There's no mistaking the excitement the Switch 2 has generated.
It's more powerful, developers are reportedly happy with its performance, and it promises another wave of Nintendo's signature exclusives. But even with all that considered, I find handheld PCs to be my favorite choice.
I'm not trying to be a contrarian here; it's about how these devices work in practice and why they still fit my needs better than Nintendo's options. One of the key reasons I stick with handheld PCs is the fact that I don't need to reset my library.
I've spent years building a collection on platforms like Steam, GOG, and Epic Games. When I use the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, I continue exactly where I stopped with no extra purchases, no waiting, and no compromises.
This stands in stark contrast to Nintendo's ecosystem, where a game can still cost full price years after release, and remasters or re-releases often carry extra fees. Not even taking into consideration the recent Switch 2 games price hikes.
Even with backward compatibility on the Switch 2, it's not clear if older games will fully take advantage of the new hardware unless developers update them. The hardware of a PC handheld automatically improves performance. There's no reason to pay or wait again for basic updates.
Switch 2 is also expected to launch at between $400 and $450. That's a reasonable entry point on paper, but the true cost will hit later on. It's rare to see Nintendo offer discounts, with most legacy games still priced at $50 to $60.
Now with the aforementioned prices for Nintendo's updated titles Switch 2, ranging from $70 to $90 for some games, it makes that initial purchase sting more. If you buy physical games, there's also the risk of inflated prices or limited availability over time.
Looking at them quickly, handheld PCs could seem more expensive. You can get a Steam Deck OLED with 512GB storage for about $569, while used LCD models usually drop to around $350 or lower.
In the long run, the true value is in Steam's frequent sales and bundles, which let players build vast libraries without breaking the bank. The variation in game pricing has already made the initial cost feel justified to me.
Although the Switch 2 is expected to be similar to a mid-tier PC or PS4 Pro in terms of performance, current PC handhelds are nothing to scoff at either. Sure, optimization might be better in the Switch 2, but the possibility for an upgraded Steam Deck is very much real, with the device being almost three years old at this point.
Devices like the ROG Ally and Steam Deck offer power, performance settings, alternative operating systems, and control over updates. Nintendo's reliance on a closed ecosystem limits what players can do.
There's no room for altering graphical settings, adding third-party apps, or enhancing compatibility. While it's a no-frills experience, it also feels restrictive—particularly for those hoping for more from their hardware.
The Switch 2 will likely excel when it comes to portability. It'll be lighter, more compact, and offer better battery life than most PC handhelds. That's an advantage for frequent travelers or those looking for a device that works seamlessly on the go. But when versatility and performance matter more than size, handheld PCs take the win.
They might be bulkier and demand more power, but they also function as portable desktops, development platforms, and emulation hubs. It's a give-and-take, but it aligns better with my device habits.
The true power of handheld PCs comes from their openness. These devices don't hold you back from where or how you get your games, whether it's through different storefronts, modding, or emulation. They're made with the concept that users should dictate their experience.
The Switch 2 will likely stick to Nintendo's strict approach to software, like its predecessors. Its digital storefront, limited modding options, and the continued issue of requiring extra payments for upgraded or repackaged games are part of it.
If flexibility is important to you, that kind of model feels increasingly dated. The Switch 2 will undoubtedly appeal to millions of players. Its exclusives will continue to draw attention, and the improved hardware brings long-overdue enhancements.
But as impressive as it may be in its own right, it still can't match the versatility, performance, or long-term value offered by handheld PCs.
It's not only about what a device can do but also about what it lets you do. And in that respect, handheld PCs still come out ahead.