Nintendo Switch vs. Nintendo Switch Lite: Which Console Is Best 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 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.

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. 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?

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.

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 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.

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:

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.

The Nintendo Switch Lite can be a good alternative, though, for those who find themselves only playing in handheld mode. 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. It features support for all of its form factors and is the only Nintendo Switch that can be played on your TV.