Companies rarely only release one version of their main console anymore. For example, Xbox has the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. As forNintendo, the company has released a few different versions of theSwitch, including the regular one and theNintendo Switch Lite. The original Switch can be docked on your TV or function like a handheld system. The Lite, on the other hand, is a full-fledged handheld console.
This all makes it a bit more complicated when you’re trying to buy the latest system. After all, how are you meant to know which is the right console for you? To make things easier, here is an in-depth comparison of the regular Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Updated on June 26, 2025, by Sai Vsr:In this update, we discuss the display and portability of these two consoles. Read to find out more.
Display And Portability
Let’s dive right into the noticeable difference in physical designs between the Switch and the Switch Lite. The conventional, trusty, and universally adored Nintendo Switch stands out with its unique hybrid design. It’s a stroke of genius in flexibility - simply phenomenal as a home console for an evening of chill, and equally reliable as your reliable portable amusement unit.With a 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen and individual Joy-Con controllers, it effortlessly transitions between the two modes.
Dock the handheld into the provided station, connect the TV via HDMI, and just like that, you’re gaming on a larger screen. In handheld mode, the Switch is quite large for a portable device, measuring 9.4 x 4.0 x 0.55 inches and weighing 0.88 pounds with the Joy-Cons attached. While it’s still very portable, it’s not nearly as pocket-friendly as dedicated handheld gaming devices.
On the flip side, The Nintendo Switch Lite is a portable-only gadget,trimmed down to a 5.5-inch touchscreen, and lacking the ability to bee-line to your TV. Out go the detachable Joy-Cons and in comes built-in controls, all in a neat little package that’s a breeze to carry around. At 8.2 x 3.6 x 0.55 inches and a featherweight 0.61 pounds, it’s clear as daylight that this little fella isall about mobility.
So, when it comes to design and ease of portability, the standard Switch gives you the freedom to go from handheld to TV mode, whereas the Switch Lite shines in its compact and travel-friendly design. Your pick would basically come down to whether you fancy having the option to game on your TV or whether easy portability is the star player in your gaming playbook.
Performance
When comparing two versions of the same console, one is usually more powerful and, therefore, performs better than the other. For instance, inthe battle between the Xbox Series X and Series S, the former certainly runs games better.
However, there is no performance difference between the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite. This is because their internal hardware is pretty similar. They both have the same CPU and storage. This makes sense since, even though the original Switch can be played on a TV, it’s really still a handheld system like the Lite.
That being said, because of its ability to be put on the television, the original Switch can have a higher resolution. It can go up to 1080p when docked. But when it’s in handheld mode, its resolution is the same as what the Lite offers. It also has a slightly larger screen, which you may prefer.
Games
Naturally, the Switch Lite can onlyplay games that allow for handheld mode. Now, this encompasses most of the Switch games that have been released, but some don’t allow it. For instance, titles that include a form of motion control can’t be played in handheld mode.
Yet, there is a way around several of them. you’re able to connect a joy-con to your Switch Lite and play in tabletop mode. Unfortunately, though, the joy-con is sold separately. Plus, the Lite doesn’t come with a stand to hold the system up while you play. This is needed in tabletop mode since your console will serve as the screen, and you’ll have joy-cons in your hands, so you can’t hold the console, too. You can try to use something nearby to prop it up or buy a separate stand.
The original Switch, on the other hand, can play any Switch game quite easily.
Cost
As the Switch Lite is smaller and doesn’t include a docking station or the ability to connect to the TV, it’s naturally cheaper than the original. Of course, the exact pricing varies based on the retailer and whether there is currently a sale going on.
In general, though, the original Switch is usually around $100 more expensive than the Lite version. So, it’s a fairly significant price difference. And while the exact cost of either will fluctuate, there will always be a gap between the two.
Travel Suitability
Both consoles can be used adequately while traveling. Yet, the Switch Lite is definitely the better of the two in this department. This is down to the system being smaller and more lightweight than the original. The regular Switch can feel a bit big when you’re traveling around with it.
It does have a slightly better battering life, though, which is useful for a handheld. However, ‘slightly’ is the correct word, as the regular Switch can last between four to nine hours, while the Lite stays active for around three to seven hours. Therefore, there isn’t a dramatic difference, and it isn’t enough to offset the more suitable size of the Switch Lite.
Moving Parts
Considering that the Switch has several moving parts - the screen, two Joy-Cons, and a dock - the chances of one of these breaking down is much higher. That’s not to say that the Switch Lite can’t possibly get spoilt or broken, but, fewer parts usually means fewer problems.
The flipside to this is that the base Switch allows you to simply get a new Joy-Con if one is spoilt, whereas the Switch Lite will need to be sent in for repair if there’s some issue with the thumbsticks.
Conclusion
Neither Switch can be considered the overall best. It comes more down to what you want to use it for. If you’re looking for a system to use almost exclusively while traveling or while out of the house, then the Switch Lite is the one to go for. Not only is it more suited for handheld use, but there’s no point in paying that extra money for the docking features if you aren’t playing on using them.
Alternatively, if you aren’t interested in taking your Switch on adventures, and you’re just going to be playing the console at home, then the regular Switch is likely the best choice. After all, it’s easier to play every type of game, and gaming on a TV feels much better than using a little screen.
FAQ
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Switch Lite?
The main disadvantage of a Switch Lite is that it doesn’t have the flexibility of a regular Switch since it is only a handheld system. But it isn’t limited in regards to hardware or performance.
Is It Worth Getting A Switch In 2023?
It’s unclear what the future of Nintendo consoles is, as the company hasn’t yet announced a new system. So, right now, any version of the Switch is still worth getting if you have the money and are interested in its games.
