For a few years now, the Nintendo Switch Lite has been a part of the portable gaming scene. And now, as we move even deeper into 2024, it seems like a good time to address this device all over again. With the entry of new models into the Switch lineup, the Switch Lite might have its place questioned, even as a budget model.
To be sure, though, that's why we're here to talk about it anyway. In the following blog post, we're going to dive into the ins and outs of the Switch Lite, as far as the new models coming in are concerned. We're also going to answer a few questions you might have, such as: "Can the Switch Lite still be played on the TV?"
But enough with the introduction—let's press on.
Design and Build:
One of the first things you will observe about the Nintendo Switch Lite is its trim and compact design. The Lite version is made for people who are often on the move. It is smaller than the standard Switch and fits nicely into the palms of your hands. It is also light, which is great if you carry it around a lot. The build quality is fantastic.Though it is obviously not as hefty as the regular Switch, it still feels solid and like a well-made piece of hardware. The buttons and joysticks are highly responsive, without any noticeable input lag. Overall, the controls are great and practically indistinguishable from those on the standard Switch. The Lite's screen is obviously smaller than the regular version's at 5.5 inches, but the image is vibrant, colorful, and sharp, making the gaming experience satisfying.
Gaming Performance:
In terms of gaming prowess, the Nintendo Switch Lite does not leave much to be desired. It runs on the same NVIDIA Tegra chip as the original Switch, so it handles all the games you throw at it with ease. The system is perfectly suited for playing robust action games and delightful puzzles alike. Battery life is a make-or-break point for handheld devices, and Switch Lite manages to pass that test, too.
On average, 3 to 7 hours of gaming are possible on a single charge, depending on the game. Some might desire more. Still, it's important to remember that the overall form factor of the system sets hard limits on just how much battery can be crammed inside it.
Game Library:
The Nintendo Switch Lite boasts an extensive game library, which is one of its most impressive features. It offers everything from in-house Nintendo masterpieces such as "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "Super Mario Odyssey" to must-play indie games and massive, multiplatform successes like "Mortal Kombat 11." In short, this handheld platform has it all.
However, its biggest advantage over other handhelds is the fact that it supports almost every game on the market. The only clear restriction seems to be that it doesn't demote any games that are reliant on the Joy-Con's motion controls. Fortunately, those are few and far between—or might be.
Cost in 2024:
Let's discuss the costs of a Nintendo Switch Lite in 2024. Now that we've seen a few years of new Switch consoles hitting the market, you might expect a more significant drop in the price of the "no-frills" Switch model. And while it's true that the Lite is way more affordable than its siblings, the reduction from the original 2021 price tag isn't as massive as some might have hoped for.
The Nintendo Switch Lite as of this year typically runs for about $180, give or take 20 dollars. And at that price point, you're still getting a console with a really impressive library of games and portability to boot.
Essential Accessories:
To ensure you get all the benefits you can out of your Nintendo Switch Lite, there are a few key accessories that any owner should consider. The first one is a good carrying case. This is something any handheld gaming system should have. Not only does it protect the device from damage, but it also keeps the screen from getting scratched up.
You can go for a basic case that's more or less a sleeve if that's your style, but there are options for something a bit more protective, too. Something with some actual substance to it that'll shield your device from an impact. There is no shortage of such cases on Amazon right now.
TV Connectivity:
The Nintendo Switch Lite is frequently questioned about its ability to play on TV. People want to know if this smaller version of the Nintendo Switch can offer the same home console experience as the larger and more expensive version. Unfortunately, while the original and newer versions of the Nintendo Switch come with an HDMI port that can output to a television, the Switch Lite does not have this capability.
It is just a handheld gaming system and cannot play on a TV. It is an excellent portable gaming device, though, offering all the great gameplay experiences of its larger sibling in a more compact form factor and at a cheaper price.
User Experience:
The user experience is something the Nintendo Switch Lite does particularly well; it feels as if it was designed from the ground up with simplicity and ease of use in mind. The console’s main menu is straightforward and uncomplicated, presenting you with your games in a way that almost begs you to pick them up. The touchscreen is very responsive, and although it does require a little more pressure to register a tap than my smartphone does, it still hasn’t missed a beat in any of the games I’ve played.
The controls on the Switch Lite feel good—really good. They offer up the kind of immediate satisfaction that I’ve always associated with Nintendo’s best work. It’s a supremely comfortable piece of hardware to hold and operate.
Durability:
The Nintendo Switch Lite is quite durable. Its construction is robust, consisting of a hard, heavy-duty plastic outer shell. This hardshell is a great way to protect the sensitive electronic components within from the bumps and knocks that may befall them during normal use. The hardshell, I find, is a good first line of defense.
The next is its screen. Now, the screen is where a device often exhibits the most wear and tear. Though it can happen, breaking a handheld's hard, solid-state sank in normal use is more exceptional than it is commonplace. It does not happen too often. Both the Switch Lite's screen and its construction are both of high quality, and they work together rather well.
The next is its screen. Now, the screen is where a device often exhibits the most wear and tear. Though it can happen, breaking a handheld's hard, solid-state sank in normal use is more exceptional than it is commonplace. It does not happen too often. Both the Switch Lite's screen and its construction are both of high quality, and they work together rather well.
Is the Nintendo Switch Lite worth it in 2024?
Absolutely. Despite the arrival of new Nintendo Switch devices, the Lite remains a great choice for people who want a portable, budget-friendly gaming unit. It's true that the Lite doesn't do everything that the regular Nintendo Switch does. For instance, the regular model can be docked and used to play games on a TV.
It also has motion controls, which the Lite does not. Still, if you're buying a Nintendo device primarily to serve as a portable gaming console, then the question boils down to what you're getting in the package. In the case of the Nintendo Switch Lite, the price and performance make it a fantastic option.