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Nintendo Switch vs. Nintendo Switch Lite: Which Console Is Best for You?
Consider these differences to make the right decision
By Brad Stephenson Brad Stephenson Freelance Contributor Western Sydney University Brad Stephenson is a freelance tech and geek culture writer with 12+ years' experience.
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He writes about Windows 10, Xbox One, and cryptocurrency. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 5, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email
In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Lite Switch vs.
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Switch Lite Features Choosing the One for You The Nintendo Switch features significantly better graphics than those on the Wii U and 3DS and the console can be played connected to a TV for a traditional gaming console experience, or by using its own built-in screen for handheld gaming. The Nintendo Switch Lite is in the same console generation as the Nintendo Switch and supports the same library of games and apps, but it's unable to connect to TV sets and is primarily designed for handheld or portable gameplay only.
What Is Nintendo Switch
Nintendo What We Like Games can be played on a TV.
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Comes with two Joy-Con controllers. Large library of video games.
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What We Don't Like More expensive than the Nintendo Switch Lite. The Switch screen can be a waste of money if you only play on TV.
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The dock can be a waste of money if you only play in Handheld Mode. Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch console in early-2017. It features an entirely new library of video games with superior graphics to those released on the Wii U and 3DS.
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Some Wii U games, such as New Super Mario Bros U, Super Mario Kart 8, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate, have been re-released on the Switch with slight graphical upgrades and additional content. However, the original Wii U and 3DS versions can’t be imported onto a Switch.
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The Nintendo Switch can be played as either a handheld gaming device or on a TV like a traditional video game console when placed in a special dock included with the Switch. New Switch consoles also come with two special controllers, officially referred to as Joy-Cons, which can connect to the sides of the console when in Handheld Mode, or disconnected and used by two players when playing on a television in TV Mode. The Nintendo Switch also supports a Tabletop Mode, which lets players use the device’s screen as a small TV.
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In this mode, the Joy-Cons can be disconnected and the screen is held upright by a built-in kickstand.
What Is Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo What We Like Cheaper than the regular Nintendo Switch. Good option for handheld gamers.
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Less parts for kids to lose and break. What We Don't Like Can't connect to a TV screen. No USB port for headphones or capture cards.
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Screen may be too small for some games. The Nintendo Switch Lite was released in mid-2019 and is purely a handheld console. It supports all of the Nintendo Switch games and apps, but they must be played on the console’s own screen, as it can't connect to a dock and display its gameplay on a TV.
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Unlike the regular Nintendo Switch model, the Nintendo Switch Lite’s controllers can't be removed and used separately. Because of this, another wireless controller, such as the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, must be used when playing in Tabletop Mode. The Nintendo Switch Lite lacks a USB port so it can't connect wired controllers that require a USB connection.
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This means that to connect a GameCube controller to a Nintendo Switch Lite, you’ll need to use a wireless Bluetooth model. The Nintendo Switch dimensions are slightly smaller on the Lite than the regular model, with the screen measuring 5.5-inches compared to the original’s 6.2-inches. What Games Can You Play on Nintendo Switch Lite?
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Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite Feature Comparison
Both Nintendo Switch models support the same library of video games and apps, with their main differences being their physical size and ability to connect to a TV. Each can connect to Nintendo Switch Online and fully supports the Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership service. Here’s a quick rundown of the main Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite features and specs: Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Lite Nintendo Switch Games Yes Yes Nintendo Switch Apps Yes Yes TV Connectivity Yes No Tabletop Mode Yes Yes Handheld Mode Yes Yes Nintendo Switch Dimensions 4” high, 9.4” long, .55” deep 3.6” high, 8.2” long, .55” deep Battery Life 4.5 to 9 hours 3 to 7 hours Internet Connectivity Yes Yes Audio Jack Yes Yes USB Port Yes No Amiibo Figure Support Yes Yes While it’s possible to play popular games such as Fortnite on the Nintendo Switch, those who want to stream their Nintendo Switch gameplay on Twitch, or other streaming platforms such as Mixer, will need to buy the regular Nintendo Switch model.
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An HDMI cable connection is required to stream, but the Nintendo Switch Lite has no HDMI port.
Should You Get a Nintendo Switch or a Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch’s removable Joy-Cons also make the original model a solid choice for households with more than one gamer as these can work as two fully-functional game controllers for multiplayer games. The original model’s USB port can also support a variety of wired controller options, including the popular GameCube controllers, and can be used to stream on Twitch and play Nintendo Switch video games on a laptop or computer.
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The Nintendo Switch Lite lacks quite a few features, but is usually around $100 cheaper than the main Nintendo Switch model. The Nintendo Switch Lite can be a good alternative, though, for those who find themselves only playing in handheld mode.
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The Lite version of the Nintendo Switch is also significantly cheaper than the regular model, usually retailing for around $100 less, meaning it can be a good choice for gamers on a budget or as a gift for younger players who have a habit of dropping or breaking expensive tech. Without a doubt, the original Nintendo Switch model is the superior choice for those interested in making the jump to this generation of Nintendo gaming.
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It features support for all of its form factors and is the only Nintendo Switch that can be played on your TV. Can You Play Animal Crossing on a Nintendo Switch Lite?
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Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Connect GameCube Controllers to the Switch How to Download and Play Fortnite on Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Pro: News, Rumors, and Expected Price, Release Date, and Specs How to Transfer Save Data Between Users on the Switch Can You Play Multiplayer Games on the Nintendo Switch Lite? Nintendo Switch Review: The Best Portable Gaming Console What Comes With the Nintendo Switch?
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How to Set up and Use a Nintendo Switch Microphone How to Connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC How to Use Nintendo Switch With a Keyboard and Mouse The 8 Best Current Gaming Consoles of 2022 by Lifewire What Games Can You Play on Nintendo Switch Lite? How to Reset Nintendo Switch Can I Play Nintendo 3DS Games on the Wii U? How to Connect the Nintendo Switch to Your Laptop The 5 Best Nintendo Switch Controllers of 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
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