Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite: Which One Is Better For You?

Nintendo is making a big Switch.

Recently, the Japanese game conglomerate announced Nintendo Switch Lite, a portable version of their flagship console, Nintendo Switch. Switch Lite is touted to be lighter in size with better battery life but it comes with several downgrades from its predecessor.

Let’s be honest. Nintendo products could cost a fortune especially in Malaysia so it’s important to decide which Switch is suitable to play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild, Mario Kart 8 or upcoming Pokemon Sword and Shield. I’ll help you to explore both of the consoles and see which one works for you.

Nintendo Switch Lite: For Your Eyes Only

Source: YouTube

If you’re looking to play games anywhere you like, then you have met your match. Nintendo Switch Lite is designed exclusively for handheld play. Despite its smaller 5.5″ screen and lightweight appearance, Switch Lite is still retaining touchscreen display and 720p screen resolution. Another game changer is the introduction of directional pad (d-pad). This feature comes in handy as the main unit and its controls are infused into one handheld device and Switch Lite will not come with detachable Joy-Cons. The disappearance of Joy-Cons means there is no HD rumble or IR motion sensor. Without Joy-Cons, some games like Pokemon Let’s Go, ARMS, and 1-2 Switch are using motion sensing to enhance the gameplay. If you still want to play 1-2 Switch (the only full motion control game in Switch), you need to buy additional Joy-Cons to enjoy it.

To fit with on-the-go play, Switch Lite cannot be played on your big TV screen because it’s missing a dock and also a kickstand so you cannot place on tabletop mode. You can play all the games that Nintendo Switch has to offer but to be safe, you can refer the handheld icon symbol at the back of the box or find the symbol on Nintendo eShop’s product page to know if it supports handheld Switch Lite play. Switch Lite is said to have better battery life, which you can play Breath of the Wild up to 4 hours compared to 3 hours play with the original model. 

Nintendo Switch Lite was announced with a cheaper retail price of USD$200 in the US and the pricing for Malaysia/Southeast Asia is yet to be confirmed. I think the price will be around RM825 or it can be cheaper depending on the currency exchange rate or the distributor. It will come in three colours: yellow, grey or turquoise as well as the Pokemon Sword and Shield special edition that will hit stores this 20 September. 

Nintendo Switch: Best Of Both Worlds

Source: CNET

Nintendo Switch is built to fit the comfort of the home console and portable device. It has a larger 6.2″ touchscreen and slightly heavier than Switch Lite. Switch comes with the dock, which allows you to broadcast and boost the resolution of gameplay to 1080p on TV. The detachable Joy-Cons on both sides of Switch and the built-in kickstand give easier access to a local co-op and multiplayer. 

You can also play Switch on-the-go with battery life lasted up to 3 hours depending on which software or games you play. Switch offers a bigger game library with HD Rumble embedded in Joy-Cons so you have no problem to play 1-2 Switch. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose console, Switch is perfect for you. 

As for Nintendo Switch, its current price retails around RM1,199. The special editions such as the yellow and brown Pokemon Let’s Go or the red Super Mario Bros option can hike up to RM1,700. The standard version comes in two colours: neon red and blue or grey.

Will you be getting Nintendo Switch Lite when it’s launched or you will stick to the original Nintendo Switch? Tell us why in the comments via Facebook. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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