Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Nintendo Switch — 2017
Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

2017

78
/ 100
From $299
VS
Nintendo Switch Lite — 2019
Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Lite

2019

78
/ 100
From $199
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nintendo Switch lands at 78 and Nintendo Switch Lite at 78. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Nintendo Switch if…

  • ✓Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
  • ✓Store ecosystem
  • ✓Cross-gen compatibility

Pick Nintendo Switch Lite if…

  • ✓Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
  • ✓Store ecosystem
  • ✓Cross-gen compatibility
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Performance

Tie

Compared on the performance sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Games

Tie

Compared on the games sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Features

Tie

Compared on the features sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Nintendo Switch Lite

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nintendo Switch Lite more score per dollar ($199 vs $299).

Nintendo Switch 78
vs
78 Nintendo Switch Lite

Score breakdown

Nintendo Switch
78
performance 78
games 76
features 76
value 82
Nintendo Switch Lite
78
performance 78
games 76
features 76
value 82

Specs side-by-side

Nintendo Switch versus Nintendo Switch Lite — full spec comparison
Spec Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Lite
Release year
2017
2019

Nintendo Switch

Pros
  • +Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
  • +Store ecosystem
  • +Cross-gen compatibility
Cons
  • −Storage expansion pricey
  • −Dashboard UX ages
  • −Subscription required for online

Nintendo Switch Lite

Pros
  • +Exclusive titles (brand-dependent)
  • +Store ecosystem
  • +Cross-gen compatibility
Cons
  • −Storage expansion pricey
  • −Dashboard UX ages
  • −Subscription required for online

FAQ: Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch Lite

Which is better, Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite? +

Both score 78 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nintendo Switch worth the price? +

At $299, Nintendo Switch delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in value.

Is Nintendo Switch Lite worth the price? +

At $199, Nintendo Switch Lite delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in value.

Does Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite 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 the better value, Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite? +

Nintendo Switch Lite — more score per dollar ($199 vs $299). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.