Nintendo Switch vs. Lite: The Key Differences You Should Know

Now there are three Nintendo Switch models out on the market right now - the standard Switch, the OLED Model, and the Lite rendition. On the pricing front, the Switch that launched on March 3, 2017, regularly goes for $299.99. The OLED Model retails for more than that at the price of $349.99, while the Lite version comes in at the lowest asking price of $199.99. It's worth noting that the standard and OLED Switch models come packaged with the dock (which has a built-in wired LAN port for a LAN cable sold separately) and HDMI cable, while the Switch Lite does not.

If you're curious about which play modes each Switch model is capable of, then we're here to clear that up for you. The standard Switch can be played via "TV Mode," which is when you hook the console to the dock and play it through your television. It can also be played through "Tabletop Mode" (which means standing the device up on a table and playing it with the Joy-Con controllers) and "Handheld Mode" (which entails playing the device in hand with the Joy-Con controllers attached to it). The OLED Switch can also be played in those same three modes, while the Lite Switch can only be used in Handheld Mode since it's only a portable console that doesn't have detachable Joy-Con controllers.

Now let's break down the memory storage and battery life for each Switch model out right now:

• Nintendo Switch: 32 GB and 4.5 to 9 hours
• Nintendo Switch OLED: 64 GB and 4.5 to 9 hours
• Nintendo Switch Lite: 32 GB and 3 to 7 hours

The battery life still varies depending on which game you're currently playing on your chosen Switch model. For example, we've noted how long each Switch model's battery will last if you play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild:

• Nintendo Switch: 5.5 hours
• Nintendo Switch OLED: 5.5 hours
• Nintendo Switch LITE: 4 hours

Choosing to play the launch Switch model in Tabletop and Handheld Mode will allow you to have a full look at the system's 6.2" LCD touchscreen while choosing to play in those modes with the OLED Switch means you'll get a much wider viewpoint via the 7.0" OLED touch screen. The Switch Lite features the smallest screen size at the moment - a 5.5" LCD touchscreen. While in Handheld Mode, you'll get a sense of just how sturdy and still lightweight each Switch model feels. Here is how much each Switch console variation weighs:

• Nintendo Switch: Approximately .93 lbs with Joy-Con controllers attached
• Nintendo Switch OLED: Approximately .93 lbs with Joy-Con controllers attached
• Nintendo Switch LITE: Approximately .61 lbs

Now let's detail the dimensions for each Switch model:

• Nintendo Switch: 4” high, 9.5” long, and .55” deep (with Joy-Con attached)
• Nintendo Switch OLED: 4” high, 9.5” long, and .55” deep (with Joy-Con attached)
• Nintendo Switch LITE: 3.6” high, 8.2” long, and .55” deep

If you own a standard Nintendo Switch, you'll be able to play every physical Switch game cartridge and downloadable game in its software library. The same applies to owners of the Nintendo Switch OLED - the taller and wider screen size of that model offers an improved viewing experience for most of the games you'll play on it. As for the Nintendo Switch LITE, that model is only compatible with Switch games that support Handheld Mode. On the topic of accessories, items such as the Wireless Pro Controller are only compatible with the Standard Switch and OLED Switch. Amiibo figurines can be used in conjunction with all three Switch models. And while the Nintendo Labo series is compatible with the standard Switch and Switch OLED, the Switch OLED isn't fully compatible with that accessory since its larger size makes it ill-fitting for certain Nintendo Labo design parameters. Keep in mind that that accessory doesn't work with the Switch Lite whatsoever.

If you're in the market for a Nintendo Switch console that gives you access to using it through all three methods of play, then it's worth picking up either the standard Switch or Switch OLED. Now if you prefer looking at your games through a much wider display in Handheld and Tabletop mode, then you might as well get yourself a Switch OLED. For those of you who only prefer to play your games in a portable manner, then go ahead and get yourself a Switch LITE. There's a long list of limited editions that feature colorful variations of the basic Nintendo Switch, which you can check out here. You can also find the Switch Lite in various color arrangements, which include Blue, Gray, Coral (Pink), Turquoise, and Yellow. Currently, the Switch OLED only comes in it black & white color scheme.