What’s The Difference Between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo offers three different switch consoles in its switch lineup namely; the original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch lite & Nintendo Switch OLED Model. But here in this article, we will discuss What’s The Difference Between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite?

Which to choose between the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite is a matter of personal preference. But for that, you must know what is the main difference between Nintendo switch and lite.

Nintendo’s Switch lineup is one of the best options for those who enjoy video games. Its every model has been designed in a way to provide versatility and an extraordinary user experience. 

Nintendo Switch is best suited to those who prefer flexibility and the ability to play games on a big screen. In contrast, if you prefer a portable device and want to save money, then Nintendo Switch Lite is definitely for you. 

However, it’s always wise to delve deeper and to do some research before spending your hard-earned money on a new game console. Thus, we broke down the major pros & cons of both versions of Nintendo’s console, as well as their specs and key differences, so that you can see how they compare.

Check Our Quick Comparison Chart – Nintendo Switch Vs Switch Lite

Contents

As far as specifications of both switch consoles are concerned, there is a noticeable difference between Nintendo switch and lite that makes these two products more desirable.

Preview
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con
Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue
Type
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Lite
Price
$298.50
$198.01
Size
9.4 x 4 x 0.55 inches
8.2 x 3.6 x 0.55 inches
Weight
0.66 lbs
0.61 lbs
Screen Size
6.2 inch (1280x720) LCD Multi-touch screen
5.5 inch (1280x720) LCD touch screen
Storage
32 GB
32 GB
CPU/GPU
NIVIDIA Custom Tegra Processor
NIVIDIA Custom Tegra Processor
USB Connector
USB Type-C (Only for charging)
USB Type-C (Only for charging)
Headphone/mic jack
3.5mm 4-pole stereo
3.5mm 4-pole stereo
Charging Time
3 hours
3 hours
Game card slot
Nintendo Switch game cards
Nintendo Switch game cards
Battery Life
4.5 to 9 hours
3 to 7 hours
Preview
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con
Type
Nintendo Switch
Price
$298.50
Size
9.4 x 4 x 0.55 inches
Weight
0.66 lbs
Screen Size
6.2 inch (1280x720) LCD Multi-touch screen
Storage
32 GB
CPU/GPU
NIVIDIA Custom Tegra Processor
USB Connector
USB Type-C (Only for charging)
Headphone/mic jack
3.5mm 4-pole stereo
Charging Time
3 hours
Game card slot
Nintendo Switch game cards
Battery Life
4.5 to 9 hours
Details
Preview
Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue
Type
Nintendo Switch Lite
Price
$198.01
Size
8.2 x 3.6 x 0.55 inches
Weight
0.61 lbs
Screen Size
5.5 inch (1280x720) LCD touch screen
Storage
32 GB
CPU/GPU
NIVIDIA Custom Tegra Processor
USB Connector
USB Type-C (Only for charging)
Headphone/mic jack
3.5mm 4-pole stereo
Charging Time
3 hours
Game card slot
Nintendo Switch game cards
Battery Life
3 to 7 hours
Details

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a full-featured home game console that you can also use exclusively as a handheld device. It offers an exceptionally strong collection of first-party titles, ports of amazing games, and a broad range of fantastic indies, most of which can be played either on a TV at home or can be used as a handheld while you’re out and about.

The Nintendo Switch offers great creativity & versatility for its users. There are a variety of options available to set restrictions or controls on the system that ensures great parental control and a seamless gaming experience. 

Best Nintendo Switch Deals on Amazon

Preview
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con
Nintendo Switch - Animal Crossing: New Horizons Edition - Switch
Nintendo Switch™ w/ Neon Blue & Neon Red Joy-Con™ + Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe (Full Game Download) + 3 Month...
Price
$298.50
$354.98
$342.79
Preview
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con
Price
$298.50
Details
Preview
Nintendo Switch - Animal Crossing: New Horizons Edition - Switch
Price
$354.98
Details
Preview
Nintendo Switch™ w/ Neon Blue & Neon Red Joy-Con™ + Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe (Full Game Download) + 3 Month...
Price
$342.79
Details

Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite is one of the best handheld gaming systems ever, and one of the slimmest and most affordable versions of the standard Nintendo Switch. It is a great portable device but is not a home gaming console, so you will need to keep that in mind when selecting between the Switch Lite or Switch. 

Travelers will appreciate the compact size and the long battery life, which will keep them busy even on long trips. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a great choice if you want accessibility to all the best Nintendo Switch games, and if you don’t mind being limited to handheld play.

Best Nintendo Switch Lite Deals on Amazon

Preview
Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue
Nintendo Switch Lite - Gray with SanDisk 128GB MicroSDXC UHS-I Card for Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Lite - Zacian and Zamazenta Edition
Price
$198.01
Price not available
$175.00
Preview
Nintendo Switch Lite - Blue
Price
$198.01
Details
Preview
Nintendo Switch Lite - Gray with SanDisk 128GB MicroSDXC UHS-I Card for Nintendo Switch
Price
Price not available
Details
Preview
Nintendo Switch Lite - Zacian and Zamazenta Edition
Price
$175.00
Details

Key Differences: Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite difference highlight several fantastic features that drive the readers to buy these products. So, let’s discuss the major differences that the two switch consoles have; 

Thickness & Weight 

Nintendo Switch & Switch Lite are both around 14mm thick, however, the Standard Switch is a little longer and has a larger screen of around 30mm. 

Switch lite’s smaller size makes it more pocketable. With the Joy-Cons attached, the Standard Switch weighs about 400g, while the Switch Lite weighs about 278g.

Games

The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite both allow you to play most of the games available in Nintendo‘s library. That means, with both systems, you’ll be able to play top games like The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Super Mario Maker 2.

But, the Switch Lite doesn’t support games specifically designed for TV or tabletop viewing. There is, however, a workaround. With the Switch Lite paired with a Joy-Con or Pro Controller, you can play local multiplayer with your gadget.

Price

There’s no denying the Switch Lite appeals to gamers who are price-conscious as it is two-thirds the price of the original Nintendo Switch. With the price of about $199, there’s little that the Switch lite can’t do in terms of playing most games in the Switch library. 

With the extra $100 you spend on Standard Switch, which costs around $299, you have more play modes to choose from, so you should consider which play modes are important to you.

Colors

Nintendo Switch is available in Gray or Red and Blue Joy-Cons. However, some special editions were released such as the Animal Crossing edition.

On the other hand, Nintendo Switch Lite is available in Gray, yellow & turquoise colors. Pokemon Sword & Shield editions are also available. 

Play Modes

With the Nintendo Switch, you can switch between TV mode and handheld mode, and even detach the Joy-Con controllers to hold them separately when the Switch is on a table.

Whereas the Switch Lite has inbuilt controllers so it is only playable in handheld mode. Additionally, it won’t work with the Nintendo dock.

Battery Life

The Switch Lite has an average battery life of 3 to 7 hours, whereas the standard Nintendo Switch has a battery life of 4.5 to 9 hours. Battery life is greatly dependent on the type of game you’re playing. 

According to Nintendo, the Switch Lite can last for four hours while playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and 5.5 hours with the original Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch: Pros & Cons 

Pros:

  • Appealing & innovative design
  • Wide variety of games
  • Solid build
  • Joy-Cons can be used in a variety of configurations
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Easy to use
  • Offers several playing modes including TV, Tabletop, and handheld mode.
  • Easily transforms from a home console into a handheld gaming system that too within seconds
  • Loads games instantly

Cons:

  • Saved files cannot be copied or transferred
  • The kickstand is flimsy 
  • Joy-Con controller may lag sometimes

Nintendo Switch Lite: Pros & Cons 

Pros:

  • Gorgeous & comfortable design
  • Portable 
  • Cheap price
  • Available in several color variations, including coral, turquoise, gray, and yellow
  • It has D-pad so that the game can be controlled easily
  • Despite its smaller body, Switch lite can still play most of the games designed for the original Nintendo Switch

Cons:

  • Small sized screen
  • Not suitable for people with larger hands
  • Can’t be connected with TV or monitor

Final Thoughts

In this article, we discussed what’s the difference between switch and switch lite? Highlighting the specifications, pros, cons, and key differences between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, we have provided you with detailed information to help you make your decision. 

The Standard Nintendo Switch has a lot of extra features, and it’s the only choice when you want to use it as a traditional video game console with a television. So, if you adore playing on a big screen, then Standard Switch is what you need. With detachable Joy-Cons, it also offers flexibility in using it with Mario Kart wheels or Ring Fit Adventure.

Obviously, the Nintendo Switch Lite would be the best choice for people who will primarily be gaming on the go. Moreover, it’s less expensive, lighter, and smaller than the Standard Switch, giving it a tough sell to gaming enthusiasts who want to play on a TV (or who want to enjoy tabletop play). So, there is only one winner here if you’re concerned with your budget – the Switch Lite.

We hope you have enjoyed our What’s The Difference Between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite article and helped you make your choice. 

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