Review of the Nintendo Switch Lite: a really portable system
Our Verdict
In its current form, the Nintendo Switch Lite is the best option for those who want an affordable handheld gaming console to use on the go. The Switch OLED is more expensive and not as portable, but its vibrant screen and versatility win out over the Switch Lite. Overall, by focusing on the handheld-only aspects, the Nintendo Switch Lite has a simple purpose and delivers on its promises.
- Cheapest Nintendo Switch you can get
- Small and convenient for handheld play
- Huge library of games
- Cannot be played on a TV
- No detachable Joy-Con controllers
With the release of the Nintendo Switch, OLED, and Lite variants, Nintendo now has three consoles in its portfolio. Depending on your use case, the Nintendo Switch Lite is still a strong rival to its dockable brothers even if it is the least expensive choice at $200 (£200). Without a question, the Lite is the most comfortable Nintendo Switch console available, and it's also among the greatest portable gaming consoles at a reasonable price.
The term "portable" no longer always has the same meaning to everyone in the modern day. A handheld device like the Switch OLED fits easily in my bag, but it's not as portable as a gaming phone. The Switch Lite has the sense of a well-thought-out compromise on the original Nintendo Switch design; it seems retro thanks to its strong and svelte form factor, which is reminiscent of the Gameboy Advance.
In contrast to the other Switch versions, which seem more precious and delicate due to their detachable controllers and higher price points, the Lite is more robust. Giving this console to a youngster shouldn't be a concern because of its sturdy construction, which allows it to survive certain bumps.
Nintendo has optimized the Lite in every way, even those places where I wish they hadn't. With its integrated controllers instead of separate Joy-Cons, this console really lives up to its name, weighing just 275g. Compared to its hefty competitors, which weigh 420g and 398g, respectively, with the Joy-Cons connected, the OLED and regular Switch are substantially easier to grip for extended gaming sessions.
Additionally, only this version has a d-pad, which has a layout that is more pleasant and familiar than the split directional buttons the Switch debuted in 2017.
Nintendo has removed a number of functions from this generation to further establish the Switch as a handheld-only device. There is no way to connect the Lite to a TV since it cannot be docked. Games that use the Joy-Cons, such Nintendo Switch Sports, Super Mario Party, and Ring Fit Adventure, become far more difficult to play as a result.
It is not possible to play these games without a kickstand to support tabletop mode, therefore you will need to synchronize two Joy-Cons and find a means to support the Lite on a nearby surface. Nintendo Labo is incompatible with the Lite, so if you're one of the rare individuals who wants to test it out, you'll need to purchase a different model.
The smaller battery of the Lite, which only lasts three to seven hours as opposed to the Switch OLED's four and a half to nine hours, is another disadvantage. Despite the Lite's shorter battery life, you still get a good amount of use out of each charge. Additionally, the Lite loses support for the IR Motion Camera and HD Rumble, two capabilities you may first miss but quickly come to forget.
Like the original Switch, Nintendo opted not to expand the internal storage on the Lite, instead keeping it at 32GB. These days, this won't get you very far, especially if you're creating a library of games that are only available digitally. Fortunately, you can increase the capacity on any Switch model by using the microSD card slot, and we can assist you in locating the best microSD card offers.
Thankfully, the concessions made by the Switch Lite cease before they affect the device's power. All three versions of the Switch run the same games, thus you shouldn't be concerned that your Lite is causing Pokémon Violet to perform badly since that is how the game is meant to work.
The Lite's smaller 5.5" panel has a little greater pixel density than the other two Switches since they are all equipped with 720p screens, which makes games seem somewhat crisper in comparison. In text-heavy games like Disco Elysium, this may be annoying, but it's not awful enough to render these kinds of games unusable.
It's common to see many goods in the same gadget family, and Nintendo has adopted this practice. The less expensive Lite comes in an array of eye-catching hues that bring back memories of previous Nintendo handhelds. The vivid colors of the Lite add to its playful vibe and reinforce its excellent suitability for younger users. In contrast, the original model and OLED have neutral bodies that, when parked next to your TV, give them a more mature and practical vibe.
It's safe to argue that Nintendo makes it difficult for users to possess numerous devices without requiring them to complete extra steps. Depending on the game you're playing, the Switch's subscription-based cloud save feature may or may not back up every save. For instance, if you often play Animal Crossing: New Horizons on your primary Switch, you won't be able to access your saves until you launch the Island Transfer Tool, an independent software. A similar issue may arise from playing the Pokémon games, which likewise have some limitations.
While not every game has this issue, you should expect more from a premium service given that you have to pay for a membership in order to use this function. There's also a major catch: Nintendo has the right to prevent you from accessing your digital games if your main console does not have a steady internet connection. You shouldn't use two Switches with one account unless your home internet connection is flawless.
Although it's understandable why Nintendo positioned the Lite as the entry-level model, this could easily be improved upon to become the greatest Switch gadget. The Lite lacks an OLED screen and TV connectivity, which are its two main shortcomings. In the event that I had to choose between a Switch OLED and an improved Lite, I would always choose with the Lite.