Nintendo is a Japanese company famous for its handheld gaming devices. Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite are two different gaming devices launched by Nintendo in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
Both devices are somehow similar to each other but also have many differences.
Key Takeaways
- Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that can be used as both a home and a portable console, while Nintendo Switch Lite is a purely portable console.
- Nintendo Switch has detachable Joy-Con controllers, while the Nintendo Switch Lite has built-in controllers.
- Nintendo Switch has a larger screen, longer battery life, and more storage capacity than the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch is a video game console released in 2017 with a wireless joy-con with motion sensors. The handheld device has a 6.2-inch screen with a battery life of up to 6.5 hours. Nintendo Switch lite is a handheld console with a fixed d-pad controller released in 2019. Its touch screen is 5.5 inches long with 7 hours of battery life.
Nintendo Switch was launched in March 2017 with a lot of features. It comprises three modes to give users a different gaming experience and a screen size of 6.2 inches with detachable joys.
It supports all games in three modes to play with friends and family.
Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld gaming device by Nintendo, launched in September 2019. It only has a handheld gaming mode and supports only handheld mode games.
It has a screen size of 5.5 inches with a fixed joystick. It is a handheld device that can be carried anywhere in a pocket, bag, etc.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Play modes | It has a TV mode, Tabletop mode, and Handheld mode. | It has Handled mode only. |
| Controller | It has a detachable controller called joy-cons. | It has a fixed D-pad controller. |
| Screen | It has a touch screen of size 6.2-inch. | It has a touch screen of 5.5-inch. |
| Battery Life | It gives about 2.5 to 6.5 hours of gaming. It also has some other models with extra battery life. | It has only one model, which gives approximately 3 to 7 hours of gaming. |
| Compatible Games | It supports all Nintendo Switch games. | It supports only all handheld supported Nintendo Switch games. |
What is Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo Switch is a Handheld gaming device available with three modes of gaming. It was launched in March 2017. It has a 6.2-inch touch screen with a detachable joystick.
It contains a rechargeable battery that gives a life of approximately 2.5 to 7.5 hours of gameplay and 4.5 to 9 hours with its other model.
Its hardware has 3 units. One touch screen panel, two detachable controllers, and a switch dock.
It can be attached to the TV by putting it in the switch dock and attaching it to the TV using an HDMI cable. Users can play games using the separable Joycon pro-controllers when connected to a TV.
It also includes a kickstand, making it stand on a plane surface. This feature is used to play games in tabletop mode with friends and family.
Finally, it is portable, so a gamer can put it in his pocket, take it anywhere, and play games whenever he wants.
It has storage of 32 GB, which can be increased up to 2 TB using a microSDHC or microSDXC card. Games can be stored in the storage, or the user can buy Nintendo game cards available in the market. It also has a 3.5mm jack to connect headphones.
These features make it a perfect gaming device for a gamer.
What is Nintendo Switch Lite?
Nintendo Switch Lite is a later version of Nintendo Switch that launched in September 2019. It has a 5.5-inch touchscreen with a fixed joystick.
A 3570mAh lithium-ion battery gives it 3 to 7 hours of gaming sessions and takes 3 hours to charge for the next session fully.
It is smaller, making it easy to carry and a completely portable device, so it has only one handheld mode to play games and supports all Nintendo Switch games that support handheld mode. Its limited features make it a cheaper version of the Nintendo Switch.
It has only one unit, its gaming console, with a D-pad controller. Like Nintendo Switch, it has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity and a 3.5mm jack to connect headphones.
It also has a type-C port to connect the charger and a slot to put microSD cards when extra storage is needed.
It has the same methods as Nintendo Switch to download or Play games. It is a lite version of Nintendo Switch, but it has sold about 10 million units within one year of its launch, making it a favourite choice of gamers even after having limited features.
Main Differences Between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite
- The main difference between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite is that Nintendo Switch has three modes to play games, but the latter has only one mode to play games.
- Nintendo Switch has a console, two detachable joy-con, a pro controller, and a switch dock. On the other hand, Nintendo Switch Lite has only a gaming console.
- Nintendo Switch supports all Nintendo Switch games, whereas Nintendo Switch Lite supports only games with handheld mode.
- Nintendo Switch has a larger screen of 6.2 inches but a lesser battery life. On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch Lite screen size is 5.5 inches and gives more battery life.
- Nintendo Switch has one other model with improved battery life, while Nintendo Switch Lite has only one model.
- https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2:1441718
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-51828-8_103
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
I wish the article delved deeper into the consumer feedback and experience with these devices, instead of just listing their technical specs and features. More user testimonials would have been beneficial.
Valid point, Jim70. User experiences and real-world performance are crucial aspects, and it’d be valuable to include them in the comparison.
I would’ve liked to see more in-depth details about the gaming experience on each device and how they perform in real-world scenarios. Technical specifications are important, but practical performance matters too.
The breakdown of technical specifications and features is thorough and precise. This article fulfills the need for a detailed comparative analysis of these gaming consoles.
Absolutely, Palmer Julia. The level of detail in explaining the distinct attributes of the devices is highly commendable.
The article successfully offers valuable insights into the differences between the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite. It serves as a reliable source of information for prospective buyers.
Absolutely, James Graham. As an informed consumer, having access to such detailed comparisons is immensely beneficial in making an educated purchase decision.
The article effectively highlights the features and functionalities of the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, providing significant insights into their respective capabilities and limitations.
The article presents a clear delineation between the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the differences between the two devices.
This article provides a comprehensive comparison of two popular gaming devices, making it easier for potential buyers to make informed decisions. Well done!
I agree, very well-researched and informative article. Thanks for the valuable insights!
Absolutely! I appreciate the detailed analysis of each device’s features and specifications. Great job!
The in-depth breakdown of the key differences and advantages of both devices provides valuable insights for prospective buyers. A well-structured comparison indeed!
Completely agree, Blewis. It’s an excellent resource for anyone considering a purchase and needing to understand the features and functionality of these consoles.
The thorough and detailed comparison table is especially beneficial for readers looking for a quick reference. Well-presented and comprehensive.
The article effectively captures the key distinctions between the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite. It’s informative and helps readers grasp the fundamental differences between the two devices.
Well articulated, Yrobinson. The article’s clarity in explaining the unique features of each device is commendable.
I concur, Yrobinson. The information provided here is beneficial and serves as an excellent guide for making an informed decision.
The comparison table is a useful summary of the main differences between the two devices. This article effectively presents the information in a clear and concise manner.
Absolutely, I found the table to be a great visual aid for comparing the devices’ features. It enhances the overall clarity of the article.
I couldn’t agree more, Ewright. The side-by-side comparison makes it easy to understand their distinctions.