Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite: Which is the best for you?

 


(Pocket-lint) - Nintendo last year launched the Switch Lite, a cheaper version, as a follow-up to the main Nintendo Switch console. What are the variations between the two consoles, however, and which one is most fitting for you?

Before we begin, it should be noted that last year, Nintendo also introduced a new version of the regular Switch with improved battery life (but with no name change). And while the older model is not going to be available in supermarkets, eBay and other resellers are full of older models. So look out for it — here's how you can tell the difference.

What’s the same?

  • Platform is based on Nvidia Tegra X1
  • Same 1,280 × 720 screen resolution
There are plenty of things about the two consoles that are different. The biggest similarity is the games they play and how you handle them in the handheld mode (because the Switch Lite can only do handheld mode).

They also have the same (but not the same size!) resolution screen and feature the same custom Nvidia Tegra processor (which, like all smartphones, is based on an ARM-derived design).

What’s different?

TV vs handheld

  • Standard Switch can be used in TV, tabletop or handheld modes with detachable Jon-Con controllers
  • Switch Lite can only be used as a handheld 
  • Switch Lite doesn't have detachable controllers included
The main distinction lies in the simple use of each switch. The regular Nintendo Switch can be used either as a dock attached to your TV (or other display) or as a mobile device or as a stand on a tablet with its own display, while the Switch Lite can only be used as a mobile device.

The Switch Lite does not have detachable Joy-Con controllers as it is handheld-only, whereas the regular Switch does, once removed, they are used wirelessly with the main Switch unit, mostly for when it is connected to your TV or standing up, but can be reattached for handheld play to the main Switch console.

You can attach controllers wirelessly to the Switch Lite for games that do not support handheld mode, but if you purchase separate Joy-Cons, you will also need a Joy-Con Charging Grip to keep them juiced.

The Turn Lite also substitutes a conventional D-pad for the four directional buttons on the left Joy-Con.

Dimensions

  • Nintendo Switch: Weight - 297g console only, 398g with Joy-Cons. Dimensions - 173 x 102 mm x 14 mm
  • Nintendo Switch Lite: Weight -277g. Dimensions - 208 x 91 mm x 14 mm
Both consoles are around 14 mm thick and, due to the larger screen, the standard switch is slightly larger, about 30 mm wider. As a consequence, the Switch Lite is a little more pocket-able. Weight-wise, with the Joy-Cons attached, the standard Switch clocks in at just short of 400g, while the Switch Lite is over 100g lighter at 278g.

Colours

  • Nintendo Switch: Grey, red/black/blue
  • Nintendo Switch Lite: Coral, turquoise, yellow or grey
The key Switch is available in the grey edition, or the blue and red Joy-cons version that is more identifiable. There have been limited editions, however, such as the now-rare version of Animal Crossing (we missed out on that one!) The Switch Lite matte finish is available in coral (pink), turquoise, yellow or grey. Special versions have been published again, including a variant of Pokémon.

Display

  • Nintendo Switch: 6.2-inch 1,280 x 720 LCD screen
  • Nintendo Switch Lite:  5.5-inch 1,280 x 720 LCD screen
Both units have a 1,280 x 720 LCD screen, as we described, but the size is different. While the main Switch has a 6.2-inch screen, with narrower bezels around the monitor, the Switch Lite downgrades this to 5.5-inches.

Battery life

  • Nintendo Switch: Between 4.5 and 9 hours
  • Nintendo Switch Lite: Between 3 and 7 hours
Depending on what you do, the Switch Lite promises between 3 and 7 hours of gameplay, while the latest regular Nintendo Switches (post mid-2019) pledge between 4.5 and 9 hours. The battery life of older Switch consoles is markedly worse, which can mean 2.5 hours at the bottom of the battery life spectrum and 6.5 hours at the top end. So when buying second-hand consoles, exercise caution.

It does depend on what you're playing. With The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and 5.5 hours for the regular Nintendo Switch, Nintendo says the Switch Lite will last for four hours with (after mid-2019 version).

Conclusion

There is only one winner here, the Turn Lite, if you're powered by your budget. But there are a lot of extra features to the standard Nintendo Switch and that is the only option if you want to use the Switch as a regular games console with a TV or other monitor.

The detachable Joy-Cons are also flexible for use with Mario Kart wheels or Ring Fit Adventure wheels. If you're just going to use your Switch on-the-go, you'll get the Lite-smaller, it's more pocketable and has a better battery life (even if it doesn't match the regular Switch's).


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