Our Verdict: Switch Lite continues the tradition of notable handheld consoles from Nintendo. It’s second to the Nintendo Switch 2019 in terms of battery life, while on top of the handheld category in computing power, game selection and portability. If you’re looking for a modern handheld console that can easily join you “on-the-go”, stop at the Lite version, it’s worth it.
What we liked: Smaller footprint, ergonomics, weight, thinner bezels. It’s also much cooler to the touch than the original Switch.
What we didn’t like: Limited local multiplayer options, no Bluetooth support for headphones, some games can’t be played due to lack of TV output.
Score: 8/10
It was hard not to mention the Lite version of the console in our original Nintendo Switch 2019 review, not because my editor didn’t let me, but rather because they both serve a different purpose. So, for today we’re going to go over the differences of both consoles and I’m going to point you in to the right direction when it comes to the question; which Nintendo Switch version to buy?
Nintendo Switch Lite Review: Data Management
Powering on Nintendo Switch for the first time will lead you to accounts setup. After you create a profile and add a profile pic like my Luigi icon, you’ll need to set up or log in on a Nintendo account. You will want to do that to enjoy in 2021- things-to-do like downloading games from eShop or playing multiplayer games online.
If you buy Switch or Switch Lite for kids under 13, set up a children account and your parent or guardian so you can monitor or limit the content and playing time. Besides giant Super Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, and other Nintendo game selections, you can play great third-party games. Sport games buffs will need an EA account for Fifa, or 2K for NBA 2K games. Natural-born assassins should connect Uplay account for Assasins Creed. Some third-party games like Fortnite and Skyrim don’t need additional accounts linking.
What I advise is setting up two-factor authentication as company had a massive data breach in 2019 when hackers endangered more than 300,000 accounts. They exploited the same login credentials for Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo account, and this practice was discontinued since then. If you look at your game library as “your precious,” do turn on 2FA.
Nintendo Switch Lite Review: Why is it special?
To be upfront, the OG Switch 2017 and 2019 are here for those who are primarily couch potatoes, gamers that own a TV and want the full Nintendo Switch experience that comes with local multiplayer, streaming games to Twitch and enjoying all the Nintendo accessories out there.
The Lite version is more for the casual gamer, someone who wants to play on-the-go or is about to experience the Nintendo magic for the first time. That person doesn’t have a dedicated gaming room with a TV, but rather likes to play from their own corner of the house. You don’t mind the lack of local multiplayer or accessorize, and Twitching doesn’t interest you. You just want to access the huge Nintendo library of games and start diving in to them, and with the Switch Lite you will get exactly that.
The essential thing for a handheld console is portability, and Lite excels in that regard. While it’s still a decent chunk of plastic, this time sturdy plastic with a matte finish that is not a fingerprint magnet and with better grip, the Lite is smaller and more portable. Depending on clothing, you can carry it around without a bag, which is hard to say for the original Switch.
In many ways, I found the Lite more convenient. Instead of detachable Joy-Cons, Lite comes with integrated controls on the console. Users had fewer complaints about drift issues than on the Joy-Cons. I feel the return of the classic D-Pad makes Lite a throwback to 2DS days. Old-school Nintendo gamers were not that enthusiastic about separate directional buttons on the original Switch, and right on celebrated when Lite model returned D-Pad. You might lose some precision in fighting games, but you’ll get a ton of nostalgia points with D-Pad, so I guess it’s fair to say, great job Nintendo.
It is also an excellent console for young ones. Let’s be honest, kids won’t pay close attention, so having sturdier built-in controllers without drift issues, fewer problems with flap-protected MicroSD card slot, and less movable parts make it better for little ones.
The price is another major selling point. You lose some features (more about that later), but the Lite comes with a $199 price tag. For $100 less, you can more or less play the same games. No docking option is the most significant difference compared with the Switch. Without docking, you won’t need some of the popular accessories, so the overall cost of ownership is a bit lower.
Nintendo Switch Lite vs. Nintendo Switch: Performance and Battery Life
Both Nintendo consoles pack the same NVIDIA Tegra custom chipset and the exact screen resolution of 720p. There is no noticeable difference in system performance between the two, other than there is no video output for higher resolution on the Lite. Nintendo didn’t make the Lite version less powerful but just stripped it from some options. While integrated controllers have the same layout with a clickable analog stick, four face buttons, two top buttons on the right side, and an L button, L stick on the left. The most noticeable difference is with the D-Pad instead of four directional buttons.
Built-in controllers don’t support motion controls or HD rumble. This limits the gaming options for original Switch games like 1-2 Switch, Super Mario Party, Nintendo Labo, or Just Dance. You might miss the HD Rumble feature, but I can live without occasional vibration, especially if it will give me additional minutes of play.
The battery life is a crucial feature for a handheld console. Refreshed Switch 2019 offers the best autonomy with 4.5 to almost 9 hours of playtime with its 4310 mAh battery and better optimization compared to the 2017 original that gave you 6.5 hours tops. I’ll take this three hours more any day. But what about the Lite version? It has a smaller 3750 mAh battery, but it comes between the 2017 and 2019 versions of the original bigger Switch, and you can get from 3 to 7 hours of battery life. Both consoles will need three hours to charge in sleep mode until they reach total capacity.
Nintendo Switch Lite vs. Nintendo Switch: Display Quality
The company has an illustrious past when it comes to handheld gaming consoles. GameBoy, Nintendo 3DS, and other major popular devices had devoted followers. Switch models have better performance and much better screens compared to previous consoles.
If you were frustrated with the TN display on 3DS, you could see the difference between newer IPS LCD and TN screens when it came on the same console. IPS delivers more punch, better color accuracy, and a much wider viewing angle.
Switch ditched the fast but poor-quality screens from the past. Both Switch consoles have the same IPS LCD screen, with the most noticeable difference in screen size. Lite version has 5.5″ compared to 6.2″ of the original. The resolution is the same, 1280×720, which is enough for screens smaller than with most smartphones today. Lite has thinner bezels around the display, which makes it slightly more immersive. It’s worth mentioning that Lite doesn’t have the auto-brightness option of the original. Both are not performing well in bright sun situations, but if you amp the brightness, you can roam with Zelda in the security of the shaded area. As a bonus, you won’t need sunscreen.
Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite: Software and Interface
One noticeable advantage of the smaller form factor in the Lite model is the better utilization of touchscreen. Browsing game library or more convenient way to build in Mario Maker 2. Other than the easier reach of the thumb for touch functionality, both consoles have practically the same user interface.
The UI is simple with menu options like friend lists, games, and eShop. The same settings panel includes Airplane Mode, Screen Brightness, Screen Lock, Parental Controls, Internet, Data Management, and others. You can take a screenshot or read Nintendo-related news. And while you can play multiplayer games on both consoles, local multiplayer is better suited on the original Switch.
Nintendo Switch Lite Review: Game Library
Handheld only version of the latest gaming system supports almost the entire game library, and you can game on the go AAA titles like The Legends of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, and other Super Mario, Pokemon, and other classic games.
I also played my weakness, the 2010 RPG masterpiece Skyrim. You can engage in Battle Royale frenzy with Fortnite, or Apex Legends, or play Minecraft or FIFA.
Without motion control and removable Joy-Cons, you won’t be able to play above mentioned Just Dance, Super Mario Party, and Ring Fit Adventure games.
However, Lite lets you play most of the Best Nintendo Switch Games, with limitations on the handheld mode. The price range is the same, starting from as low as $12.99, and going up as far as $59.99 for more exclusive titles, and the same goes when it comes multiplayer subscription rates (1-month $3.99, 3-months $7.99, 1-year $19.99).
Nintendo Switch Lite Review: Accessorize Compatibility
Just like the original, the Lite model doesn’t support Bluetooth audio connectivity, so you will have to buy a dongle to make it work with your earbuds or headphones. Most accessories you purchased for the original Switch will work with Lite. That means additional Joy-Cons, Pro Controller, and must-have MicroSD card can be used here too.
Naturally, the case and screen protector won’t fit because of the difference in size. With a scratch-friendly screen, I definitely recommend you buy screen protection, while the case for the Lite model is optional. We created a comprehensive list of the Best Nintendo Switch Accessories, and some of them are not compatible, but it goes without saying you can’t use Joy-Con stand if there are no Joy-Cons. On the other hand, since the Lite model doesn’t have a kickstand, you might look for one if you plan to play a local multiplayer with an additional Joy-Cons pair.
Can you connect the Switch Lite to a TV?
No! That is the short version. Nintendo removed the video output chip from the Lite motherboard. Lite also does not fit into a TV dock, nor it has any option of connecting to a big screen. What about USB to HDMI converter, dough? Well, it does not compute for this device, similarly like this Bluetooth-capable device does not allow wireless headphone connection.
The inability to connect with an external monitor led the fans to do some crazy s**t. YouTuber “My Mate VINCE” worked around the TV connecting problem with the help of a camera on a tripod above the console. He used camera’s feed and streamed it onto his TV, and like that he went on playing some local multiplayer with additional Joy-Con controllers.
But, on a more serious note, you can’t connect Lite, regardless of the adapters or external help, because, as I mentioned, there isn’t a video output chip under the plastic hub of the device.
Can you stream games to Twitch with your Nintendo Switch Lite?
Unfortunately, this is yet another no. But this time, there is a less crazy workaround if you’re keen on streaming Lite gameplay. Like with the TV output, Twitch streaming is not possible because it doesn’t fit in the dock, so it lacks the HDMI output needed to connect with the capture card.
You can get some video capturing equipment and optionally a microphone and setup filming and streaming your gameplay, but it’s way too much hassle. Look, just embrace you won’t be streaming your Zelda adventures.
Verdict
Switch Lite is the best portable gaming console in a long line of Nintendo’s finest products. It is the best choice for gamers that focus solely on the handheld experience, where it excels with the same visual quality and game selection (almost the same) and with much better ergonomics than Switch 2019. The lighter version makes gaming on the go better.
Switch 2019 has a beefier battery and can give you a couple of hours of extra gameplay. It also has a bigger screen and more modes of play. You can use it as a classic TV console and removable Joy-Cons as a separate controller for some local multiplayer games. But it’s chunky and too big for a pocket, so in terms of portability, it’s not as convenient. Did I mention it cost $100 more than Lite?
It boils down to preferences. If you’re on a budget and don’t like local multiplayer or are disinterested in TV gameplay, cheaper Lite is a better choice. If you don’t mind slightly worse ergonomics but appreciate three hours of additional gameplay in handheld mode, and TV option Nintendo Switch 2019 should be your choice.
Our wishes for the next model
There is a third option. We would like to see the upgraded version in 2021. We would like to see higher quality OLED screen and some kind of 4K support.
Could we also get more than 10 hours of gameplay in handheld mode? Maybe Nintendo will allow Bluetooth audio connectivity? Another must-have is more storage space than the measly 32 GB current versions pack, and all this within the same price range. Right? It’s always nice to end on a dreamy note.