Nintendo Switch Lite
2019
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)
Controller · 2017
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nintendo Switch Lite lands at 78 and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) at 86. That puts Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) ahead by 8 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Nintendo Switch Lite if…
- ✓Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
- ✓Store ecosystem
- ✓Cross-gen compatibility
Pick Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) if…
- ✓Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- ✓Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- ✓Cross-platform compatibility
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)Compared on the performance sub-score
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) leads on performance (86 vs 78).
Games
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)Compared on the games sub-score
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) leads on games (86 vs 76).
Features
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)Compared on the features sub-score
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) leads on features (84 vs 76).
Value for money
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) more score per dollar ($69 vs $199).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nintendo Switch Lite | Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2019 | 2017 |
| Type | — | Controller |
| Color | — | Black |
Nintendo Switch Lite
- +Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
- +Store ecosystem
- +Cross-gen compatibility
- −Storage expansion pricey
- −Dashboard UX ages
- −Subscription required for online
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)
- +Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- +Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- +Cross-platform compatibility
- −Battery replacement paid on some
- −Software dependency
- −Stick drift still possible (non-Hall)
FAQ: Nintendo Switch Lite vs Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)
Which is better, Nintendo Switch Lite or Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)? +
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 8. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nintendo Switch Lite worth the price? +
At $199, Nintendo Switch Lite delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in value.
Is Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) worth the price? +
At $69, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in performance.
Does Nintendo Switch Lite or Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for performance, Nintendo Switch Lite or Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)? +
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) — leads on performance (86 vs 78). Compared on the performance sub-score.
Which is better for games, Nintendo Switch Lite or Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black)? +
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (Black) — leads on games (86 vs 76). Compared on the games sub-score.