Nintendo Switch vs. Nintendo Switch Lite: Which One Should You Choose?
Whether you're a couch co-op fan, a solo adventurer on the go, or someone buying their first gaming system, choosing the right version of the Switch matters.
Since its launch, the Nintendo Switch has become a staple in gaming thanks to its unique hybrid design, offering both handheld and docked play. But then came the Nintendo Switch Lite—a smaller, more affordable version focused purely on handheld gaming.
At first glance, they look similar. But the differences between them go far beyond size and price. Whether you're a couch co-op fan, a solo adventurer on the go, or someone buying their first gaming system, choosing the right version of the Switch matters.
This breakdown will help you determine which console best suits your lifestyle by comparing them in key areas. So, let's get right into it.
Design
The Nintendo Switch is designed to be adaptable. It’s a hybrid console that transforms from handheld to docked TV mode or tabletop multiplayer with ease. At 9.4 inches wide with Joy-Cons attached and weighing around 398 grams, it’s compact enough for travel but big enough to feel like a home console when docked.
The removable Joy-Cons give it instant multiplayer potential, and its built-in kickstand lets you prop it up just about anywhere. Its materials are solid, though the kickstand feels flimsy and doesn’t always hold up well with regular use.
Still, the overall build is durable and offers enough grip and balance to make extended handheld play comfortable.
The Switch Lite, meanwhile, is built for simplicity. It’s smaller (about 8.2 inches wide) and much lighter at just 277 grams. It drops the modular Joy-Cons in favor of a solid, unibody design, which actually improves durability and makes it easier to carry in bags or pockets.
Its compact form factor is perfect for kids, commuters, or anyone who values grab-and-go gaming. However, you lose the ability to use it for local multiplayer right out of the box, and there’s no built-in stand or TV mode.
Winner: Nintendo Switch. Its hybrid build and detachable controllers offer far more flexibility.
Ports and Connectivity
Ports and connectivity may not be the flashiest features, but they seriously impact how you use the device day-to-day. The Nintendo Switch includes a USB-C port for charging and docking, a microSD card slot for expanding storage, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and built-in Bluetooth support for wireless headphones and controllers.
It also ships with a dock that includes an HDMI-out port and three USB ports. This setup gives the Switch desktop console-level functionality when docked.
On the other hand, the Switch Lite keeps things minimal. It includes the same USB-C charging port, headphone jack, microSD card slot, and Bluetooth support.
But there’s no dock, no HDMI-out, and no way to connect it to a display — it’s strictly handheld. You also lose the USB ports that come with the standard Switch’s dock, which limits your accessory options without third-party workarounds.
Winner: Nintendo Switch. It offers far more in terms of connectivity, external display support, and flexibility with accessories.
Screen
The Nintendo Switch features a 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen with 720p resolution. It's bright, colourful, and works well across various lighting conditions. While it doesn’t match OLED-level quality (unless you're buying the OLED model), it’s still one of the better handheld screens on the market. Plus, you can blow up your game to 1080p when docked, which gives you extra versatility.
The Switch Lite, however, has a smaller 5.5-inch screen, also at 720p. Thanks to its smaller size, the screen actually looks sharper. Pixel density is higher, making images and text slightly crisper. It’s a subtle difference, but noticeable if you’re used to handheld play. However, you can’t scale this experience up onto a bigger display, so you’re locked into that 5.5-inch view.
Winner: Nintendo Switch. It offers a larger screen and provides versatility thanks to its docking mechanism.
Performance
Both consoles feature the same NVIDIA Tegra X1 chipset and 4GB of RAM, so from a technical perspective, they’re evenly matched. Games like Mario Odyssey, Smash Bros., and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom run similarly across both devices, with no significant differences in frame rate or load times during handheld use.
However, the Switch has the added advantage of supporting 1080p output when docked, while both devices run at 720p in handheld mode. It doesn’t process games any faster in docked mode, but the increased resolution makes visuals look crisper on larger screens.
Moreover, there are a few games you can't play on the Switch Lite, such as Super Mario Party, Nintendo Switch Sports and 1-2 Switch. This is due to the lack of detachable Joy-Cons.
Winner: Tie. Both consoles deliver the same horsepower. Unless you're docking to a big screen, you’ll get the same smooth gameplay experience either way.
Battery Life
Nintendo improved the battery life of the standard Switch in 2019 with model HAC-001(-01), and the results are solid. Depending on the game, you’ll get between 4.5 to 9 hours of play, with most titles averaging around 5.5 to 6 hours. That’s plenty for travel, long gaming sessions, or weekend marathons.
The Switch Lite offers a smaller battery due to its compact size. Expect between 3 to 7 hours, depending on the game. In most real-world cases, heavy titles like Breath of the Wild will give you around 4 hours before needing a charge.
Winner: Nintendo Switch. The larger battery wins out for longer sessions.
Price
Price is one of the clearest differences. The Nintendo Switch typically retails for $299.99, and often comes in bundles with games like Mario Kart or Animal Crossing. For what it offers, it’s fairly priced, but it’s still a $300 investment.
The Switch Lite, at $199.99, is significantly cheaper. It’s one of the best-value gaming devices around, especially considering that it plays nearly the full Switch library. If you’re buying for kids, on a tight budget, or just don’t need docking and Joy-Cons, it’s hard to beat that value.
Winner: Nintendo Switch Lite. It brings high-quality gaming to more people for less money.
Final Verdict
The Nintendo Switch is the better all-around console. It offers flexible play styles, superior connectivity, better battery life, and multiplayer-ready hardware. It’s the best choice for gamers who want the full Switch experience at home and on the go.
Meanwhile, the Switch Lite is the perfect option for more casual players, solo adventurers, younger gamers, or anyone who prioritizes portability and price. It delivers everything great about the Switch library in a compact, no-fuss package.
Both consoles are excellent; it just depends on how (and where) you like to play.
Kelechi Edeh
