Nintendo Switch Lite price comparison

The Switch Lite arrived in September 2019. It is smaller and lighter than the standard Switch and has the controls built in. The display measures 5.5 inches and the internal storage is 32 GB, expandable via microSD. There is no TV mode – the Lite cannot be connected to a TV.

It plays all Switch games that support handheld mode, which is the vast majority. Games that strictly require detachable Joy-Con only work with separately purchased Joy-Con.

The Lite is a good choice if you play almost exclusively on the go, are looking for a robust console for children or want an affordable second device. If you often play with several people in front of the TV, go for the standard Switch, the OLED or the Switch 2.

Because the controls are built in, stick drift on the Lite is annoying – a repair is more involved than swapping a Joy-Con. So check both sticks, all buttons and the charging port. Scratches on the display are common; a screen protector fitted by the previous owner is a good sign. We hide offers with modified software.

The Switch Lite comes in many colours such as turquoise, coral, yellow, grey or blue, as well as special editions themed on Pokémon, Zelda or Animal Crossing. Technically all variants are the same; the price difference comes from popularity and rarity. Useful accessories are a microSD card, a sturdy case and a screen protector. For online play you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Used Lite consoles bundled with games are often a good start for children. With used sets, ask whether the games come as cartridges and get the condition of the sticks confirmed. For small hands, by the way, the Lite is much more comfortable than the larger models.