Picking a new handheld in 2025 isn’t as simple as it used to be. On one side, you have the Nintendo Switch 2 a familiar favorite that blends portability with those classic Nintendo exclusives everyone loves. On the other, there’s the Asus ROG Ally X, a powerful mini PC that lets you play full-on AAA games anywhere. These two take very different approaches: one leans into ease and exclusives, the other into raw power and flexibility. So which one fits your gaming style better? Let’s dig into what makes each stand out and where they fall short.
Nintendo Switch 2
At around $450, the Switch 2 continues Nintendo’s winning formula as a hybrid handheld and home console. It packs a custom Nvidia T239 chip with DLSS support, running Elden Ring at 1080p 30fps handheld or 4K 60fps docked to a TV. The 7.9-inch 120Hz Full HD LCD touchscreen supports G-Sync and HDR, making games vibrant on the go.
It has 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB storage, expandable via microSD Express. Loading times are solid; Mario Kart World loads in about 15 seconds. The 5,220mAh battery lasts 3 to 4 hours on AAA titles like Zelda, impressive given Nintendo’s power efficiency.
Weighing 535 grams and just 0.55 inches thick, the Switch 2 is super portable. Detachable Joy-Con 2 controllers make multiplayer easy and fun. Storage is limited for big modern games without a microSD card, and Nintendo titles rarely see discounts, which is worth considering.
Asus ROG Ally X
The Ally X costs more around $799 but packs serious hardware for portable PC gaming. It’s powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU and RDNA 3 graphics, running Starfield at 1080p with 30-40fps on medium settings. Its 7-inch 120Hz Full HD IPS touchscreen supports FreeSync Premium and hits 500 nits brightness for crisp visuals.
It boasts 24GB LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD, loading games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in around 13 seconds. The 80Wh battery provides 2 to 3 hours for demanding games and longer on lighter titles. Dual USB-C ports (one USB4) add flexibility for external GPUs or accessories.
Windows 11 gives full access to Steam, Epic, Game Pass, and desktop multitasking. But this power comes with downsides: the touchscreen interface can lag, Windows feels bloated, and it weighs 678 grams noticeably heavier than the Switch 2.
Performance
For sheer horsepower, the Ally X leads. Its Ryzen Z1 Extreme and 24GB RAM hit 1080p 60fps on demanding games like GTA V at high settings. The Switch 2’s Nvidia T239 chip with DLSS sticks to 30fps at medium settings—fine for Nintendo’s games but less raw power.
However, Nintendo’s tight optimization makes games look great at 1080p 30fps handheld, and docked mode delivers smooth 4K. The Ally X’s performance modes (Silent, Performance, Turbo, Turbo+) let you balance power and battery, but unoptimized Windows games can stutter or crash, frustrating on the go.
For pure AAA power and flexibility, the Ally X wins. For polished Nintendo exclusives and docked 4K, Switch 2 is the all-around pick.
Design and Comfort
The Switch 2 is built for portability 535 grams, slim and easy to slip into a bag. Detachable Joy-Cons are great for multiplayer, especially Smash Bros. The adjustable kickstand is handy, but the smaller controls might feel cramped during long sessions.
The Ally X is chunkier and heavier at 678 grams and 1.45 inches thick but has ergonomic grips and RGB-lit sticks for long play, great for precision games like Counter-Strike 2. It has a revamped D-pad but a scratch-prone plastic chassis. No trackpads make mouse-driven games harder.
Switch 2 includes a dock with Ethernet, HDMI, and USB-A ports; the Ally X’s dock costs $40 extra.
Battery Life and Portability
Battery matters for on-the-go gaming. The Switch 2’s 5,220mAh battery (about 20Wh) lasts 3 to 4 hours on AAA titles and charges in about 90 minutes.
The Ally X’s much bigger 80Wh battery lasts 2 to 3 hours on heavy games but can reach 6 hours on lighter loads. The bigger battery adds weight and bulk.
Switch 2’s included slim case and smaller size make it easier to travel with; the Ally X’s optional $40 case adds extra bulk.
Value and Software
At $449.99, the Switch 2 offers great value with a dock, Joy-Cons, and access to Nintendo’s exclusive franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. But new Nintendo games tend to stay pricey with few discounts.
The Ally X costs more but often discounts to around $600. It unlocks a massive PC game library via Steam, Game Pass, Epic, and emulators if you want. Windows 11 supports multitasking apps like Discord but lacks the Switch 2’s simple suspend/resume ease.
If you’re a Nintendo fan or budget-conscious gamer, Switch 2 wins. If you want PC gaming freedom and variety, Ally X delivers.
