“Why Switch 2 Must Tackle Handheld Gaming PC Challenges That Didn’t Impact the Original” – IGN

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“Why Switch 2 Must Tackle Handheld Gaming PC Challenges That Didn’t Impact the Original” – IGN

The Nintendo Switch 2 is about to hit the market, and while it’s generating buzz, I’m hesitant. The launch price of $449.99 feels steep, especially since I haven’t used my original Switch much lately. Since getting my Asus ROG Ally, a handheld gaming PC, my gaming habits have changed.

My Gaming Journey

I grew up playing handheld consoles like the Game Boy and PSP. There’s something special about playing games while cozy under blankets. The Nintendo Switch dazzled me when it launched in 2017, but I mainly used it for exclusive titles. If a game seemed perfect for handheld play, it became a mental note in my head—"Only for Switch."

But when I found those games available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store or Game Pass, I felt guilty about repurchasing them on the Switch. Nintendo games rarely go on sale, and when they do, the discounts are minimal. This led to a frustrating cycle: I wanted to play those titles but ended up not playing them at all.

Enter the Asus ROG Ally

The Asus ROG Ally changed all that. It runs on Windows 11, giving me access to Steam and other platforms. Now, I can enjoy games comfortably in bed without spending more. Titles like Celeste and Little Nightmares II became favorites—games I might have missed if I had to buy them again for the Switch.

The Switch 2’s Challenges

I still have fond memories of Nintendo, so I was excited about the Switch 2. However, the recent announcement leaves me wondering how it fits into my life. At $449, it’s not just the price tag that raises eyebrows. It’s competing against the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which offer their own advantages.

Since the original Switch’s launch, new competitors have emerged. The Steam Deck and other handheld PCs have changed the game. They boast better hardware and access to vast game libraries. If you already have a device like the Asus ROG Ally, the Switch 2 might seem less appealing.

The Game Library Landscape

Statistics show that players today value broad game access. With powerful hardware, handheld gaming PCs can manage a wider variety of titles, including indie games and popular third-party releases. The AMD Ryzen chipsets are improving fast, meaning today’s handhelds can outshine tomorrow’s consoles.

For someone already invested in a handheld PC, spending on a Switch 2 seems risky. New Nintendo exclusives carry high price tags—$79.99 for Mario Kart World and $69.99 for Donkey Kong Bananza. Given that Nintendo titles rarely see significant discounts, the prospect of spending more becomes a tough sell.

The Bottom Line

Nintendo exclusives have undeniable value. They are some of the best games out there. But for those of us with handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2 needs to offer more to justify its price. Systems like the Legion Go deliver excellent performance and a massive game library.

In the end, the Nintendo Switch 2 might not be the right choice for everyone, particularly if you already have a top-tier handheld gaming PC like the Asus ROG Ally. It does everything I once needed a Switch for and offers a robust environment for gaming.

Claire loves sharing her passion for games. With a degree in Journalism from Brooklyn College and years of experience in entertainment journalism, she sees video games as an art form. When she’s not gaming or writing, you’ll find her indulging in fettuccine alfredo or diving back into classic titles.

If you’re interested, check out more on Nintendo’s gaming legacy here.



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