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Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch stands as the console that completely revolutionized the gaming industry in 2017 because of its innovative versatility. This console, even today, is immensely popular and highly sought after, and for good reason. The Nintendo Switch has a strong library of games that can be played either at home or on the go and can easily be shared with friends.
Pros- Can Be Customized With Joy-Cons
- Full Switch Functionality
Cons- More Expensive
- Limited Color Options Out of The Box
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Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a console designed to be a cheaper, handheld alternative to the Nintendo Switch. The Switch Lite has controllers built directly into the console and does not feature dock compatibility, unlike its alternative. However, this handheld console retains the same playing power as the Nintendo Switch and presents itself as an ideal solution for Nintendo fans on a budget.
Pros- Lightweight
- Vibrant Colors
- Budget-Friendly
Cons- Slightly Smaller Screen
- Does Not Use Joy-Cons
- No Dock
As online services and support for the Wii U and 3DS come to a close, now more than ever, Nintendo fans are compelled to lean into the Nintendo Switch consoles for family-friendly multiplayer gaming. Although this news may be disheartening for fans of the previous generation, gamers need not fret over the transition to the Nintendo Switch. Prioritizing a revolutionary concept that allows the individual to game from anywhere, the Nintendo Switch has several options of consoles to choose from.
This includes the Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo Switch Lite, and, of course, the original Nintendo Switch console. Although there are some differences between the traditional Nintendo Switch and the OLED console, Game ZXC has an article addressing these differences. In this article, however, we will be focusing on the comparisons to be made between the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite.
The Nintendo Switch Lite was designed to be an affordable alternative to the Nintendo Switch, offering the same game compatibility at a much lower price point by removing the dock altogether. For those stuck considering either option, Game ZXC will be discussing the major benefits and drawbacks of these two innovative consoles to help decide the best option for you.
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Side-By-Side Comparison
Before delving into the complete breakdown of these two products, this side-by-side displays some of the key product differences to consider in terms of battery life, size, and weight:
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Nintendo Switch
- Battery
- Approximately 4.5 - 9 hours
- Display
- 6.2-inch LCD Screen / 1280 x 720
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Weight
- .88 lbs
- Storage
- 32 GB
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Nintendo Switch Lite
- Battery
- Approx. 3 – 7 hours
- Display
- 5.5” Touch Screen
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Weight
- 1.1 lbs
- Storage
- 32 GB
Comparing The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite
It is safe to say that the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite are relatively comparable in terms of size, weight, and gaming performance. However, these two consoles feature some fundamentally different design aspects and major differences that need to be considered by any individual deciding between these two consoles. Luckily, these differences can be broken down into a few key points to focus on:
- Design: Most notably, The Nintendo Switch Lite features a substantially different design from the original console; The Switch Lite is a handheld console through and through. This means that the Switch Lite has been designed without the functionality of the Dock in mind. Moreover, Joy-Cons cannot be removed and swapped out like they can on the Nintendo Switch. That being said, however, the Switch Lite features a better selection of vibrant, bold colors compared to the Nintendo Switch.
- Display: Display determines just how well your console looks when used in handheld mode. Although the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite utilize the same quality LCD screen, the classic Nintendo Switch is slightly larger than its alternative. Although minor, this difference may affect the on-the-go gaming experience.
- Weight: Console weight determines how heavy the console is when used in handheld mode. An excessive weight can negatively affect the gaming experience, leading to exhaustion. Additionally, a lighter console makes travel much easier.
- Battery Life: Battery life is especially important for on-the-go gaming, as the console should have a long-lasting battery that can go many hours in between charges.
- Functionality: The Nintendo Switch is well known for its versatility, providing an innovative alternative to gaming that can be taken anywhere and subsequently loaded up onto TV at any time. The Nintendo Switch Lite, however, does not feature this ability in favor of complete handheld gaming.
- Gaming: Gaming represents the console's performance and ability to play all games compatible with the Nintendo Switch.
- Price: Although the Nintendo Switch is considered a much more budget-conscious console than many others on the market, there is a considerable difference in price when comparing the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite. These price differences may act as a deciding factor for anyone shopping on a budget.
Design
Although the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite share most gaming compatibility with handheld games, these two consoles are designed with two fundamentally different ideas and uses in mind. The Nintendo Switch Lite completely prioritizes the handheld gaming experience, dropping the dock associated with the original console in favor of a cheaper, all-in-one experience. Additionally, the Switch Lite moves away from using Joy-Con style controllers, opting for a type of controller to be built directly into the console where they cannot be removed.
Admittedly, the exclusion of Joy-Cons in the Switch Lite is a known source of contention among many Nintendo fans, as users cannot utilize a pivotal design feature associated with the Nintendo Switch. Due to this, all colors, styles, and varieties of Joy-Cons are exclusive to the original Nintendo Switch console, granting much more color customization and personalization than the alternative.
That being said, the Switch Lite features a much more aesthetically appealing design out of the box, presenting a handful of bright and bold colors, such as coral, turquoise, yellow, and blue. This array of colors is not available for the standard Nintendo Switch, which is limited to the option of gray or neon red and blue Joy-Cons with a black dock.
Display
Generally speaking, the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite are comparable in size and scale, but the Switch Lite, true to its namesake, is slightly smaller than its alternative and the included display reflects that. When compared side by side, there is a noticeable distinction between the sizing of these consoles when in handheld mode. The Nintendo Switch is roughly an inch larger than the Switch Lite, with its display measuring about 6.2". The Switch Lite, on the other hand, comes with a display that is 5.5".
Although this size difference is relatively minuscule, those who want the most out of their purchase may feel more compelled to side with the Nintendo Switch in this instance. That being said, the smaller size of the Switch Lite makes it a better option for younger gamers or those who frequently game on the go.
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Weight
Weight can be a deciding factor for those who travel frequently, or enjoy bringing their console with them on the go. Additionally, a lighter console helps reduce fatigue when playing for long stretches of time in handheld mode. Without a doubt, the Nintendo Switch Lite once again proves itself to be the ideal choice in this instance. Utilizing a small frame and a lightweight design, the Switch Lite weighs roughly .61 lbs. Although the difference in weight isn't extraordinary, the Nintendo Switch does weigh slightly more, averaging in at about .88 lbs with Joy-Cons attached.
The final thing to consider for remote play is the fact that the Nintendo Switch Dock is rather bulky, and isn't ideal for travel. The Switch Lite, on the other hand, is the most equipped for traveling due to its dedicated handheld design. That being said, the differences in weight are relatively minor, and both consoles can be utilized on the go. However, it is evident that the Switch Lite provides the most lightweight choice between the two.
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Battery Life
Nintendo has engineered many consoles over the last two decades that prioritize gaming on the go, many of which have been loved and enjoyed by children, teens, and adults. Creating a console that supports many hours of playtime is nothing new to Nintendo, and that's why it's so important that these consoles have a strong, long-lasting battery life.
When comparing the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite side by side, it's clear to see that the true winner of this category falls to the Nintendo Switch. Although battery life varies based on the intensity of the game played, generally, the Nintendo Switch is capable of supporting you through anywhere from 4.5 to 9 hours of playtime. The Switch Lite, on the other hand, has a battery life that will only last anywhere from 3 to 7 hours, depending on the game. Granted, this is still an impressive amount of time, but users may find the additional hour or two of game time preferable and worth the additional cost.
Functionality
The Nintendo Switch Lite was designed solely with handheld use in mind; because of that, the Switch Lite suffers in terms of the varied functions found on the Nintendo Switch.
The Nintendo Switch is a console that can be played personally in handheld mode, just like the Switch Lite, but it can also be docked to connect to a larger display to share games or media with friends and family. The Joy-Cons can be removed to act as a single ergonomic controller or be split and shared to play with others. Not to mention, the original Nintendo Switch can be played in what is known as "Tabletop Mode", where the handheld display can be isolated from the controllers. In this mode, you can comfortably game anywhere, or play co-op without the need for a TV.
Users interested in a versatile console that can be played both in handheld mode and on a large display will likely side with the Nintendo Switch in this instance. That being said, the Switch Lite stands as a great option for users only interested in handheld gaming.
Gaming
Although every Switch Lite game is compatible with the original Nintendo Switch, the same cannot be said for the Switch Lite. Due to its handheld form factor, the Nintendo Switch Lite is limited to a game library that supports Handheld Mode. These games can be easily identified in Nintendo's eShop, by looking for games that feature a special handheld mode icon.
Luckily, there is a workaround for this issue, as any game that does not support handheld mode can be played simply by connecting compatible wireless controllers to the Switch Lite, such as the Pro Controller.
Price
Although the Nintendo Switch Lite features limited functionality in comparison to the alternative, this is to keep the price of the console low. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a feature-focused console, specifically aimed at handheld gamers who want a great deal of performance for a low cost. Generally, the Nintendo Switch Lite is about $100 cheaper than the Nintendo Switch, and sales help increase this difference.
Not to mention, the Switch Lite is considerably easier to purchase than the Nintendo Switch, which frequently goes in and out of stock. When shopping for a simple, budget console, the Switch Lite is easily the ideal choice between the two.
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Which Is Better?
Regardless of the console, gamers playing on either the Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite will have access to an extensive library of Switch games via the eShop. These games provide many hours of single player and multiplayer fun that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime on both consoles.
For users seeking the best experience in versatility that is true to the concept of the Switch console, the classic Nintendo Switch is the way to go. This console focuses completely on changeability, providing the user with a transitional gaming device that can be played in a variety of environments at a moment's notice. The Nintendo Switch can easily go from a couch console being played on the TV, to being played in handheld mode from the comfort of your bed. Although the standard color options of the Switch and the Dock are relatively basic, they can easily be customized with colored Joy-Cons or other third-party customization options to fully personalize this console. All in all, users seeking a fully versatile console cannot go wrong with the classic Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch stands as the best choice for most, as it maintains the flexibility and versatility that completely revolutionized the gaming industry. The Nintendo Switch is the best option for fans of multiplayer couch co-op games, party games, and those who enjoy gaming on the big screen.
However, not everyone has the space or the budget for a large gaming setup. In this instance, the Nintendo Switch Lite is the ideal choice. Best suited for gamers with limited space, or fans of handheld consoles such as the 3DS, this console presents the best budget-friendly option with minimal impact on your living space. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a much lighter and smaller console that can easily be tucked away when not in use. Additionally, this console comes in a wider variety of aesthetically appealing colors that can easily suit any individual's space.
Nintendo Switch Lite
Although the Nintendo Switch Lite lacks most of the flexibility, this console was designed to be a cheaper, handheld alternative to the Nintendo Switch. Due to this, Nintendo fans who only really play in handheld mode may find the Nintendo Switch Lite a much more appealing option because of its reduced price and color options.
Regardless of the choice to be made, you can rest assured knowing that both of these consoles have comparable performance when used in handheld mode, with the Nintendo Switch having a slight advantage in terms of battery life. All in all, the best console for you depends on personal circumstances and opinion. Users who prefer to play solely in handheld mode will likely benefit from owning the Switch Lite, as the price jump between these two consoles may not be worth it. On the other hand, users who want complete utility, or those who enjoy playing party games on the big screen will benefit from owning a Nintendo Switch.
Either way, you can rest assured knowing that you will be playing on one of the most innovative consoles of all time, with a large selection of fantastic, family-friendly games to choose from.
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FAQ
Q: Is it worth getting a Nintendo Switch Lite?
For those who only play handheld games, the Nintendo Switch Lite is an amazing deal. This console is considerably cheaper and smaller than the alternative.
Q: Can a Switch Lite play all Switch games?
The Nintendo Switch Lite is compatible with all Nintendo Switch games that support handheld mode. This can easily be distinguished in the eShop. For games not in handheld mode, users on the Switch Lite will need to utilize a compatible wireless controller to play these games.
Q: What are the disadvantages of a Switch Lite?
The main disadvantage is that the Switch Lite lacks the flexibility found in the classic Nintendo Switch. This is because it was designed to be a handheld system only. You cannot utilize the dock in the Switch Lite, and it does not come with Joy-Cons.
