The Nintendo Switch combines the best features of a portable, handheld game system and the big-screen excitement of a home game console. It’s not as powerful as a Sony PlayStation 5 or Microsoft Xbox Series X, but it’s a lot more affordable. Plus, it’s the only way you can play brilliant video games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate, anywhere and at any time.
Two and a half years after the March 2017 launch of the Switch, Nintendo released the Switch Lite. It’s smaller and less expensive, but lacks some of the features of its bigger brother. So when it comes to the Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite, which is the best for you? Here are the pros and cons of both Switch models.
Nintendo Switch
The standard Switch comes with two detachable Joy-Con controllers and a recharging dock with an HDMI output so you can play games on your TV. The controllers are removable, which allows for easy same-screen multiplayer gaming. If you lose one, break one, or just want to change the look of your Switch, you can always buy replacement Joy-Cons. It’s also a better fit for the Switch Pro Controller, especially when playing in TV mode.
Pros
- Large, built-in LCD screen
- Can connect to any modern TV
- Removable, replaceable Joy-Con controllers
- Can “Switch” from docked to handheld mode
Cons
- May be too big for smaller hands
- More expensive than the Lite
Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a smaller, less expensive version of the regular Switch. It’s designed solely as a dedicated handheld gaming device, so you can’t connect it to your TV. It’s 8.2 inches high by 3.6 inches tall, roughly an inch narrower and half an inch shorter than the original Nintendo Switch console. It’s also about 30% lighter, though this isn’t a huge deal. Both are well under a pound.
The Nintendo Switch Lite features a 5.5-inch LCD display, which is 0.7 inches smaller than the Switch. They have the same 1,280 x 720 resolution, however. The Joy-Cons are fully integrated, too, which means you can’t detach them like with the original Switch. Despite the overall size and price difference, the Lite has similar processing power and the same storage options.
In terms of game compatibility, you can play almost all of the same titles on the Switch Lite as you can on the regular Switch, except those that require a TV, like Ring Fit Adventure and the Labo kits. It also doesn’t have HD rumble or motion controls, so you can’t experience the gameplay joy of manually aiming your bow in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Pros
- More portable
- Single-piece design feels sturdier
- Less expensive
Cons
- No TV output, so you can’t play certain Nintendo Switch games
- Smaller screen size
- Less customization
- No tabletop mode
Which is the best Nintendo Switch for you?
For the most versatility, the regular Switch will be the best choice for most. While it is 50% more expensive than the Lite, the ability to game on your TV is a huge advantage. The built-in touch screen is also larger on the standard Switch, and its built-in kickstand lets you prop up the screen on a table. This lets you lean back and play with the controllers, which are detachable, another key advantage.
However, gamers with smaller hands may find that the Switch Lite is easier to hold. Its smaller size also makes it even more portable, and easier to fit into a jacket pocket or small purse. While both are lightweight, the Lite’s 0.61 lbs may be less tiring than the 0.88 lbs of the regular Switch with its controllers attached.
Battery life will vary depending on the game you’re playing. If you already own a Switch, and bought it before mid-August 2019, the Lite will have better battery life. If you’re looking to buy new now, the regular Switch has a better battery life thanks to some updated hardware. In either case, Nintendo claims you should get between 3-7 hours of playtime with the Lite and 4.5-9 hours with the newer version of the Switch.
So if you want an all-around gaming system, get the standard Switch. If you only ever plan to use it on the go, and don’t mind saving a bit of money, check out the Switch Lite.
Adorama carries multiple bundles for both, including one with the Switch, a 128GB memory card, and Super Mario 3D All-Stars, and another for the Switch Lite with a 128GB memory card and carrying case inspired by the game Animal Crossing.
