The Nintendo Switch’s groundbreaking debut in 2017 revolutionized the gaming landscape, seamlessly blending console and handheld experiences into a single, highly successful device. Its innovative hybrid design captured a massive audience, enjoying a period of unrivaled dominance. However, as the gaming industry evolves, the impending arrival of the Switch 2 in 2025 presents a new challenge: a burgeoning market of powerful handheld gaming PCs poised to compete for players’ attention. The recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 offered a glimpse into this rapidly evolving landscape, revealing advancements that could significantly impact Nintendo’s strategy.
Valve, the driving force behind the popular Steam Deck handheld PC, made a significant announcement at CES 2025: the open sourcing of its Linux-based SteamOS operating system. Starting in April, other handheld manufacturers can integrate SteamOS into their devices. This move has the potential to democratize the handheld PC gaming market, offering a wider array of hardware options and potentially streamlining the gaming experience to rival the ease of console gaming. This increased accessibility could attract users who previously found the technical aspects of PC gaming daunting. Lenovo’s Legion Go S, priced at $499 and launching in May, is set to be the first non-Valve device to utilize SteamOS, signaling a potential influx of devices from various manufacturers embracing the open-source platform. This broadened adoption of SteamOS may also pressure Valve to enhance its own Steam Deck offerings to maintain competitiveness.
CES 2025 showcased a diverse array of handheld PC gaming hardware beyond just the adoption of SteamOS. Acer’s Nitro Blaze 11, featuring a large 10.95-inch screen, detachable controllers, and a kickstand, highlighted a trend towards larger screen sizes and versatile form factors. Intel and Tencent also unveiled a handheld with an 11-inch screen and innovative stereo 3D capabilities. MSI showcased its Claw 8 AI Plus, while Razer introduced a docking station designed for handheld gaming PCs. Furthermore, Microsoft signaled upcoming updates to the handheld Windows experience, potentially enhancing the functionality of existing Windows-based handheld devices and further challenging the dedicated handheld gaming market.
Despite the exciting developments in the PC gaming sphere, Nintendo’s dominance in the handheld market should not be underestimated. The Switch 2 promises substantial upgrades, including a larger screen, potentially improved Joy-Cons, and a new Mario Kart title, ensuring continued appeal to its dedicated fanbase. While detailed performance specifications remain undisclosed, the Switch 2 is anticipated to boast significantly improved processing power compared to its predecessor, likely accompanied by compelling new titles in Nintendo’s flagship franchises. Furthermore, anticipated titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, already announced for the original Switch, may receive enhancements optimized for the Switch 2, offering further incentive for upgrades.
Crucially, the Switch 2 will maintain backward compatibility with both physical and digital Switch games, granting access to a vast library at launch. This extensive catalog includes numerous indie hits that also populate handheld PC game libraries, ensuring a rich and diverse gaming experience from day one. This backward compatibility provides a significant advantage for Nintendo, offering a substantial library of established titles that newcomers to the PC gaming landscape may lack.
The original Switch launched into a market largely devoid of direct competition. The Switch 2, however, will enter a vastly different landscape – a crowded arena of increasingly powerful and versatile handheld PCs. The surge of new devices showcased at CES 2025 underscores this intensifying competition. While this poses a challenge for Nintendo, it also benefits consumers, driving innovation and potentially leading to better hardware, more polished software, and a richer selection of games across all platforms. The handheld gaming market is undeniably vibrant, and the future holds exciting prospects for players seeking portable entertainment.
