Our Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite guide has all the facts you need to help you decide between Nintendo’s hybrid console or portable only entry.
Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite: if you’re thinking about picking up the latest Nintendo console, it’s a decision you’ll have to make and we’re here to help. When it comes to convenience, the Nintendo Switch is a hard console to beat. Since its release in 2017, the console has been a hit for Nintendo, appealing to players the world over due to its ability to offer at-home and on-the-go gaming as well as a fantastic library of games. Of course, it’s not everyone that needs their Nintendo console to plug into their TV—in fact, shortly after the console’s release it was found that handheld mode was the most popular for players. It’s not surprising, then, that in 2019 Nintendo continued its tradition of leading the handheld-only console market with the release of the Nintendo Switch Lite. Smaller, lighter and less expensive than the original Nintendo Switch, it’s the perfect option for those who have no interest in docking their console. So, now prospective Switch owners have two options when it comes to Nintendo’s latest console (unless that rumored Nintendo Switch Pro makes an appearance) but which model is right for you? Is it the handheld-only Switch Lite? Or the original hybrid? To help you decide, we’ll take you through the similarities and differences between each of the consoles, comparing design, prices and game libraries. Keep reading to settle the Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite battle. The current Nintendo Switch model retails for $299/£279.99/AU$469, with plenty of bundle options. For that price, you get yourself the console, two Joy-Con controllers, a dock and the associated cables. Bundles tend to include massively popular games like Mario Kart 8: Deluxe, Pokemon Sword and Shield or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – all of which are great games to get you started. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch Lite retails for the lower price point of $199.99/£199.99/AU$329.95 for the console on its own. The console is focused on handheld play so you don’t get a dock or detachable Joy-Con controllers (more on that later), but bundles with the most popular games can be found at most retailers, with the accompanying games generally adding a little extra onto the cost. Bundles aside, looking at the prices of the consoles alone shows that the Switch Lite does, as you’d expect, cost less than the original version. If you’re not interested in the Switch’s TV output capabilities then opting for the Switch Lite is money worth saving as it could be enough to get you another couple of games.
