Nintendo Switch Lite vs Nintendo Switch 2
Get the Switch 2. It plays on the TV, it's much faster, the screen is bigger and sharper, and it runs the new games. The Lite is small, tough and about half the price, but handheld only.
We may earn a commission from these links.
Which one is for you?
Switch Lite
A young child, handheld only and budget first: that's the Switch Lite.
Is the Nintendo Switch Lite worth it?Switch 2
Get the Switch 2 if this sounds like you: family games on the TV, Nintendo's new games, older children or adults.
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth it?Key differences
Play on the TV
Screen
Switch 2 games
Size
Price
What owners say
Verified buyers only; every 1–3 star review read by us. How we do this
Switch Lite
Owners love it as a present for children: light, easy to use and easy to take anywhere. The main complaint is thumbsticks that drift or break, mostly in reviews from 2020 and 2021.
- A hit as a present for children
- Easy to set up and use
- Light and easy to take anywhere
- Thumbsticks drift, click or break
Switch 2
Owners love the bigger, sharper screen and playing on the TV or on the go. Complaints are Joy-Con faults, pricey games and short battery life.
- A big upgrade on the first Switch
- Sharper graphics
- Play on the TV or handheld
- Games are expensive, or few are worth buying
- Joy-Con stopped working, wouldn't pair or ran down fast
Related pages
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: TechRadar, Push Square (PS5 Pro reviews), Tom's Guide (Switch Lite), manufacturer specifications.
Owner reports for the Switch Lite: 4,632 verified buyer ratings at Currys, Boulanger (France), Harvey Norman (NZ, Australia) and Takealot (South Africa), read November 2026.
Owner reports for the Switch 2: 439 verified buyer ratings at Currys, Target (US), Takealot (South Africa), Boulanger (France), Costco (US) and Costco (Canada), read November 2026.