Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite: is bigger really better?

Date:
Thu, 08 Jul 2021 13:14:59 +0000

Description:
Our Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite guide has all the facts you need to help you decide between Nintendo's hybrid console or portable only entry.

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Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite: if you're thinking about picking up the latest Nintendo console, it's a decision that might be difficult at
first, but we're here to help. When it comes to convenience, the Nintendo Switch is a hard console to beat. Since its release in 2017, the console has been a hit for Nintendo, appealing to players the world over due to its ability to offer at-home and on-the-go gaming as well as a fantastic library of games.

Of course, its not everyone that needs their Nintendo console to plug into their TVin fact, shortly after the consoles release it was found that
handheld mode was the most popular for players. Its not surprising, then,
that in 2019 Nintendo continued its tradition of leading the handheld-only console market with the release of the Nintendo Switch Lite . Smaller,
lighter and less expensive than the original Nintendo Switch, its the perfect option for those who have no interest in docking their console. Pre-orders
for Switch OLED are now live

Another Switch is coming! Releasing on October 8, 2021, the Nintendo Switch OLED brings some much-needed upgrades to the the popular hybrid console. You get a 7-inch OLED screen, a better kickstand and speakers, plus 64GB of internal storage. Nintendo Switch OLED pre-orders are now live so don't miss out if you've got your eye on the new Switch.

So, now prospective Switch owners have two options when it comes to Nintendos latest console (unless that rumored Nintendo Switch Pro makes an appearance) but which model is right for you? Is it the handheld-only Switch Lite? Or the original hybrid?

To help you decide, well take you through the similarities and differences between each of the consoles, comparing design, prices and game libraries. Keep reading to settle the Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite battle. Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite: price Image credit: Nintendo (Image credit: Nintendo)

The current Nintendo Switch model retails for $299/279.99/AU$469, with plenty of bundle options. For that price, you get yourself the console, two Joy-Con controllers, a dock and the associated cables.

Bundles tend to include massively popular games like Mario Kart 8: Deluxe , Pokemon Sword and Shield or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate all of which are
great games to get you started.

Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch Lite retails for the lower price point of $199.99/199.99/AU$329.95 for the console on its own. The console is focused
on handheld play so you dont get a dock or detachable Joy-Con controllers (more on that later), but bundles with the most popular games can be found at most retailers, with the accompanying games generally adding a little extra onto the cost.

Bundles aside, looking at the prices of the consoles alone shows that the Switch Lite does, as you'd expect, cost less than the original version. If youre not interested in the Switch's TV output capabilities then opting for the Switch Lite is money worth saving as it could be enough to get you
another couple of games. Get the best deal: cheapest Nintendo Switch bundles and deal prices Just need handheld? Find the best Nintendo Switch Lite
bundles and deals Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite: design Image credit: TechRadar (Image credit: Future)

Arguably, the Switchs main selling point is the consoles versatility. You can use your console to conquer Hyrule in The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild on your morning commute, before docking the console once you get home to play with either your detached Joy-Con or the Pro Controller .

Its instant, and feels almost like magic as you transfer your game from the screen on the device to the television and back again.

Nintendo has opted to forgo this hybrid functionality on the cheaper Nintendo Switch Lite. It has fixed Joy-Con controllers and cant be docked to a TV and while this may be a deal breaker for many, we think it could be very attractive to new customers and existing ones alike.

As an example, the bright colors really help give it a more toy-like feel which younger players will find appealing. Between yellow, gray, coral and turquoise, theres plenty of room to express yourself albeit without swapping joy-cons to your hearts content.

The lower price is ideal for those looking for a second device for a younger child, too, or simply a console you can take on the go more readily the more plastic-looking Switch Lite with its fewer moving parts looks a little more durable than its more versatile older brother.

Despite the controllers being fixed, they offer mostly the same buttons as
the original Switch except the A,Y,B,X buttons have been replaced by a D-Pad
while some functionality has been removed which well get onto shortly. Both models also allow for wireless connectivity, Bluetooth and the use of MicroSD cards to increase the meager 32GB of console storage. Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite: display Image credit: Nintendo (Image credit: Nintendo)

The Nintendo Switch offers a 6.2 inch LCD display, with a maximum resolution of 720p. With PlayStation and Xbox chasing higher and higher pixel counts, 720p feels decidedly unambitious but the systems raft of high-quality exclusives belie any technical shortcomings. Of course, theres also the ability to dock the console to output at 1080p: its not 4K, but its a bit crisper when stretched across your TV or monitor of choice.

The Switch Lites lower price point means that the system has to make some cutbacks, and while the display is still an LCD with capacitive touch functionality (and reaches the same 720p resolution), its slightly smaller than on the original Switch, measuring at 5.5 inches. Still, itll be ideal
for younger siblings to catch fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons while on the go. Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite: games Image credit: Nintendo (Image credit: Nintendo)

This is where things arguably get a little bit complex, given the discrepancy between the two consoles feature sets.

Because the Switch Lites controllers are fixed they dont offer HD Rumble, motion controls, or the IR Motion Camera found on the previous models
Joy-Con. This means that any game that requires any of these pieces of kit will require the wireless connection of a pair of extra Joy-Con controllers.

That means Snipperclips (and the Plus version) and Mario Tennis Aces will
both require additional controllers for those playing on the Nintendo Switch Lite.

That isnt all, though. Because many games require detached Joy-Con controllers, the following are unsuitable for the Switch Lite: Labo kits ,
1-2 Switch and Super Mario Party .

Perhaps the biggest concern is that there is a chance that games will eventually launch which arent compatible with the handheld mode of the
Switch, thereby meaning youll be unable to play them on the Switch Lite. It seems unlikely, but consider a world where the next big Mario platformer requires full Joy-Con support and you might feel like you're missing out.

Also, consider that the Joy-Con charge either via connecting to the Nintendo Switch or by the charging stand. If youve only got the Lite, youll need to invest in the charging stand. Browse all the latest cheap Nintendo Switch
game deals The new Nintendo Switch Lite undermines what made the original Switch so special Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite: software and interface Image credit: Nintendo Switch (Image credit: Future)

Much easier to explain is the consoles interface. The Switch has offered a clean, arguably barebones UI which has only seen minor incremental updates over the last two years, and the Lite will offer the same functionality.

This means youll have your friends list, your titles, and the eShop all at a touch or button press away. You can share screenshots, catch up on the latest Nintendo news, and access your settings just as you can on the full-fat Switch.

Youll be able to play multiplayer games like Splatoon 2 with friends regardless of which Switch model youre using, although a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online is required. This currently costs $3.99/3.49/AU$5.95)
a month, $7.99/6.99/ AU$11.95 for 90 days, or $19.99/17.99/AU$29.95 per year a family plan with eight accounts will set you back $34.99/31.49/AU$54.95.

Whether you have a Nintendo Switch or a Nintendo Switch Lite, then, youll be able to enjoy online play, cloud saves, and exclusive offers for members. The big draw here is the ability to play NES games, while any masochists will
also get access to Nintendos uniquely awful smartphone app too.

So there you have it, two Switch models to agonize over in preparation for your next holiday. Which will you be jumping into? Thankfully whichever you choose, youll be able to play a huge library of excellent games. Best
Nintendo Switch games : must-have games to play in 2021



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/nintendo-switch-vs-nintendo-switch-lite-is-bigg er-really-better/


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