The Nintendo Switch 2 is launching imminently, and while details abound, its premium $449.99 price tag and $79.99 game pricing make it harder to justify than anticipated. Since acquiring my Asus ROG Ally, my original Switch gathers dust—a trend likely to continue with its successor, especially in an era dominated by handheld gaming PCs.
Why My Asus ROG Ally Replaced Everything
As a lifelong handheld enthusiast—from Game Boy to PlayStation Vita—I’ve always cherished gaming under blankets during commutes or before bed. The Nintendo Switch revolutionized portable play in 2017, yet mine primarily collected dust between exclusive titles.
Despite preferring handhelds for certain genres, I struggled to justify repurchasing games already owned on PC storefronts. Nintendo’s infrequent discounts worsened this paradox, leaving many titles perpetually unplayed.
The Asus ROG Ally changed everything in 2023. Running Windows 11, it unlocked my existing libraries (Steam, Game Pass, Epic) for handheld comfort—letting me finally enjoy gems like Celeste and Resident Evil Remake without double-dipping.
While Nintendo’s charms endure, the Switch 2 reveal left me questioning its place in my life. The original Switch thrived through uniqueness—affordable hardware, hybrid design, and no real competition. Times have changed.
A Crowded Handheld Market Changes Everything
At $449, the Switch 2 enters battle against PlayStation 5 pricing and powerful alternatives like Steam Deck, Legion Go, and my Asus ROG Ally. With Xbox reportedly developing its own handheld, Nintendo’s uniqueness has evaporated.
Modern handheld PCs boast superior hardware and access to vast existing libraries. As AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme heralds even greater power, the Switch 2 risks rapid obsolescence beyond its exclusives.
For existing handheld PC owners, the Switch 2’s value hinges solely on first-party titles—made stingier by Nintendo’s $70-$80 pricing and notorious reluctance to discount. While Mario and Zelda remain unparalleled, that justification wears thin when competitors offer superior versatility.
Ultimately, the Switch 2 serves a narrower audience than its predecessor. For gamers invested in handheld PCs like my ROG Ally—offering unmatched flexibility and performance—Nintendo’s new system struggles to make its case.
