.

For owners of handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's steep entry price and limited use for first-party exclusives make it a less appealing investment. With titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza launching at $79.99 and $69.99 respectively, and given Nintendo's reluctance to discount first-party games, the cost of entry is daunting.

Nintendo's exclusives are undoubtedly valuable, boasting some of the greatest games ever made. For many, the Switch 2's library will justify its price over the next few years. However, for those like me with a handheld gaming PC, the Switch 2's appeal is limited. The Lenovo Legion Go and other systems offer superior performance and a broader game library. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills all my former needs for a Switch, providing a more comprehensive gaming experience across multiple storefronts.