Switch Lite Review
By Milan Vuletic and Harrison Reisner
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a cheaper alternative version of the Nintendo Switch system. The original Switch’s gimmick was the ability to take it anywhere you want in portable mode and to be able to use it on the big screen in docked mode. However, the Switch Lite is only available to play in handheld mode. It also doesn’t work with certain games that require the Joy-cons. However, most games don’t require them, and therefore can run on both the Switch and the Switch Lite. Is it still worth it? Let’s find out!
Compared to the standard Switch, the Switch Lite lives up to its name with a 5.5 inch screen compared to the 6.2 inch screen on the standard Switch. The Switch Lite is also about 30% lighter compared to the standard Switch, making it even easier to carry around. However, to reach the $200 price point, certain compromises had to be made, such as the removal of the kickstand which allowed for easier multiplayer play. The Switch Lite also lacked the Joy-cons, which allowed for playing with other people on the fly. However, the Switch Lite provides an alternative. Up to eight people, each with Switch Lites, can get close together and connect via wireless connection in games that support multiplayer. The Switch Lite also got rid of the directional buttons with a proper d-pad with made the controls even more smooth.
On the contrary though, the Switch Lite has about 30 minutes more battery life than the standard Switch. The Switch Lite gets about 3-7 hours of battery life compared to the 2.5-6.5 hours on the standard Switch. The Switch’s battery life is mostly determined by which game it is currently running, as some games require more processing power. When I got to try out the feel of the Switch Lite, it felt extremely comfortable to hold, especially on the back. However, the Switch Lite might feel a little small in someone with big hands.
In conclusion, the Switch Lite is a “lighter” version of the Switch. I think it is still too expensive for all the features that were removed. The removed features add up to about $160. So, if you were to purchase the removed items, you would pay more than the standard Switch. But if you’re on a budget, the Switch Lite might be for you. The Switch Lite is great for kids and people that travel a lot who don’t really have time to play at home. I think the next step for Nintendo would be a Switch Pro that would have more features and be more expensive than the standard Switch.
