Topic: Need help with Nintendo Switch multiplayer options

I have a Nintendo Switch. My brother and I like to play games together but there are limited features when playing with one joycon each. (E.g. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, follow the leader instead of independant gaming.) For christmas, we were planning on buying something to have more features available. We have a few options and I was hoping someone could help me figure out which is best and explain the pros and cons of each, particularly for games such as animal crossing, mario kart, 3D world etc.

1. Buy a whole new switch: I know this will completely fix the issues we have however it is quite expensive to buy.
2. Buy a nintendo lite: I am not sure if a switch and a lite are compatible and if so, will we need two copies of the game for both consoles? Can the lite be used as another controller for the switch? Can we play animal crossing together without the follow the leader thing?
3. Buy a new set of joycon controls: So just the red and blue joycons as well as the black bit that connects them.

I'm not hugely educated on all of this so sorry if my terminology is quite right! The main aim is for us to be able to play animal crossing without doing a "follow the leader" thing that you must do when you only have one console.

They are essentially the same console, so they are mutually compatible. The main difference is that you won't be able to connect the Lite to a TV. You will need two copies of the game for both consoles if the games support local wireless multiplayer (you can find the information for this on a game-by-game basis in the eShop), though far more games support single/split-screen multiplayer without the need for a second console.

With two copies of Animal Crossing across two consoles, you will each have your own unique island and can explore each other's islands without having to share a screen. If sharing an island, I am afraid that the "follow the leader" style of multiplayer is your only option.

Sadly not. I am completely baffled as to why Nintendo haven't allowed this as an option.

You do not need the straps, but they are helpful with games that utilise motion controls.

Basically, if you want to enjoy Animal Crossing without the "follow the leader" component, you'll each require your own Switch console (any one will do) and separate copies of the game. Your brother can also "move" to another island while still keeping his progress via your console (and this process can be carried out wirelessly).