The perfect console for on-the-go gamers

Oct 30, 2019 03:12 GMT  ·  By

There's no doubt that Nintendo hit the jackpot with the Switch, so the launch of slightly cheaper iteration shouldn't be surprising. After many rumors that suggested the existence of a smaller Switch console, Nintendo finally introduced the device and promised to bring it to market on September 20.

The Switch Lite retains all the hardware capabilities of the original model but features a more compact form factor. To bring the price lower, Nintendo removed some of the features that the Switch offers, like the option to connect it to a TV and the addition of a dock. Another major difference is that the Switch Lite does not come with Joy-Cons, instead, they have been embedded directly into the console's body and can't be removed.

Also, the arrow buttons on the left Joy-Con of the regular Switch console have been replaced with a sturdy D-pad that's more suitable for on the go gaming. One other difference between the two consoles is the display. The original Switch boasts a larger 6.2-inch display, whereas the Switch Lite comes with a much smaller 5.2-inch screen. Granted the quality remains the same, you'll still have trouble reading anything on the screen in direct sunlight.

Both displays offer 720p resolution, but the Switch Lite's screen is sharper due to the smaller size. Quality-wise, the size won't reflect negatively on gameplay, but some games are a nightmare to play due to the small fonts. One example is Fire Emblem: Three Houses where you need to read a lot of text that will help you customize your party before going into battle. In some cases, it's not just the size of the font, but also the type that makes it hard to read on smaller screens.

Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch Lite vs. Nintendo Switch
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The Switch Lite is smaller and lighter than the Switch, but not by much. The Lite model weighs 275g, compared to the 297g weight of the original Switch, so it's just about 25g that sets them apart. What really makes a difference is the compact form factor of the Switch Lite, which is more akin to handhelds.

Although the consoles are just as thick (13.9mm), the Switch Lite measures 91.1 x 208mm, as opposed to the original Switch's 102 x 239mm dimensions. The Switch Lite feels better and more comfortable in hand than then standard Switch. You get better grip playing games on the Switch Lite in handheld mode, which is understandable considering that Nintendo focused on portability above all else.

Performance-wise, the Switch Lite is on par with the regular model, as it should be. I did not notice any dropped frames or other technical issues during my gameplay sessions, at least none that weren't present on the standard Switch as well.

One of the most important aspects of portable devices is battery life. Since it sports a smaller display, Switch Lite should provide better battery life than the original Switch, at least in theory.

It's not easy to determine how much battery life you get on the Switch Lite in comparison with the regular model since it depends on the games you play. However, we can confirm there's a noticeable difference between the two when it comes to battery life, and that it's in Switch Lite's favor.

To put it bluntly, if you're getting about 4 hours of battery life on the Switch playing Zelda: Link's Awakening, you can expect to get at least 30 more minutes of battery life on the Switch Lite.

Conclusion

Although the Switch Lite improves on the original model when it comes to aspects like portability, battery life, and controls, it does lack some important features like TV output and detachable Joy-Cons.

If you already own the standard Switch console, I don't think these improvements warrant another purchase. The Switch Lite is definitely not an upgrade to the original Switch, but it's neither a downgrade. Each has different audiences and while the Switch Lite is $100 cheaper than the regular model, I don't think that will prevent someone from getting the expensive console if he/she thinks it better suits their gaming habits.

Naturally, some of the compromises that Nintendo had to make to turn its console into a budget-friendly product are hard to chew, especially the lack of TV output support. Not to mention that you won't be able to play games that require the use of detachable Joy-Cons like Arms and Ring Fit Adventure unless you buy a pair separately.

I wouldn't put the lack of a kickstand among the negatives since this specific accessory would only make sense if the console would have packed TV output support. I can't think of a scenario where you will need a kickstand with the Switch Lite, so the lack of one isn't a big deal.

Switch Lite, just like its bigger brother, is a great piece of hardware for the price you pay. It's the perfect console for gamers who like to play on the go, just as much as they play while at home. If you're considering buying one, I'd say Nintendo's Switch Lite is a great investment.


The Good

+ Compact form factor + Improved battery life + Sturdy D-pad controls + Great price

The Bad

- Lack of TV output - Smaller screen - No detachable Joy-Cons

Nintendo Switch pictures (8 Images)

Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch LiteNintendo Switch Lite
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