Here's Why You May Want To Buy A Nintendo Switch Lite Even If You Already Have A Switch

Nintendo's newest console is absolutely delightful.

As any true Nintendo fan will already know, the Nintendo Switch Lite ($199.96) recently made its debut into the gaming world and it is simply BEAUTIFUL.

nintendo / Via instagram.com

Just look at those vibrant colors! What a sight for sore eyes!

However, this gadget is much more than a pretty face. It's optimized for handheld play, has a sleek design, and is compatible with most of the games you already own (more on that later).

Parker Ortolani / BuzzFeed

Seriously, you don't necessarily need Joy Cons to have a good time.

I'm sure you're asking yourself, "Why would I need a Nintendo Switch Lite if I already own a regular Switch?" Well pals, we're here to break down the differences between the two so you can make that decision.

Nintendo / Via nintendo.com

There are only a few things that set the Switch Lite apart from the original. It doesn't have detachable controllers and can't connect to a TV.

Nintendo / Via nintendo.com

The display is also a bit smaller but the pixels are denser, making it appear higher quality. You likely won't even notice the difference between the two screens.

Because the Switch Lite is way lighter, it's comfier to hold for long periods of gaming. Some folks can even fit it in their pockets!

Parker Ortolani / BuzzFeed

By "folks" we mean, yes, Parker has fit this console into his pocket for on-the-go gaming. He's not the only one loving the lighter weight of Switch Lite:

"This feels sooo much better in the hands than the bulkier original Switch, that I can't go back. Even though it's lighter, it feels more solid as the Joy Cons do not come off, and it doesn't bend like the old one did. My arms don't get tired at all holding this. AND it had an actual D-pad! I also do not notice the smaller screen when playing, at all. It's just a much more pleasant handheld experience, which is exactly why I go it." —J. fox

"This Nintendo Switch Lite is amazing. It seems to be the perfect size, not too big and not too small, but at the same time it still fits into your pocket for on-the-go play. Would 100% recommend purchase whether you already have a Nintendo Switch, or this is your first one." —Ashton Inman

The battery also lasts longer since it was designed exclusively for portable use.

amazon.com, Nintendo

"When I first tried using the original Switch I felt that it was too large in the hands and had a considerable weight to it, which took away a lot from the handheld experience. I’m happy to say that the Switch Lite fixes all of these issues thanks to its lighter and smaller overall footprint. It’s a delight to play with and the battery life seems to be about as good as advertised. I’m getting an estimated 3.5-4 hours with Link’s Awakening which is a fairly demanding game. The screen is also extremely bright and looks absolutely beautiful." —Aditya Dhar

You can connect your Nintendo account on both a regular Switch and a Switch Lite. It can be a little stressful but it makes sense to do it if two members of one household want to combine their game library.

Parker Ortolani / BuzzFeed, Nintendo

It's really simply to connect your account to multiple devices — one will act as the primary console while the other will have limited secondary options. When you connect a single account on various devices, the non-primary device will only be able to be played with unless they are connected to Wi-Fi, the primary device isn't being used, or unless they use a physical cartridge. The only flaw in this is when multiple users want to play multiplayer games together.

My husband has always had a Switch so he's acquired tons of games. It only made sense that we connected his account to my Switch Lite so that I had access to his extensive library. To make sure I can always play I've just been playing Yoshi's Crafted World via Wi-Fi while he's not playing and then swap to Super Mario Odyssey via a cartridge when he decides to play a game on his Switch. It's not that bad at all! —Heather

There are more than 2,500 games for the Switch, but not all of them will work on the Lite. Casual and adventure games are by far the best ones to play with the Switch Lite, as they don't require the use of Joy Cons.

Nintendo

I've been making my way through a TON of games on my new Switch Lite, so I can already call out which favorites have been play on this console rather than the original. Link's Awakening is an adorably weird, yet familiar adventure in the Zelda series. Super Mario Maker 2 allows you make your own Mario levels, but it also provides an unlimited collection of levels to play. Cuphead is one of the most challenging Switch games, but also one of the most charming. Untitled Goose Game lets you terrorize humans as a mischievous goose. There are plenty of other amazing choices, but these are great to start things off. —Parker

However, fitness-focused games, games compatible with the Nintendo Labo, and games that require the detachable Joy Cons won't be ideal and in some cases won't work with the Lite.

Nintendo

For example, we recently tested out the upcoming Nintendo Ring Fit. While it is SURE to be a fantastic at-home workout and gaming experience (we were both sweating from 10 minutes of game play), it won't work without the removable controls featured in the original Switch. In this case it makes sense to have either the original Switch or both devices.

"The other night I was planning to do a round of Nintendo Fitness Boxing, but then I realized my husband wasn't home and neither was his Switch. Alas, I couldn't use my Lite to play the game and had to ACTUALLY go outside ;)." —Heather Braga

You can pre-order the Nintendo Ring Fit on Amazon for $79.96.

All in all, regardless of whether you already own a Nintendo Switch or you decide to treat yourself to the Switch Lite, you're about to have hours of fun game play ahead!

Amazon

Get them from Amazon: Nintendo Switch for $299 (available in two styles), Nintendo Switch Lite for $199.96 (available in four styles).

Actual footage of you running to grab your wallet so you can buy a new Nintendo console:

Nintendo

Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Allison Krausman / BuzzFeed