Difference Between Nintendo Switch and Lite

So, you want to make a switch but confused about which version to purchase – the Nintendo Switch or its newest version, the Switch Lite? We take a look at the differences between the two popular Nintendo consoles to help you make an informed decision.

What is Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo Switch is one of the best Nintendo gaming consoles yet, offering the flexibility of a home gaming console and a handheld device – all in one portable system. After suffering from financial setbacks, Nintendo began working on the Switch in 2014. The Nintendo Switch (codenamed NX) was unveiled to the public in October 2016 and was finally released worldwide in March 2017. The device itself is a hybrid console as it can be docked into the main docking station for use as a traditional home console or it can be used a portable handheld console, similar to the Game Boy or Nintendo 3DS. It features a 15.75-centimeter LCD touchscreen and the two wireless Joy-Con controllers, which can be attached to both sides of the console and held either horizontally or vertically depending on the game.  

What is Nintendo Switch Lite?

A low-cost, handheld variant of the original gaming console, called the Nintendo Switch Lite, was launched in September 2019. The Nintendo Switch Lite is basically the handheld-only version of the Switch designed specifically for handheld play – so you can enjoy your favorite games wherever you go. You can play all the Nintendo Switch games that support ‘Handheld’ mode. Thanks to its lightweight and sleek design, it’s portable enough to be carried around in your backpack wherever you go. It has built-in controllers for handheld play. It has a 13.97-centimeter LCD touchscreen and a 3570mAh internal battery, and is available in five colors: blue, yellow, gray, coral and turquoise.

Difference between Nintendo Switch and Lite

Play Modes 

– The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console with three play modes: the TV mode, Tabletop mode and Handheld mode. The device can be docked into the station for use as a traditional home console or used as a portable handheld console, or as a tablet. The Nintendo Switch Lite, on the other hand, is a handheld-only variant of the original console designed specifically for handheld play.

Controllers 

– The Nintendo Switch comes with a set of wireless Joy-Con controllers, which can be attached to both sides of the console and held vertically or horizontally depending on the game you’re playing.  The Joy-Cons feature gyroscope and accelerometer technology, including a HD Rumble feature, an IR motion camera, and NFC read/write functionality. The Nintendo Switch Lite has built-in controllers for handheld play, similar to the Game Boy or Nintendo 3DS.

Docking

 – The Nintendo Switch comes with a docking station and HDMI cable, which allows you to play your favorite games on a TV. The Nintendo Switch dock also has a built-in LAN port for Internet connectivity, so you can enjoy playing online with your friends. The Nintendo Switch Lite, on the other hand, does not support output to a TV, so it does not come with a docking station or HDMI cable.

Specifications

 – The Nintendo Switch has a 6.2-inch LCD touch screen, but a higher-end OLED version of the Switch is also available, which features a 7.0-inch OLED touch screen. The Nintendo Switch Lite has a 5.5-inch LCD touch screen. Both the Switch and the Lite versions boast a NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor and come with 32 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded to 2 TB. The Nintendo Switch has a 4310mAh Li-ion battery whereas the Lite has a 3570mAh Li-ion battery.

Nintendo Switch vs. Switch Lite: Comparison Chart

Summary

In a nutshell, the Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that can be played in ‘TV Mode’ as a traditional home console by docking it into the main Nintendo Switch Dock station or in ‘Tabletop Mode’ as a tablet, or in ‘Handheld Mode’ as a portable handheld console. The Nintendo Switch Lite is only a handheld console designed specifically for handheld play, like the Game Boy and Nintendo 3DS. The Lite features a smaller 5.5-inch capacitive touch screen compared to the Nintendo Switch’s 6.2-inch multi-touch capacitive touch screen. Overall, both are excellent gaming consoles and the best value for your money.

Which is better the Switch or Switch Lite?

If you are looking for a portable gaming console for handheld play that you can take everywhere you go, then Switch Lite is a good choice. If you want a hybrid console for multipurpose use, the Nintendo Switch is your best bet.

Can you play Nintendo Switch games on Nintendo Switch Lite?

You can play Nintendo Switch games on the Nintendo Switch Lite, as long as they support ‘Handheld’ mode. Some games require Joy-Con controllers, which cannot be played on the Lite. 

What is the point of Switch Lite?

The idea is to make a low-cost, easy to carry, portable handheld console that you can easily carry around in your backpack anywhere you go. It’s a lightweight yet powerful console designed exclusively for handheld play.

Do all Switch games work on Switch Lite?

Technically, all games will play on your Nintendo Switch Lite, as long as they support handheld play.

Can you play just dance on Switch Lite?

No. You cannot play dance on the Switch Lite as it requires Joy-Con controllers.

Does Nintendo Switch Lite connect to TV?

The Nintendo Switch Lite is not a hybrid console like its big brother, so it cannot be connected to a TV. It’s a handheld-only console designed strictly for handheld gaming.

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