When you first look at it, $449 (pending any potential price increases) for the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn't appear to be a bad deal—especially compared to the original's launch price.
But once you dig a little deeper and factor in long-term costs, the answer to whether it's actually cheaper than a handheld PC gets... messy.
Technically, yes, the base Switch 2 is cheaper than something like the Steam Deck OLED or ROG Ally, both of which go for $550 and up.
But that $449 tag doesn't include everything you might expect. Once you add in a Pro controller ($70–$80), an SD card will expand that 256GB internal storage ($40–$50).
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+ 2If you’re also picking up accessories like the new camera or a second set of Joy-Cons, your total can easily exceed $550 or even hit $600 after taxes.
This doesn’t account for games, which have also jumped to $70 or more for major first-party titles. Meanwhile, the Steam Deck is priced at $399 for the standard LCD model, and while the OLED versions can top $550, they come with more storage and extra features.
Other handheld PCs like the ROG Ally or Legion Go hover around the $600–$800 mark but offer full desktop capabilities right out of the box. This is where the cost differences really start to stack up.
On the Nintendo side, games like Mario Kart World and other flagship titles now cost between $70 and $90. Nintendo is notorious for keeping its first-party games at full price for years, so these prices don’t budge much over time.
There are some upgrade paths for older Switch titles, but in most cases, if you want an enhanced version for Switch 2, you're paying again. On the other hand, handheld PCs benefit from the entire PC ecosystem.
You can catch regular discounts on platforms like Steam, GOG, and Epic, where big-name games often drop to a fraction of their console price. It’s easy to pick up a AAA title for $10 or less.
In the long run, this can save gamers hundreds of dollars, particularly those who enjoy exploring many titles. On a technical level, the Switch 2 brings several welcome upgrades.
The built-in display supports 1080p at up to 120Hz, while docked mode offers 4K output. It also features mouse-capable Joy-Cons, HDR, and Nvidia-powered DLSS upscaling.
The specs sound solid, but actual gameplay previews raise doubts about the performance claims, such as 4K/120 support. Devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally tend to outpace the Switch 2 in raw power.
click to enlarge + 2The Deck may not reach 4K, but it runs full PC versions of games with greater flexibility. You can also adjust settings, add mods, and multitask just like you would on a laptop. For tech-savvy users, that’s a win.
Even so, the Switch 2 remains the top choice for ease of use. It’s a plug-and-play device that doesn’t need OS tweaks or compatibility workarounds. It’s also light and compact, so it’s much easier to toss in a bag than a bulky PC handheld with additional chargers or cooling gear. If you’re after simplicity, that’s hard to beat.
The deciding factor for most people will be the games themselves. With titles like Zelda, Mario, Metroid, and Smash Bros., Nintendo’s library is filled with exclusives you can’t play anywhere else. If you’re a longtime fan or just want to try these series out, then the Switch 2 is the obvious choice.
For those who prefer multiplatform titles like Cyberpunk, Assassin’s Creed, Call of Duty, or God of War, a handheld PC is likely the way to go. Not just in terms of performance but also availability and pricing.
Many Switch 2 buyers are finding themselves questioning the value if they’re not already invested in Nintendo’s ecosystem. Several users who pre-ordered the console admitted they weren’t even into Nintendo games and are now reconsidering whether they should’ve just gone with a Steam Deck instead.
So, is it really cheaper to own a handheld PC than a Switch 2? If you’re only comparing the launch price, then no—the Switch 2 wins that round. But once you consider the cost of accessories, the consistently high game prices, and limited third-party support, it becomes clear that the long-term expenses can quickly eclipse the savings.
For some, the convenience and exclusives of the Switch 2 will make the premium price worth it. For others, a Steam Deck or ROG Ally will pay for itself in just a few months of game deals.
It all depends on what kind of gamer you are—and how much you're willing to spend after buying the box.