Nintendo Switch buyers guide – which console should you buy for the holidays
THE Nintendo Switch is the most affordable console on the market, with the top-end version costing less than the standard version of other consoles.
This comes with its downside, as it can’t play games at the same performance level as the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S.
However, it is the only console that allows you to play Nintendo’s excellent library of first-party games, like Super Mario, , and Pokémon.
If you’re not sure which version of the Nintendo Switch you should purchase, here’s everything you need to know.
Nintendo Switch Lite – £189 / $199
This is the smallest and cheapest of the Nintendo consoles, and it’s the version you’ll want if you are looking for a handheld console.
The Switch Lite is the best console to take travelling, thanks to its much smaller size and lack of detachable parts.
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It does come with a few downsides, as the Lite is the only Switch model that cannot be connected to a TV or monitor.
There are also a handful of games that can’t be played on the Lite out of the box, including fitness games like Ring Fit Adventure, and Super Mario Party.
These games require motion controls provided by the detachable Joy-Con which the Switch Lite does not have.
Buying Joy-Con separately is an option, but still not an optimal experience due to the Switch Lite’s small screen, so we don’t recommend it for these games.
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However, this only accounts for a very limited number of Switch games, and if you prefer playing handheld, this is the version you’ll want to opt for.
Great for those who…
- want to play on the go
- you like to game in bed
- you want something in a small size
Not so good for those who…
- want to play on the TV
- are into fitness games
- struggle looking at small screens
Nintendo Switch – £249 / $299
The first Switch model is still the standard, and it’s the go-to version if you want a console that plays both on your TV and in handheld mode.
It has a larger Switch than the Lite making things easier to see in handheld mode, and can obviously go bigger when hooked up to the TV.
The downside is that even in handheld mode I wouldn’t consider it a particularly portable console due to its size.
It’s far larger than systems like the PS Vita, Nintendo DS and even the Switch Lite, making it difficult to carry around with you.
With detachable parts, and controllers that are known for breaking, I also don’t recommend slinging it in your backpack.
Great for those who…
- want to save money
- prefer playing on the TV
Not so good for those who…
- mostly play handheld
- want to play games on the go
Nintendo Switch OLED – £289 / $349
This is the most high-end version of Nintendo’s most recent console with the main upgrade being the OLED screen.
OLED screens offer more vibrant colours than the LCD screen of the other Switch’s but this is the only upgrade over the other console variations.
However, this does mean it’s the best console if you use both handheld and TV mode regularly, giving you the best of both worlds.
It is still the same size and durability as the original Switch though so we still think you should be cautious when taking it on the go.
Great for those who…
- play both on their TVs and in handheld mode
- care about the size and quality of the display
Not so good for those who…
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- want to play games on the go
If you’re looking at other consoles, check out our PS5 buyers guide and our Xbox Series X|S buyers guide.
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