Topic: Questions before buying a Switch Lite

Good morning from everyone and many greetings from Greece,
i am hoping my message to find everyone healthy and safe! I wanted to buy a Switch Lite console but since i don't know anything about consoles i have some questions to ask.

1. How the hardware of Switch is comparing with the one of the dockable Switch?
2. Is the Switch Lite compatible with the Nintendo DS games?
3. Do i need to buy the game card or i can buy/download the game from the eShop?
4. Can i connect any external game controllers with the Switch Lite?
5. Can i play any older games on the Switch Lite (eg. NES, SNES etc.)

Thank you so much in advance,
Panos.

@pmamatsis
Some answer for you.

1. How the hardware of Switch is comparing with the one of the dockable Switch?
The Lite version looks smaller than the Normal size, even the monitor.
The Lite is lighter than the Normal size.
You cannot play on TV if you buy the Lite version.
Think carefully before considering Lite version if you will play very long game that you need to play more than 3 hours.

2. Is the Switch Lite compatible with the Nintendo DS games?
NO
Nintendo Switch doesn't have any slot to play DS games. Moreover, Nintendo Switch is only Single screen while NDS is Dual Screen.

3. Do i need to buy the game card or i can buy/download the game from the eShop?
You can buy the games by both methods you mentioned above.
Playing the games in physical (with cartridge) will save your Micro SD card space than buy the games in digital.
You can sell the games in physical if you are not interested anymore, but you cannot sell the digital games.

4. Can i connect any external game controllers with the Switch Lite?
YES
Joy Cons & Pro Controller

5. Can i play any older games on the Switch Lite (eg. NES, SNES etc.)
Only if you have subscribe Nintendo Switch Online for $20/year. The games are very limited amount of NES and SNES games in digital format.
You cannot play NES and SNES games in physical to Switch Lite.

@pmamatsis regarding hardware, game performance is identical to the regular switch, just no TV function. The lite lacks tv output hardware inside, even though the switch lite plugs look the same from the outside.

Switch light lacks rumble feature also.

Note: if you plan on getting Animal Crossing and potentially getting a regular switch later, animal crossing game progress cannot be transferred to another console.(edit: fall 2020 nintendo now allows ACNH transfers)

Regarding buying games, digital vs physical, it doesn't matter which you buy. Most big games bought physically still require patch downloads, or may require large additional downloads. Since the switch cartridges are expensive, some game companies only put part of the game on ther cartridge. Also, a few games, like fortnite, only have a download code inside the game case. Only a few games did that, but i wanted to give you a heads up. So read ther game cases carefully, if you buy physical.

1. Is smaller and can't Dock to TV, so decide carefully on this if you want to have a bigger screen game play or more people to enjoy the system
2. NO DS game only Switch games or eShop games for Switch.
3. SD card is for extra space to save update/eshop games. If you get lots of eShop game considering investing in at least a 400gb card for future expansion.
4. Lite, Switch can use extra Joy-Cons, Pro controllers up to eight I think at any one time.
5. Only if they come in Physical cart for Switch or eShop for Switch.

Or just ask Nintendo as well they can also answer more details out their hardware.

@pmamatsis

1. The hardware is basically identical. Of course, you're gonna be playing in handheld mode only.

2. Nope. Only Switch games.

3. You can buy games either physically or digitally, whatever floats your boat.

4. Yes you can. There is no kickstand though, so you may want to get an accessory filling that role.

5. Yes, if you're subscribed to Switch Online. You can play NES and SNES games with an online subscription, you just need to download their corresponding apps. We don't currently know if Nintendo's other retro platforms will be added. There's various compilations of other older games too (there's stuff like Sega Ages rereleases, and collections of Mega Man and Castlevania games, to give a few examples).

You also need to question whether you play docked or handheld/on-the-go more. If you’re usually out with no convienient TV to dock you’re switch into I’d recommend the switch lite. But if you like playing on Tv more and rarely go out I’d stick with that one. Hope this helps

2. Is the Switch Lite compatible with the Nintendo DS games?

No but I hear you can cram them in it if you shave off the sides of the DS cartridges.

@Tasuki And it can play Wii and Wii U games while doing that same idea as well.

I think you got some good answers already, but I’ll just add to #1: the Lite absolutely feels much more “solid” than it’s big brother - and it makes sense, when you’re playing handheld with the OG it’s 3 pieces of removable hardware all working together. With the Lite, it’s just one unit.

I think if you’re the kind of person who is absolutely going to play handheld exclusively, go Lite. The screen is a little smaller but the feel and portability make it a bit better as a portable, I think. And it’s cheaper.

I'd like to know if any switch lite users have gotten joy con drift

I haven't had any issues with my lite's joysticks, but my brother's has a problem where the left stick sometimes has a hard time recognizing when it's being pushed to the right. It's like there's a lot resistance in that specific direction.

He can play, but for example. running to the right in animal crossing will have his character randomly deciding to slow down.

It's not drift though. Almost the contrary.

I had it on my OG switch occasionally so I know what it feels like - have not seen it on my Lite at all with around 100 or so hours played. In my mind it being one cohesive piece of hardware helps.