Nintendo Swap vs Swap Lite: What is the distinction?

• 

  Nintendo Swap

  The usual Swap continues to be good, with wonderful hybrid options that make it stand out.

  Execs

  • Superb library
  • Complete flexibility
  • Straightforward multiplayer

• 

  Nintendo Swap Lite

  The portable-only Swap is ideal for journeys however has some apparent drawbacks.

  Execs

  • So comfy within the hand
  • Similar unimaginable video games
  • Smaller and extra transportable
  • Cheaper

  Cons

  • Smaller show
  • No docking for TV play

Nintendo launched a 3rd member of the Swap console household in late 2021 – the Nintendo Swap (OLED mannequin), with an upgraded show and a brand new dock.

Nonetheless, there are nonetheless two older variations which you can purchase. The unique Nintendo Swap is a handheld and TV console in a single, whereas the Nintendo Swap Lite is smaller and extra transportable, because it’s handheld solely.

So, what are the variations between the 2 consoles and which is best suited for you?

Specs and availability

There’s quite a bit between these two consoles that stays the identical, and you will get a way for that by searching the tables beneath – though there are additionally some key variations, unsurprisingly.

• 	Nintendo Swap	Nintendo Swap Lite
  Display screen	6.2-inch, 1280 x 720 LCD	5.5-inch 1280 x 720 LCD
  Storage	32GB onboard	32GB onboard
  CPU	Nvidia Tegra X1	Nvidia Tegra X1
  Battery	4.5-9 hours	3-7 hours
  Connectivity	Dockable to TV	Not dockable
  Dimensions	173 x 102 x 14mm	208 x 91 x 14mm
  Weight	398g	277g
  Audio	Bluetooth or wired	Bluetooth or wired

Design

Trying on the two consoles, you possibly can very a lot see the similarities in broad form, and the Swap Lite type of seems like primarily a shrunken-down Swap (in a great way).

The display is somewhat larger on the usual Swap, because of that change in measurement, however not by an enormous margin, and it is actually the controls the place the plain design variations lie.

A standard Swap has two Pleasure-Con controllers connected, housing its buttons and management sticks – these might be indifferent for wi-fi play, and to let multiple individual have a controller. This is not doable on the Swap Lite, which is one single little bit of {hardware} that can’t be damaged up.

The Swap Lite additionally would not have a kickstand on the again, because it’s meant to be gripped in your palms the entire time. Nonetheless, the grip on the again of the Lite is a bit more formed and ergonomic because of all these adjustments.

Each consoles are round 14mm thick and the usual Swap is barely larger because of the bigger display – round 30mm longer. The Swap Lite is a bit more pocketable consequently. Weight-wise, the usual Swap clocks in at simply shy of 400g with the Pleasure-Cons connected, whereas the Swap Lite is over a 100g lighter at 278g.

Options and energy

The core distinction between these consoles, and in reality the entire cause why they each exist, is that they do various things. The Nintendo Swap is a hybrid console, one you possibly can play in its transportable mode but in addition dock and use as a normal video games console on a TV.

This has been an enormous a part of its recognition, however there are gamers on the market who simply desire a pure singleplayer handheld – that is what the Swap Lite affords, all the identical video games and apps, however with out having the ability to dock it or share controllers.

Below the hood, the consoles use the identical chipset and have entry to nearly all the identical video games and apps. The one limits are the place video games had been designed with Pleasure-Cons particularly in thoughts – these will not work on the Swap Lite with out exterior controllers, however that is an extremely restricted pool.

The overwhelming majority of video games work flawlessly on each console variations, so the actual distinction comes right down to how you plan to play, and the place.

Battery life

The Swap Lite guarantees round 3 and seven hours of gameplay relying on what you’re doing, whereas new commonplace Nintendo Switches (post-mid-2019) promise between 4.5 and 9 hours. Older Swap consoles have a markedly worse battery life which might imply 2.5 hours on the backside vary of battery life and 6.5 hours on the high finish. So train warning when shopping for second-hand consoles.

It does depend upon what you’re taking part in. Nintendo says the Swap Lite will final for 4 hours with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and 5.5 hours for the usual Nintendo Swap (for the after-mid-2019 model).

Which is best for you?

The Swap and Swap Lite provide compelling however completely different options that make it laborious to decide on a transparent winner, however we expect that most individuals will most likely get somewhat extra out of the usual mannequin, simply by advantage of the pliability that having the ability to dock affords.

Nintendo Swap

An outstanding console that works simply as nicely portably or when docked to a show.

That stated, the Swap Lite is an outstanding little bit of {hardware} that really feels somewhat extra polished and well-built, and if you happen to’re sure you will not miss taking part in in your TV, it is a blockbuster transportable with the identical wonderful lineup of video games.

Nintendo Swap Lite

Maybe the most effective pure handheld console ever, the Swap Lite is a pleasure to make use of.