While we patiently wait for updates on the approaching Nintendo Switch 2 , we ’re looking back at the original Switch consoles , as both still map solid gaming choice in 2025 .
We gave the handheldSwitch Litea four - star rating , concluding it ’s an “ excellent portable console ” for “ on - the - go ” gaming , while theNintendo Switchwas awarded a near - consummate 4.5 - star valuation , and hailed as “ an excellent gimmick ” . But how do the two really differ in terms of their eyeglasses , biz subroutine library and design ?
Keep reading to see who hail out on top in Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite . you’re able to also see how the consoles outrank in our good gaming cabinet listing too .
Pricing and Availability
The Nintendo Switch has an RRP of £ 259.99 which is slenderly cheap than it was upon its launching back in 2017 . Not only can you find deals or pile for the console table , but considering the Switch 2 is ask in the coming month , we would expect this price to drop even further in the near future .
The Nintendo Switch Lite is the cheaper of the two , with a starting RRP of £ 199.99/$199.99 . As an sure-enough console table , it ’s not strange to find business deal for the console , plus parcel offers which help oneself you save money on any special accessories .
Design
The most obvious difference of opinion between the Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch is that the latter has obliterable joyousness - inmate while the former ’s are fused to the cabinet .
The Nintendo Switch Lite is design with solo and handheld play in head whereas the Nintendo Switch is a more versatile console and can be played on a idiot box , in tabletop mode or handheld . It ’s worth take note that the Switch ’s kickstand is very narrow and unconvincing and hard to habituate when not placed on a solid surface .
Nintendo updated both its Switch and Switch Lite to supportBluetooth , which allows you to associate the console to wireless headphones . Otherwise , the two consoles also sport a 3.5 mm audio jack for pumped up connections if you ’d prefer .
Speaking of ports , the Switch boasts a higher number than its counterpart . While both include a USB - cytosine and SD bill time slot for expanding storage , the Switch also includes a HDMI cable television , three USB - A ports and a bobtail for connecting the console to the boob tube .
Even so , the Switch does lack anEthernetport , so if you have a piteous internet connection then it may be deserving believe theNintendo Switch OLEDinstead .
victor : Nintendo Switch
Screen
At 6.2 - inches , the Nintendo Switch sits firmly in - between the seven - column inch Switch OLED and the 5.2 - column inch Switch Lite .
Both the Switch and Switch Lite have a 720p resolution , however we found that since the Lite is small which means the pixels do n’t need to be stretched out as much as the standard console , the show looks slightly clearer .
Having said that , when the Switch is dock its resolution pileus uprise to 1080p which , although is a welcome rise , doubtlessly still looks dull compared to theSwitch OLED .
Winner : Nintendo Switch Lite
Battery Life
It ’s difficult to determine the battery life of a games console table as there ’s a routine of factor which affect its accusation , such as the game eccentric and screen brightness .
We found more intensive titles , such asSuper Smash Bros UltimateandThe Legend of Zelda : intimation of the Wildoffered around four time of day of battery on the Switch Lite while less intensive game such as Untitled Goose Game squeezed out more stamp battery .
While the Switch Lite has never experience a stamp battery rise from Nintendo , all Switch console table purchased after 2019 benefit from an improved battery life and can last between four and nine 60 minutes . On average we found the Switch took around five and a half 60 minutes to drain when playingKirby ’s Return to Dream Land Deluxeat full brightness .
UI and Social
When it comes to UI , there ’s very little that separates the Switch Lite and Switch . Most notably , both are dedicated gaming consoles without sustenance for apps such as Netflix , Disney Plus or Youtube . While we take account this , if you ’d prefer a more all - rounder cabinet then you should turn over something like aSteam DeckorROG Ally Xinstead .
Both consoles have a touchscreen which makes navigation simple and streamlined . you may also have up to eight profiles saved on either console and are actuate to break up which profile you want to use when set out a game or enter the e - shop class .
Both consoles have a dedicated screenshot button on the left of the screen . All screenshots can be transport to social media and to a phone via a QR codification , or to a computer via USB - C. It ’s a severely prosperous process , specially when compared to the PS5 .
victor : It ’s a tie
Games
Due to the deficiency of detachable joy - cons , there are certain title that are n’t playable on the Switch Lite , such asSuper Mario Party , Nintendo Switch Sportsand 1 - 2 Switch . Although theoretically this can be remedied by buying and connecting controller , the Lite ’s lack of kickstack means this is difficult to perform .
With this in mind , if you want to playact motion controller or multiplayer deed then you should go for the Switch instead .
Otherwise , Nintendo boasts a gravid biz library although it does miss the same grade of third - party reenforcement as Microsoft and Sony . Instead , most of the Switch ’s standout deed are developed by Nintendo itself , include the Pokemon , Mario and Zelda series .
Having said that , there are still a in effect motley of third - party titles on Switch such as Hades and Portal Companion Selection . you could also access titles such asResident Evil VillageandHitman 3via the Cloud , but you ’ll need to have a reliable wireless internet connexion to make the most of this .
Final Verdict
basically the decision between the Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch falls to how you plan on using the console . If you need a dedicated hand-held console that ’s more affordable , and you do n’t mind missing out on sure games , then the Nintendo Switch Lite is a great selection .
On the other hand , if you want a console that connects to the television for wanton multi - player use and lots of game livelihood then the Nintendo Switch is a better option .
Still not confident ? OurNintendo Switch vs Switch OLEDarticle can facilitate you decide whether you should invest in the costly console , while our preemptiveNintendo shift 2 vs Switchmight make you consider holding off for the new release .
