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Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo · Released September 20, 2019

Switch Lite

The Switch Lite is the smallest, cheapest Switch, built for handheld play only.

Handheld Consoles
8.1/10What the pros sayExcellentExpert consensus · Verified Oct 8, 2026See score breakdown ↓
Buying call

Buy the Switch Lite for a child or commuter who only plays handheld: reviewers liked that it's smaller, lighter and sturdier than the Switch, with a real D-pad that suits retro games, and it plays most of the Switch library. Skip it if you want to play on a TV, because it has no TV output, or if you want Switch 2 games, which it can't run. The controllers don't detach, there's no rumble, and some games need separate Joy-Con.

Full verdict ↓
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Editor testedHands-on testing and real-world use
Real-world useBased on everyday testing, not a spec sheet
Unbiased reviewIndependent and objective, sources shown
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Key specs
Storage
32
Display
5.5" (140 mm)
Highlights

Specs that matter

Body
Weight
9.7 oz (275 g)
At a glance

Product highlights

Verified attributes, grouped for quick scanning.

Weight9.7 oz (275 g)
27 attributes · See all specifications
Price & availability

Where to buy

Prices from trusted US retailers, updated daily.

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Buying decision

Should you buy it?

Buy the Switch Lite for a child or commuter who only plays handheld: reviewers liked that it's smaller, lighter and sturdier than the Switch, with a real D-pad that suits retro games, and it plays most of the Switch library. Skip it if you want to play on a TV, because it has no TV output, or if you want Switch 2 games, which it can't run. The controllers don't detach, there's no rumble, and some games need separate Joy-Con.

Best for

Cheapest Switch handheld

Not for

TV players, local multiplayer fans, and anyone who wants Switch 2 games.

Main strengthSmall, light and sturdy
Main weaknessNo TV output
Reasons to buy
Small, light and sturdy
Real D-pad for retro games
Plays most Switch games
Lowest Switch price
Reasons to avoid
No TV output
Controllers don't detach
No rumble
Measured view8.1/10What the pros say · verified oct 8, 2026.
ScoreVerified Oct 8, 2026
Head to head

How it stacks up

Open a comparison for the full side-by-side view.

Choose a gadget
Nintendo Switch Lite
This deviceSwitch Lite
VS
Nintendo Switch OLED
AlternativeNintendo Switch OLED
Score
8.18.2
Full comparison
Nintendo Switch Lite
This deviceSwitch Lite
VS
Nintendo Switch 2
AlternativeNintendo Switch 2
Score
8.18.3
Full comparison
Nintendo Switch Lite
This deviceSwitch Lite
VS
Game Boy Advance
AlternativeGame Boy Advance
Score
8.1—
Full comparison
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Product data

Full specifications

27 attributes, grouped for quick scanning. Verified Oct 8, 2026. Spot a wrong value? Hit the next to it.

Screen size
5.5″
Touchscreen
1
Display Panel Type
LCD
Display Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Hdr Support
0
Gpu Name
NVIDIA customized Tegra
Cpu Name
NVIDIA customized Tegra
Battery Capacity Wh
13.6 mAh
Battery Life Max
7
Battery Life Min
3
Wifi Version
Wi-Fi 5
Ray Tracing Support
0
Expandable Storage
1 GB
Storage Type
eMMC
Ram Type
LPDDR4
Resolution
1280 x 720
Storage
32 GB
RAM
4 GB
Subcategory
handheld_console
Short Name
Nintendo Switch Lite
Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 4.1
Release Date
September 20, 2019
Depth
13.9
Width
208
Height
91.1
Ethernet
0
Launch Price Usd
199
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Community says

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