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It has a larger 7.9-inch display that supports VRR and 120Hz.
Plus, it can output 4K to a TV.
Nintendo Switch 2 and ASUS ROG Ally are both gaming handhelds, but with different focuses.
This handheld is especially good for playing couch co-op multiplayers and Nintendo exclusive franchises.
The ROG Ally runs Windows 11, which basically makes it a small gaming laptop.
It only comes in a white casing.
There’s also the newerROG Ally Xthat I frequently recommend as thebest PC gaming handheldon the market right now.
It only comes in black.
UPDATE April 7, 2025 @ 8:46am PT:Nintendo has revealed more information regarding the JoyCon 2 controllers.
Nintendo Switch 2 and ASUS ROG Ally are both gaming handhelds, but with different focuses.
I’ve added this information in the Buttons and Joysticks section.
New tariffs could affect the price of the Switch 2.
I’ve included more information in the Price section of this page.
Each evening, I unwind by playing my favorite games on one of these portable devices.
A Switch 2 purchase comes with a TV docking station, a charger, and a separate controller accessory.
The ROG Ally doesn’t come with anything other than the charger.
I highly recommend going with one of the Z1 Extreme ROG Ally configurations if you want a PC gaming handheld.
The ROG Ally is largely manufactured in China rather than Vietnam.
However, it’s currently unclear when Ally price increases could take effect.
As such, there is currently less analyst data and information to pull from.
ROG Ally and ROG Ally X regularly get major discounts at Best Buy that brings the price down significantly.
I’ll update this section when I learn more.
What about ROG Ally pricing?
However,ROG Allyhandhelds frequently get really gooddiscountsthat can make them less expensive than Switch 2 MSRP.
Switch 2 comes with 256GB storage and is only compatible with microSD Express cards.
But I’ve made educated guesses based on its known specs.
NVIDIA says this gives the Nintendo Switch 2 “10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch.”
However, I’m sure we’ll still see some stuttering and choppiness on these devices.
You can increase VRAM and enable AFMF to get some really nice performance on ROG Ally.
It’s likely better than Switch 2.
What about storage and memory?
Typically, the more RAM you have, the faster your system can access game data.
I upgraded my ROG Ally SSD so I could store more game data on it.
Both Ally’s can make use of traditional microSD cards.
WINNER:It’s very possible that the Switch 2 and ROG Ally could offer similar performance overall.
Neither the ROG Ally nor Switch 2 comes in an OLED option, yet.
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a docking station to connect to your TV or monitor.
However, it’s very possible this could change down the road.
WINNER:TheNintendo Switch 2’s display is larger.
It would be better if these devices did have Hall Effect since this eliminates drift problems.
The Switch 2 will let users choose between HD, FDH, WQHD, and 4K TV resolution.
Nintendo has stated that “Joy-Con 2’s controllers have been designed from the ground up.
It also has a built-in kickstand to prop it up in tabletop mode, which ROG Ally does not.
The ROG Ally has back buttons unlike the Switch 2, which can be mapped to different controls.
In fact, the Ally’s Armoury Crate software makes remapping all of the buttons easy.
The gimmick for Switch 2 is “mouse controls.”
Pressing down on the bumper is like left-clicking.
Nintendo Switch 2 has detachable magnetic controller halves called JoyCon 2.
Otherwise, the experience might feel somewhat uncomfortable.
In the end, what we have here are tradeoffs.
The ROG Ally has a more traditional layout with non-detaching contollers and easily remappable buttons.
Nintendo Switch 2’s JoyCon 2 can be turned sideways and used like a mouse.
It’s also easy to connect a mouse and keyboard to it.
However, the Switch 2 can easily be shared with another person thanks to its magnetic JoyCon 2.
WINNER:It’s hard to know for sure until I test the Switch 2 controls.
The Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat feature lets you connect a webcam and chat with your friends while you play.
Let’s start by discussing operating systems.
That is, unless you hack it.
But Nintendo is very against that, and hacking can void any active warranties.
The ROG Ally’s Command Center side menu lets me quickly make settings adjustments while I’m in a game.
Considering Nintendo’s tight control over its hardware, the interface and limitations could be similar on Switch 2. on these ASUS devices.
The downside is that Windows 11 comes with a lot of bloat and might require far more troubleshooting.
ButMicrosoft seems to be working on that.
Otherwise, ROG Ally offers more freedom with PC gaming.
It’s worth noting that the Switch 2 is compatible with most OG Switch games.
Many people label the Switch 2 as a kiddie handheld, but this is a mistake.
One frustrating thing about Switch 2 is that players will need aNintendo Switch Onlinemembership to play most online multiplayers.
This isn’t something you deal with on ROG Ally or other PC handhelds.
GameCube games will also be coming soon.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is sold separately and has a more traditional gamepad design.(Image credit: Nintendo)
Meanwhile, theROG Allymakes it easier to enjoyonline multiplayersand thelatest AAA adventureswhile also giving access to expected PC features.
More graphically demanding games drain batteries faster.
I’ll have to verify Switch 2 battery life when I get my hands on one.
The Switch 2 comes with this magnetic controller accessory.(Image credit: Nintendo)
WINNER:If what Nintendo said is accurate, then theROG Ally Xhas the best battery life.
However, the Switch 2 runs longer than the original ROG Ally.
That’s why I’ve already ordered aSatisfye ZenGrip 2 for my Switch 2.
When the controller halves are installed, the accessory turns them into a more traditional gamepad.(Image credit: Nintendo)
This accessory offers far better grips for you to hold onto during tabletop or docked modes.
Switch 2 vs ROG Ally: Which should I buy?
This PC gaming handheld features a 7-inch FHD touchscreen that supports VRR and up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
The back buttons don’t get in the way as much on ROG Ally X as they do on ROG Ally.
It also has a 40Whr battery and can easily access various PC gaming services.
It has a 7.9-inch touchscreen that supports VRR and 120Hz.
The detachable controller halves can be turned sideways and used as individual controllers.
Both the Steam Deck and Switch 2 are awesome devices, but they provide different playing experiences.
