4 reasons you don't need a Switch 2 if you already own an ROG Ally X

Summary

The ROG Ally X offers access to Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and more, offering a wider game variety compared to the Switch 2.
The ROG Ally X supports features like 4K 120Hz output to a TV, higher frame rates, and PC-like functionality with keyboard and mouse.
Windows 11 is far more versatile than Nintendo’s proprietary OS, allowing you to install emulators and homebrew software.

“I don’t need Nintendo’s very expensive Switch 2, I already have an ROG Ally X, and it’s better anyway,” is a sentiment I’ve seen on social media lately.

While it’s easy to scoff at this copium-infused statement, there’s a bit of truth to it. While the Switch 2 is a massive leap over the now 7-year-old original Switch, thanks to its improved build, 4K-capable dock with a built-in fan, and most importantly, its faster chip, if you own an ROG Ally X, you already have a device that’s as capable as Nintendo’s upcoming portable in several ways.

Nintendo

This is especially important to consider as tariffs loom over the US market and people are generally being more price conscious. 120Hz output to your TV? The ROG Ally X has that. A 1080p screen? Asus’ handheld has that, too. There are also things Asus’ handheld features that the Switch 2 doesn’t offer, including the versatility of Windows 11, access to Steam (and steam sales), and Xbox’s Game Pass for PC platform. So, before you drop all that money on the Switch 2 to probably only play Mario Kart World for the next few months, take a moment to think about that decision first if you’re already an ROG Ally X owner.

Asus ROG Ally X

Dimensions: 11.02 x 4.37 x 0.97-inches (28.0 x 11.1 x 2.47 x 3.69cm)
Number of Games Included: Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and more
Playing Time: 3-4 hours
Brand: Asus
Weight: 1.49lbs (678g)
Chipset: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor
RAM: 24GB
Storage: 1TB
Display: 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, 7-inch LCD, 60-120Hz, HDR
Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics
Ports: 2 USB-C ports, 3.5mm combo audio jack, UHS-II microSD card reader
Battery: 80Wh

Access to Steam and other game marketplaces

Nintendo games are great, but so are Steam sales

Look, I like Nintendo’s first-party titles as much as anyone. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are two of my favorite games ever. I’m also very hyped to play Mario Kart World, even though it costs an astounding $80. But this is also where the ROG Ally X’s versatility comes in.

Because the handheld is built on Windows 11, you can download games from Steam, which means you can take advantage of the platform’s awesome sales that often offer titles at significant discounts. Price cuts are an unfamiliar concept to Nintendo and I don’t see that changing with the Switch 2, especially given titles for the handheld are set to cost more. Along with Steam, you can also access Xbox Game Pass for PC titles for a reasonable monthly subscription fee, the Epic Games Store, GOG Galaxy, the Microsoft Store, and more. Anything a PC can run, your ROG Ally X is capable of handling, opening the portable up to a much wider variety of titles compared to the Switch 2, including retro game emulation, homebrew games and more. With the Switch 2, your only options are physical games or Nintendo’s eShop.

ROG Ally X playing a game with a car on a dirt road.

I wasn’t expecting the ROG Ally X to outshine the Steam Deck quite this much

Both gaming handhelds have specific strengths and weaknesses, but generally, the ROG Ally X reigns supreme.

Asus’ handheld supports 4K 120Hz output to a TV

It also has VRR support

The ROG Ally X’s LCD screen is a bit smaller than the Switch 2’s at 7-inches versus 7.9-inches, but it supports the same 1080p resolution and variable 60-120Hz refresh rate, unlocking the smoother world of higher frame rates (as long as you use a compatible dock like the Jsaux 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station). Continuing with this theme, the ROG Ally X supports 4K 120Hz output to a TV or monitor thanks to its HDMI 2.1 port. You likely won’t be playing a lot of games at 4K/120fps with your Asus handheld, but it’s great the option is there. Unfortunately, neither console features an OLED screen, but based on images I’ve seen of the Switch 2 in action, its display looks pretty much on par with the ROG Ally X’s top-tier LCD panel. Nintendo will likely release an OLED version of the Switch 2 in a few years.

On the other hand, Nintendo’s Switch’s dock only supports 4K 60fps, though it does feature a built-in fan to keep the system cool. Both handhelds also support VRR (Nvidia G-Sync with the Switch 2 and AMD’s FreeSync with the ROG Ally X), and HDR. The Switch 2 and ROG Ally X both include two USB-C ports, too, though unlike the Switch 2, the ROG Ally X’s are interchangeable and can both be used for video-out, charging, and USB accessories. If higher frame rates have you interested in the Switch 2, your ROG Ally X is already capable of hitting a crispy 120fps both on the handheld and when it’s connected to your TV.

The ROG Ally X is great, but the Steam Deck OLED easily beats it in 4 key ways

I like the ROG Ally X, but when it comes to on-the-go gaming, I find myself turning to the Steam Deck OLED – here’s why.

The ROG Ally X will likely come close to matching the Switch 2’s power

We don’t know for sure what chip the Switch 2 features

Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo’s Switch 2 features a more powerful chip, a higher resolution screen, and upgraded Joy-Cons.

Dimensions: 4.5 x 10.7 x 0.55-inches
Brand: Nintendo
Weight: 18.8oz (535.24g)
4K Capability: Yes
Screen: 7.9-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution LCD, HDR, 120Hz refresh rate (4K/60fps 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution when docked)
Game support: Switch 2, Switch 2 Edition, Switch
Storage: 256GB (microSD Express cards)
CPU: custom NVIDIA processor
Battery: 5,220mAh
Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Ports: Two USB-C ports
Audio: Unknown
RAM: Unknown

It’s still unclear precisely how powerful the Switch 2’s custom Nvidia processor is, but it’s expected to likely match or surpass the ROG Ally X’s AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme. The Switch 2’s custom processor supports Tensor Cores with AI-powered capabilities like (DLSS Deep Learning Super Sampling)and Ray Tracing. Meanwhile, the ROG Ally X features AMD’s take on AI upscaling, FSR FidelityFX Super Resolution.

I take advantage of FSR frequently to hit better frame rates with my games. For example, I was able to get Death Stranding to hit a solid 60fps at high 1080p graphics settings with the help of FSR. With this in mind, while it’s impressive Nintendo is finally embracing modern gaming features with the Switch 2’s DLSS, the ROG Ally X already offers its own take on this upscaling feature, giving gamers the opportunity to hit higher frame rates with decent graphics settings.

The ROG Ally X's screen on and connected to the Jsaux dock

This $35 accessory turned my ROG Ally X into my main gaming device

Jsaux’s 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station is one of the most full-featured, cost-effective handheld game console docks available

You can use the ROG Ally X like a PC

Asus’ handheld is compatible with any mouse and keyboard that works with Windows

This one might be a bit obvious, but because the ROG Ally X runs Windows 11, you can use the handheld as a normal PC when you hook it up to a monitor. All you need to do is plug your mouse and keyboard in, and you’re good to go. I do this to play strategy games like Age of Empires IV with a mouse and keyboard. Also, if I need to configure something on the ROG Ally X (like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time PC port Ship of Harkinian), I plug a mouse and keyboard in to make that process far less painful.

Since the Switch 2 runs Nintendo’s proprietary OS, doing stuff like this obviously isn’t possible. That said, you can put the Switch 2’s JoyCon 2 in mouse mode, though at least based on previews, it seems like this feature is only supported in certain games, like Metroid 4, for example. It’s unclear if normal keyboards and mice will work with the Switch 2, but given Nintendo’s preference for proprietary accessories, it’s unlikely.