Nintendo has long put out family friendly handheld systems that delight both adults and children alike. In recent years, the Nintendo Switch has replaced the Nintendo Wii to become the only  console available. It serves a great market, functioning both as an at home gaming console and as a handheld unit as well. Today I’d like to discuss the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is slated to be released in a few days. If you’re confused between the existing Nintendo Switch console released in 2017 and the upcoming Nintendo Switch Lite, I am here to try and eliminate some of your confusion.

What is the difference between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite? The reasoning behind the release seems to be to better offer consumers an easy-to-use portable handheld device at a lower price. In this article, we are going to give an overview of the major differences between these game systems. Please note that since the Switch Lite doesn’t officially come out for a few more days that some information may have changed.

Nintendo Switch console vs. Nintendo Switch Lite

Console or handheld?

The Nintendo Switch console is a hybrid console that can work as a home gaming console system and as a stand-alone handheld device. The Switch comes up with Joy-Con controllers, motion sensing, standard buttons, tactile feedback, directional analog sticks, and few more features.

The Nintendo Switch Lite is an upcoming installment in the Nintendo product line that will work only as a handheld device, which means that the user will not be able to plug it in with the TV.

Game Compatibility

The Nintendo Switch Lite will support most of the same games as Nintendo Switch console, as long as they work in handheld mode.

Size

The Nintendo Switch measures around 9.4 x 4 x 0.6 inches, while the Switch Lite has approximate dimensions of 8.2 x 3.6 x 0.6 inches. These dimensions clearly indicate that Switch Lite demand less space, making it a pocket-friendly device.

Weight

The Switch console weighs around 14.1 ounces while the weight of the upcoming Switch Lite handheld console is 9.8 ounces, which makes it 30% lighter.

Design

There are some changes made in the design of the new Nintendo Switch Lite.  In the case of the Switch Lite, the buttons are permanently fixed while in the original Switch console there are two detachable Joy-Cons for gameplay.

Specifications And Storage

Both the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite feature a Nvidia Tegra CPU.  Both devices offer a 32 GB of storage space which is expandable via a microSD.

Video

The Switch has an HDMI as an output source while there is no output connection for the upcoming Switch Lite.

Battery Life

The battery life of the original Switch console is around 6.5 hours up to 9 hours while the battery life of the Switch Lite is up to 7 hours.

Color

The Nintendo Switch comes in gray or a neon blue and red combination. The Nintendo Switch Lite Handheld is available in gray, yellow, turquoise and yellow, as well as a special Pokemon Zacian and Zamazenta Edition.

Pricing

Pricing for the Nintendo Switch console price starts at around $300 while the cost of Switch Lite is around $200.