Since Nintendo announced the Switch Lite, the new version of their handheld console the Nintendo Switch, people have been doing a lot of talking about it. People that haven't yet picked up a Nintendo Switch are talking about finally grabbing a Switch Lite when it comes out so they can play all the games on the system and people that already have a Switch are wondering if they should sell their system and buy one of these instead.
If you're one of the people that already owns a Nintendo Switch and you're trying to decide whether or not it would be worth it to sell it or pass it on to a loved one in order to pick up a Switch Lite, there are a lot of things to consider.
To see 5 reasons to buy a Nintendo Switch Lite and 5 reasons to keep your original Nintendo Switch, keep reading!
10 Buy: The Price Is Appealing
We all know that video games and consoles can get pretty expensive. Although it's totally worth it for video game lovers to pay up for the systems that they want to pick up, the fact that the Nintendo Switch Lite is set to hit the shelves for a price of $200 makes it a pretty appealing choice.
For comparison, the Nintendo Switch is currently for sale for $300. Some bundles at certain retailers that come with accessories or games can go for over $500! We don't know what kind of bundles retailers will have for the Switch Lite when it launches, but the lower price is definitely a selling point for some.
9 Keep: Joy Cons Aren't Removable
One of the big things that made the Nintendo Switch different from other consoles on the market is the fact that it's not a handheld console or a home console. Instead, it's both. It can be played on the go or the Joy-Cons can be removed and it can be played in docked mode while connected to the TV.
One of the biggest changes that Nintendo made with the Switch Lite is the fact that Joy-Cons are no more. The Joy-Cons no longer slide on and off as they did on the Nintendo Switch because the entire console is a single piece.
8 Buy: But They'll Still Connect
No, the fact that the Joy Cons no longer detach from the Switch Lite doesn't mean that this console has taken away the multiplayer option. Yes, you can still absolutely get friends together in order to play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, just like on the Nintendo Switch.
Although there are no removable Joy-Cons on the Switch Lite, the Joy-Cons that you already have or that are already sold separately can still be paired up to the Switch Lite in order to play multiplayer games.
7 Keep: It's Handheld Only
Even though the fact that the Joy-Cons are no longer removable is probably not a big deal to many gamers because of the fact that Joy-Cons can still be paired with the Switch Lite, there's still some things about this new design that many gamers might not be in love with.
While the Nintendo Switch gained fans because of the fact that it could either be played as a handheld console or a home console, the Nintendo Switch Lite is handheld only. This device was designed with handheld gaming in mind, so it can't be docked and hooked up to the TV the way the Nintendo Switch can.
6 Buy: We Love The New Options
One thing that has definitely gotten a lot of people excited about the Nintendo Switch Lite is the fact that it comes in some really cool designs. The Nintendo Switch is definitely not boring with its uniquely colorful Joy-Cons that can be mixed and matched to a huge variety of different combinations, but the Switch Lite brings the cool designs to another level.
Along with the three different solid color choices, Nintendo also revealed a special edition Nintendo Switch Lite that is going to be released with the upcoming game Pokémon Sword and Shield.
5 Keep: Something Better Might Be Coming
Rumors of additional Nintendo Switch models have been all over the Internet for quite some time now. People have found alleged leaks of designs and specs and it's all just so hard for even the most serious Nintendo fans to keep up with. But one reason that anyone who is on the fence about the Nintendo Switch Lite might want to hold out on buying it is because something else may be coming out soon.
If you're looking to upgrade from your Nintendo Switch but the Switch Lite's specs just aren't what you're looking for, wait a little while. According to a lot of rumors, Nintendo is set to release another new generation of this console in the next year or so that is a lot more powerful.
4 Buy: It's Smaller
Even though the Nintendo Switch Lite's main change is the fact that the Joy-Cons are no longer removable and it can't be docked to a TV, those changes were made because of the fact that the Nintendo Switch Lite is so heavily focused on being a handheld console. While the Nintendo Switch could either be a home console while docked into the TV or a handheld console with the Joy-Cons attached, the Switch Lite is fully focused on being a handheld console.
Part of this change is the fact that the Nintendo Switch Lite is now a smaller console. If you're someone that always plays in handheld mode and loved to take your Nintendo Switch with you on public transportation or in waiting rooms, this could be a positive change!
3 Keep: ...But So Is The Screen
Although the smaller screen on the Nintendo Switch Lite definitely means that it's more portable and better for on-the-go gaming, it also means that they had to make some sacrifices with the console itself in order to fit everything into the smaller form factor.
Despite being a handheld console, the Nintendo Switch has a decently large screen. Even if you're not someone that ever plays in TV mode, the screen is still good enough for playing a lot of games. But one change that has many fans concerned is the fact that the Nintendo Switch Lite only has a screen of 5.5 inches, compared to the Nintendo Switch's 6.2-inch screen. Is the smaller screen worth the lower price and higher portability? That's something gamers have to consider.
2 Buy: Finally, A D-Pad!
Thank you, Nintendo! One big change that the Nintendo Switch Lite made was the fact that Nintendo has finally given us a real D-Pad. This is something that many people were waiting for because, in games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Mario Maker 2, having a controller with a D-Pad on it is really helpful for making some super precise moves.
Unfortunately, that used to involve using a third party controller and those can be pretty hit or miss. There are some great ones on the market, but there are also some that are just no good. Luckily, Nintendo has answered our prayers by adding a D-Pad to the Nintendo Switch Lite!
1 Keep: No Love For Labo
This is one factor that may or may not make much of a difference to many Nintendo Switch owners, depending on the type of games that you like to play with your Switch. If you're someone that's really into the unique line of Nintendo Labo games, then this is going to be a huge bummer for you.
Nintendo Labo is a series of games that involve building something and then using the Nintendo Switch to bring it to life. Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch Lite got rid of the IR Sensor and HD Rumble that brought Nintendo Labo to life. If you're a fan of this line, the Nintendo Switch Lite is definitely out of the question for you.