A Nintendo Switch Lite in turquoise, playing Super Mario Maker 2 Photo: Michael McWhertor/Polygon What colors are available? In addition, the Switch Lite comes with integrated controls rather than Joy-Cons. While you can connect up to four separate Joy-Cons wirelessly, you won't get an additional pair out of the box with the Lite.

The Nintendo Switch is larger and heavier than the Nintendo Switch Lite (yeah, I guess the name pretty much implies that). With a pair Joy-Con controllers attached to a Switch, the system weighs 0.88 lbs, compared to the Switch Lite, which weighs 0.61 lbs. However, the trade-off is that it can sometimes be difficult to read small in-game writing on a smaller screen. We had to hold the console closer to our faces to read some text. It's a minor issue but slightly odd for onlookers on a morning commute. If you’re looking to play the most popular Nintendo games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you can’t go wrong with either system. What’s the difference in size and screen size? The most popular brands for Nintendo continue to be the Super Mario series, Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda and FIFA.The ZL and ZR triggers feel perfect and help cement that snug fit. However, the L and R buttons are thinner than on the original Switch. Arguably a bit too thin, as we sometimes found our fingers slipping off them.Both models also allow wireless connectivity, Bluetooth headphones, and MicroSD cards to increase the 32GB internal storage. Despite the controllers being fixed, they offer mainly the same buttons as the original Switch – except the left, right, up, and down buttons, which have been replaced by a D-Pad, or Plus Control Pad, as Nintendo calls it. The D-Pad replacement feels natural, like it's always been there – and is undoubtedly more suited to handheld play. In terms of processing power, the Switch and Switch Lite are effectively identical. They have the same CPU/GPU combination, and can play all the same games (except games that specifically require TV mode, like party game 1-2 Switch). Both systems will display games at 720p on their screens, with similar performance. The standard Switch can output video to a TV at 1080p, but that feature is moot for the Switch Lite, since it can't output video at all. Screen Size The screen on the Switch light measures 5.5 inches across compared to 6.2 inches on the full-sized Nintendo Switch - both display a 720p resolution.

Firstly, this is MOST IMPORTANT - The Nintendo Switch Lite is technically not weaker than the standard model. The processor and memory equipment is just as good - and even more energy-efficient. This means about 30 minutes more battery life compared to the original. Compared to the new 2019 version, however, there is no such advantage. The display has shrunk by 0.7 inches to 5.5 inches, so it's even a little smaller than current phones. In addition to the TV output, the vibration function of the controller and the infrared camera for motion capture have also been left out. As a result, not all games are compatible with the Lite, but only those that explicitly support handheld mode. This is the majority, but titles like Super Mario Party, the Just Dance series and 1-2 Switch are missing. Changed Handling If you’re dedicated to gaming on the go, there’s a Nintendo Switch bundle for that too. The Nintendo Switch Lite is compact, lightweight and just right for taking out and about. Whether you’re playing outside, travelling, or joining in with friends and family playing on a flagship Nintendo Switch console, the Nintendo Switch Lite has handheld gaming covered. Compatible with microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC memory cards. Please read our microSD Card FAQ for more information on compatible microSD cards. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be played for roughly four hours on a single charge.

Dedicated to handheld play

At a hands-on preview event, a Nintendo representative explained that the console would be compatible with more devices than just the Joy-Cons, but what exactly would not be revealed until a later date. Between reminding us to use our Nintendo Switch reward points and adding Nintendo Switch software folders to better organize our library of games, a Nintendo Switch Online achievements system also went live. Elsewhere, you can now add friends through the Nintendo Switch Online companion app, available on iOS and Android mobiles. It means adding friends is easier than ever on Nintendo Switch. Please note: output via HDMI cable in TV mode. In tabletop mode and handheld mode, the maximum resolution is 1280x720, which matches the screen resolution.

The following games are unsuitable for the Switch Lite:1-2 Switch, Super Mario Party, and Nintendo Labo accessory kits. While games which require Rumble could be played with Joy-Cons attached, we found that trying to play with more than one person on the Lite's small screen isn't exactly practical - so we wouldn't advise trying to take on party games as the device wasn't built for this.

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The Switch Lite is available in four colors: yellow, turquoise, gray, and coral. They all look nice and are more understated than the bright colors of the Switch Joy-Cons. Additional reading Nintendo Switch is designed to go wherever you go, transforming from home console to handheld gaming system. So you can play the games you love, however and whenever you like.