Buying a switch lite

[Paul129]

Hi, i am lookiing to buy a switch lite and wondered if is a good handheld i already have a wii u so didnt want another console. I have a ps vita that plays the retro games but wanted to play modern nintendo games. Advice please.

 

[emcintosh]

It’s smaller than the standard Switch1 but plays the same games. Many owners seem to like it. But I would prefer a regular one. The Lite it has several downsides compared to the dockable models. Obviously you don’t have the option of playing it on the TV. But you’re also stuck with the built-in controls, vs. being able to swap to a more comfortable controller, play with separate controllers that are clipped onto the console by default rather than brought along in addition, or replace a drifting stick without disassembling the console itself. It has no rumble. And it’s the newer hardware revision (better battery life but needs a modchip rather than a jig to hack).

 

[Paul129]

Its my birthday soon and my wife wants to buy a console for me also my grand kids would play with it. As i have a nintendo wii u and a ps 4 the tv inputs are full. I like nintendo games and handheld pc are pricey. Thanks for the reply.

 

[master801]

The Switch in general is nice to have, but honestly I use it more as an Android tablet rather than a game console because of how cheap it is compared to a similar spec tablet (specifically the 4GB of RAM).

If you enjoy modern Nintendo games, then the Switch is for you. If you don't, then, well, you know lol

You can always try before you buy since we're so advanced

 

[CMDreamer]

I own a PS Vita (used mainly for emulation), which I rarely use after I've bought my Switch Lite and a Switch Pro Controller.

I love playing games on my Lite using the Pro Controller, and a standing base for the Switch, as it makes it more comfortable.

If you want to play recent Nintendo games, I do recommend a Switch Lite, easy to carry out, and hold when playing, even more if you get an ergonomic TPU protective case, it really improves the feeling.

As an extra move, I've replaced the joysticks of both, the Switch Lite and the Pro Controller with TMR joysticks, I'd say its really worth it.

 

[Paul129]

Thanks for all the great advice this is a great forum for gaming. I have a wii u pro controller that would work with the switch lite if i got a blutooth conector.

 

[voddy]

If you are "strong" you could just get a regular switch oled (they are not too expensive). Its a bit heavier than switch lite but it can be connected to a tv if you ever want to play multiplayer games. With the lite you cant do that (officially).

The lite is easier to play for longer sessions as it doesnt weight so much.

But remember:
You can totally play the oled version in handheld mode and your battery lasts longer too. Theres no need to dock it - but you could if you need! If you want something smaller without TV dock compatibility - just go with the lite (worse display, worse battery). On the other hand the Lite is super cheap.

 

[VmprHntrD]

The Lite is largely a poor choice, unless you only want to play in handheld mode. If you want to share with others, I mean, you can, but you'll need to find a way to balance the Lite on a table since it has no stand. Then you would have to get some joycons or other bluetooth controllers and sync them to the system. It can be done, my kid until she accidentally destroyed it has a LITE and I linked my pro controller to it a few years ago to play a game with her on the couch.

She currently has an OLED basic white model. It has far more durability than the standard switch, but nothing is quite as tough as the lite as it's thick and just one big chunk of a handheld.

You said you have a loaded up tv as a concern, you also seemed concerned about game prices? Personally unless you have to buy a new one, look at the second hand market for an OLED Switch complete in the box that looks lightly used/cared for. You can buy them for right around $200 which is HALF OFF the current price of $400 due to the memory/storage shortages caused by the market. Switch Lite you usually end up paying $100-120 used, seems kind of dumb to cut yourself short.

If those game prices scare you, most switch games even new top out at $60 at retail, but on the bottom end new can be $20 at retail too. Again if you would be willing to buy gently used second hand games, you can get most Switch games you'd likely care about for $40-50 at most, as cheap as perhaps $10-15 (before shipping online.) If you are ok with digital, watch dekudeals.com or get on Nintendo store's update mailer as they do daily, weekly, monthly, holiday and special event sales where games usually are 25-75% off (usually 30-50% on the better loved stuff.)

Being a Switch owner can be pretty cheap very cheap against the PC, Sony, MS and even Switch2 market too.

 

[Paul129]

Thanks for all this great advice. I have found out that the switch lite is being retired next year because nintendo is bringing out a new generation in hardware. I will try to convince my wife to get a switch instead of a lite.

 

[emcintosh]

Thanks for all this great advice. I have found out that the switch lite is being retired next year because nintendo is bringing out a new generation in hardware. I will try to convince my wife to get a switch instead of a lite.

This is the right decision : ).

But all Switch1 models are being discontinued in Europe - partly to drive sales of the Switch2, but also presumably because Nintendo don't want the faff of making a new Switch1 version with a user-replaceable battery. Hopefully you can find one cheap from someone who's upgrading.