Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite: Which Suits You Best

Nintendo Switch may be a great console for any types of gamers, even if you’re not a Nintendo games lover. After poor generation of Nintendo consoles, the company managed to turn the tables around with the much-loved Switch generation.

This console is a cross between a handheld and traditional gaming console. Since its launch in March 2017, the console has received a revised version with better battery life and the Lite console model designed for handheld use only. The Switch version has several advantages, including:

1. Three game modes make it convenient to use anywhere

2. Various kinds of games are available

3. Perfectly designed controller

4. 1 handheld console that can enjoy a practical multiplayer format

Many people still hesitate when they want to get their console. This is due to many factors, including specifications, design, and price. Many people want to get a high quality console with the best design, but they also want to get them at the affordable price.

Simple yet Sophisticated Nintendo Switch Design

The dock of this console is a rectangle made of gray plastic, which is more attractive than its appearance. There’s a hidden USB Type-C connector when you slide the console, and an addition of a port to attach the AC adapter.

There are three USB ports in the console to plug-in accessories and an HDMI output for connecting to your TV or monitor, complemented by some kind of canopy to keep your cables tidy. But mechanically, this console is extremely smart.

The console acts sort of a large handheld device as the joycon attached to its side rails. If you slide the joycon, you can use them separately for a tabletop mode. When you play it like this you may put the Switch flat, or support it on its built-in stand.

The console can also be played in TV mode, where it plugs into the included dock to play the games on the TV screen. This is the only way you can play your game at a maximum resolution of 1080p (in handheld mode, it will change to the default setting which is 720p).

The Switch uses a game-card that you just simply need to insert it into a specified port on the system. There’s a 3.5-millimeter jack for plugging in headphones or speakers, a power and volume button located on the top edge of the console.

The USB Type-C charging port is located at the bottom, it will draw power to the console’s internal battery either directly from the included power adapter, or via a docking station. The battery has the capacity of 4,310-mAh with 3 hours to fill.

Comparing the Specifications of Switch with Switch Lite

Even though the price is cheaper, Nintendo claims the Lite one is more robust than the previous console. This is due to the existence of the Joy-Con controllers which are no longer sold separately. In addition, the Switch Lite also has much longer battery life. This is due to a new chip layout that allows for more effective use of energy.

The Switch measures 9.4 x 4 x 0.6 inches, while the Lite version is smaller at 8.2 x 3.6 x 0.6 inches. The weight is also different, namely the range of 400 grams compared to the range of 270 grams. If on the Switch you can get a vibration feature called HD Rumble, then the Lite one doesn’t have it.

Likewise, the IR Motion Camera, which is not in the latest handheld console. The consequence is different battery life. On the original Switch, you could only play for 2.5 to 6.5 hours. Meanwhile, you can play Switch Lite from 3 to 7 hours.

Likewise about color choice. Because the Lite version is indeed more limited, you get quite a lot of color choices, ranging from yellow, gray, turquoise, and a special “Zacian and Zamazenta” edition for Pokemon Sword and Shield.

Difference between Joystick and Screen on Switch vs Switch Lite

The most noticeable part of the difference between the two consoles is the joystick and screen. You get a joystick on the Switch that can be replaced or removed as you like. You can also play it in your hand, or use docking to display the game on a large television.

The Lite version is different. This one console really can only be played in hand. The joystick is made into the body of the console, then there is no docking at all. So you can’t pair it with a television. The Switch’s screen size is 6.2 inches with a resolution of 720p. Meanwhile, the Lite version has a resolution of 720p and smaller in size at 5.5 inches.

Interestingly, the Lite version can still play any kind of games that supports handheld mode. For certain games that can only be played using a separate joystick, you have to buy a new joycon. In our opinion, if you really don’t need a screen as big as a TV, then the Switch Lite is really a big saving.

Which Console is Best to Buy

The price difference between the Switch and the Lite version is around 100 USD, this is quite an effect. But after seeing the comparison between the two-game consoles above, then you can decide which one you need more.

Unfortunately, the lower price means there is something to be sacrificed. Several Switch games that can only be played on the tabletop mode or TV-mode cannot be played on the Lite version. The game called Nintendo Labo also cannot be played on this latest console.

Then, Nintendo’s DIY controller maker tools that previously allowed gamers to make their own robots, steering wheel, and piano cannot be played on the Switch Lite either. This means you can’t play Super Mario Party games on the Lite version console.

If you really need a console to play lots of games and need a TV screen to play, then Switch can be your choice. But if you are quite satisfied with the handheld mode, then the Nintendo Switch Lite can be an option because the price is more affordable.

(Read also: Comparing the Best Smart Refrigerators, Samsung vs LG)