Switch 2 Faces New Rival: Handheld PCs

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

As a lifelong handheld gamer who's owned devices from Game Boy to PlayStation Vita, I've always preferred gaming in bed under cozy blankets. While the original Nintendo Switch impressed me in 2017, I primarily used it just for exclusives. My gaming habits created a frustrating dilemma - I'd hesitate to repurchase games I already owned through services like Game Pass or Epic Store, especially given Nintendo's infrequent discounts.

The Asus ROG Ally revolutionized my gaming habits in 2023. This Windows 11 handheld gives me access to my entire PC library through Steam, Game Pass, and other platforms, eliminating the need to rebuy games. Thanks to the Ally, I finally experienced incredible titles like Celeste and Resident Evil Remake without additional purchases, establishing it as my primary handheld device.

The Switch 2 Isn't Alone Anymore

The Nintendo Switch 2 enters a radically different market than its predecessor. At $449, it competes directly with premium consoles like the $499 PlayStation 5, while facing robust competition from handheld PCs like Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and my Asus ROG Ally. Unlike 2017 when the Switch stood alone, today's handheld market offers powerful alternatives with larger game libraries and access to existing digital collections.

While Nintendo's exclusives remain appealing, their $70-$80 price tags with minimal discounts make the Switch 2 a hard sell for existing handheld PC owners. Modern AMD Ryzen processors in devices like the Ally already surpass the Switch 2's capabilities, and future hardware improvements will only widen this gap. For gamers who primarily want access to Nintendo's first-party titles, the Switch 2's value proposition becomes questionable when they already own versatile handheld alternatives.

Ultimately, the Switch 2 offers less unique value in today's crowded handheld market. While diehard Nintendo fans will find joy in its exclusives, multi-platform gamers with capable handheld PCs may struggle to justify the investment when their current devices already meet most gaming needs.