We’re impressed with Nintendo Switch Lite, which offers a compact alternative to the hybrid console. Here’s our full review.
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a compact alternative to the standard Nintendo Switch console, so it’s a wonderful companion for anyone who is constantly on the go and wants to make sure they have their adventure with them at all times. Fortunately, the Nintendo Switch Lite doesn’t offer too many differences from its counterpart and still boasts the same capabilities, making it a worthwhile addition to your setup.
For example, the Nintendo Switch Lite is significantly lighter and slightly smaller than the standard console, making it a convenient portable companion. However, if you prefer the flexibility of playing the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch OLED handheld or docked, then the Nintendo Switch Lite might be one to miss as it doesn’t include, nor work with, Nintendo Switch docks.
But if you’re a gamer on the go, then there are a lot of perks with the Nintendo Switch Lite. It has the potential to offer a fantastic alternative to the standard console due to its lighter weight and smaller size. But as with any new release, there are pros and cons to consider before you make the Switch.Nintendo Switch Lite: cut to the chase
What is it? A more compact, handheld-only version of the Nintendo Switch
When does it come out? Out now
What does it cost? $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329.95Nintendo Switch Lite: price and release date
Nintendo Switch Lite launched over two years on from the original Switch model. Arriving on September 20, 2019, the Lite may have ditched the ability to dock your Switch to a TV, but it came with a significant price cut too.
Unlike the standard Switch, which these days retails for £259.99 / $259.99 / AU$435, the Nintendo Switch Lite comes in at $199.99 / £199.99 / AU$329.95. So, if you can accept this trade-off in the long term, a substantial saving can be made by opting for the handheld-only model.
Fortunately, Nintendo has advised that there won’t be a price hike just yet for the Nintendo Switch Lite, unlike the recent ones for Oculus Quest 2 and PS5 that were blamed on global inflation. So, if you’ve not yet picked up a Switch Lite, there’s no need to rush.Nintendo Switch Lite: design
The main difference between the Nintendo Switch Lite and the original Nintendo Switch is that the Switch Lite is solely a handheld device. Therefore, the Switch Lite is much more compact and lighter than its predecessor. That comparison also applies to the Nintendo Switch OLED, which is slightly larger than the original Switch.
The Switch Lite measures 91.1mm x 208mm x 13.9mm and weighs 275g, compared to the 102mm x 239mm x 13.9mm dimensions and 297g weight of the original Switch. This means the device comes with a smaller LCD touch screen, measuring just 5.5 inches but still providing 1280 x 720 pixels.
In other words, it’s a smaller screen than the original Switch’s 6.2 inches, but with the exact resolution – so you’re not losing anything regarding picture quality. In fact, this gives the Switch Lite a pixel density of 267 pixels per inch (ppi), a bit sharper than the original Switch’s 236 ppi.
However, the trade-off is that it can sometimes be difficult to read small in-game writing on a smaller screen. We had to hold the console closer to our faces to read some text.
