What Will the New Xbox Handheld Mean for Switch 2?

The Xbox Showcase wrapped up earlier today, and the Switch 2 logo was once again nowhere to be found. But it does have some new competition.

Xbox opened the show by revealing the Xbox Ally – a brand-new dedicated handheld made in partnership with Republic of Gamers. This is basically an Xbox-branded version of the ROG Ally released in 2023, and it’s being positioned as an alternative to Valve’s Steam. No price or release date yet, but it will be out this holiday and will apparently include Silksong at launch.

Of note, the Xbox Ally has a smaller screen than either the Switch (7.9”) or the Steam Deck OLED (7.4”). It’s also somewhat heavier according to Game File’s impressions, which Xbox and Asus say are due to performance and game compatibility. My own unscientific observation is that the Xbox Ally looks humongous — at least as big as the launch Steam Deck, if not heavier. Compared to the relatively svelte Switch 2, the Xbox Ally looks downright unwieldy.

It may, however, have superior battery life.

“I think you will see the best performance, battery life and price in that kind of 15- to 20-watt range of any handheld in the market,” Microsoft head of gaming devices Roanne Sones told Stephen Totilo, referring to the lower-ended version.

The Kat Take: What does the Xbox handheld mean for Switch 2?

Not a whole lot, probably. The analysts I spoke with last week all generally agreed that the PC handheld space is niche, and that Nintendo is dominant among mass audiences. Ampere’s recent report offers a stark contrast on the outlook for the Switch 2 and the Steam Deck in cumulative sales by volume.

Just for reference, the 1TB Steam Deck OLED is currently priced at $649. The Xbox Ally X could be much pricier, especially with tariffs to contend with. In other words, this will be an expensive alternative for hobbyists who like to tinker. I already have a Steam Deck and I don’t consider Xbox Game Pass much of a value add, so I don’t see myself picking up an Xbox Ally. For those who value performance, though, the Xbox Ally X could be an attractive high-end option.

As for the rest of the Xbox Showcase, we saw nary a Switch 2 logo – the only one I caught was for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, which was previously announced for the platform. With that said, these were the games that jumped out to me, which I fully expect to make their way to Switch 2 at some point.

• Persona 4 Revival: Persona 3 Reload was a hit, and now we’re getting a remake of Persona 4. The trailer was brief, but it did remind me that Persona 4 has my favorite music in the series. Expect plenty of upgrades in the vein of Reload, which did a lot to streamline the original games. Notably, neither Persona 3 Reload nor Metaphor: ReFantazio have been announced for Switch 2, but I expect all of them to show up at some point. Keep an eye on the next Nintendo Direct.

• Fate’s End: I loved this reveal. It looks like a gorgeous take on the Metroidvania genre from the creators of Spiritfarer, featuring what looks like a really engaging mix of dialogue and combat. It’s only confirmed for PC, PS5, and Xbox, but I can’t see any way this doesn’t make its way to Switch 2.

• Beast of Reincarnation: This is Game Freak’s new action game originally set to be published by Private Division. It looked great in action, inevitably drawing comparisons to Pokémon (they’re very different games, but it really is high time that Game Freak upgrade the presentation in the mainline Pokémon games). Being as this is literally a Game Freak game, I don’t see any way that this doesn’t make it to Switch 2. Another announcement for the Direct, perhaps.

Some more games from the showcase I think we’ll see on Switch 2 include Platinum Ninja Gaiden 4; Grounded 2 and The Outer Worlds 2, both sequels to games on the original Switch, and of course, Silksong. Once again, Xbox is claiming it’ll be out this year – I expect we’ll see it at the Nintendo Direct. Get out the clown makeup.

And that’s about it for this round of showcases. No real megatons this time around, but plenty of neat looking games that I’m excited to play in the latter half of 2025 or in 2026. If history is any guide, we should expect to see a Nintendo Direct within the next two to three weeks, which will help set the agenda for Nintendo going forward. With that, what did you think of the State of Play, Xbox Game Showcase, and SGF? Any games you’re excited to see? Premium subscribers can leave a comment on this newsletter. I want to hear from you!

In the meantime, expect the next Nintenkats on Thursday as I reflect on some of the storylines following the Switch 2’s release. I also have a bunch of bonus content and interviews planned in the coming weeks just for subscribers. Please stay tuned, and thanks for supporting Nintenkats!