A plethora of excellent handheld gaming PCs have distracted me from utilizing my Nintendo Switch in recent times. I enjoy the whimsical Nintendo console and its capability to operate quite well with outdated hardware, but my Steam library is beckoning. There’s only space in my backpack for a single handheld device, and that slot is occupied by the Ayaneo Flip DS. However, I could be persuaded to exchange it for something fresh…
The Switch 2 has just been revealed in a trailer subtly released on Nintendo’s YouTube channel. In this, Nintendo lightly guides us through the design of its latest handheld. It’s not unexpectedly different: a flat screen where two controllers now secure in place. There are a couple of USB Type-C ports, a rear support, the typical range of buttons, and the new controllers are available in a bright red and blue.
More similar to the Switch we adore, yet more mature. The sharp angles have been rounded into soft curves, the color highlights are minimal, and overall it resembles a handheld gaming PC more than a traditional console. While one could argue that most handheld gaming PCs mimic the Switch—it’s a classic cause-and-effect scenario. Although the Switch 2 apparently offers Joy-cons that transform into mouse-like apparatuses? The Legion Go does that as well.
The Switch may evolve to resemble a PC in several aspects, should it actually employ a more contemporary Nvidia GPU architecture (possibly Ampere) and include some form of upscaling technology.
With a shape that’s not too different from the typical lineup of handheld gaming PCs, of which there are numerous, the question of whether a PC gamer will be keen on acquiring one becomes increasingly intriguing.
After all, the Switch (1) has seen popularity among PC gamers for numerous years, serving as a secondary platform for gaming on the move. Though it debuted before the era when handheld gaming PCs truly became a reality. Now they certainly are, will the Switch 2 manage to capture the interest of just as many PC enthusiasts?
For me personally, it will definitely win my favor. I’ll represent a considerable segment of the PC Gamer team based on their reactions to Nintendo’s revelation (“SWITCH 2 BABY” is an exact quote), and it’s likely to win over quite a few more as well. Andthat’s truly unrelated to the hardware—after all, we still don’t know the precise specifications or even cost of the Switch 2.
It’s the titles. It’s consistently the titles with Nintendo. For many, that means the anticipation of the upcoming Zelda title. Theoretically, a game capable of operating without restriction on the newer hardware and thus could be larger, more ambitious than ever before. However, for me, it’s whatever Game Freak has in store for the forthcoming mainline Pokémon game. Heaven forbid anyone ever replicate an earlier Pokémon title on a portable gaming PC (Nintendo, you catching this?) but I still desire the latest sensation.
Oh, and Mario Kart, I guess. Although I must confess that I feel that series peaked with Double Dash, or at least my enthusiasm for playing it did. Hey, this isn’t Nintendo Gamer; I can express my thoughts freely.
Provided all these games are indeed Switch 2 exclusives and not partial releases that somewhat blur the line between genuinely next-gen and just new enough to still function on the older hardware. Switch 2 exclusives are highlighted in the new trailer, although I hope this is viewed as a genuine generational advancement and not some 3DS/New 3DS situation—that jump was more of a stumble.
I can envision it now: Switch 2 or Steam Deck? It’s a query we can only respond to once we have further information from Nintendo regarding the specs and pricing of its next console. For the time being, I believe much depends on the launch lineup for the Switch 2.
That compilation of exclusive essential titles for the Switch (1) took close to eight years to materialize. Eight years. As of now, you can acquire a Switch and revel in a wealth of outstanding games to enjoy, from Zelda and Mario to a title that essentially helped me through the Covid-19 lockdown, Animal Crossing. It will be some time before that becomes a reality for the Switch 2. In the meantime, a PC gamer’s sprawling collection of exceptional (and some likely subpar) games to choose from remains unparalleled.
Will that very strong argument deter me from purchasing a Switch 2 upon or near its release (barring the almost inevitable stock shortages and general resulting mayhem)? Probably not. Well, it’s a Nintendo handheld; even a PC hardware enthusiast like me cannot resist its gravitational allure.