The bottom line is this: the Nintendo Switch Lite is a joy to play games on, and while it’s a totally unnecessary luxury for owners of the more talented original console, it is a more desirable piece of kit to have in your hands. Hardware-wise, I’d hesitate to call it a superior handheld to the OLED-toting and criminally under-utilised PlayStation Vita, but it absolutely trounces Sony’s long since retired portable in the games department - and ultimately that’s what matters. In Nintendo’s long line of handhelds, the Switch Lite might just be the best. It’s just a shame that those who do want the Lite as a second console have to put up with more grief than is probably necessary. If handheld gaming is all you’re after and you don’t mind trading a bit of functionality, it’s hard to imagine the Switch Lite being anything other than your new favourite gadget.

Great colour options; Sharp, colourful screen ; Brilliant selection of games ; An actual D-Pad ; Very comfortable to hold (unless you have giant hands);

Primary and non-primary console faff; Battery life still isn’t great; Some games need Joy-Con support; Should it even be called a Switch?;

I wanted a smaller cheaper version of the switch to replace the 3DS. A great option if you dont plan on playing it on a tv. The battery life is a bit of a letdown but as I only use it at home it doesnt bother me too much, if it was being used while on a long car trip it may be a problem

Love our lite if you dont want to play it on the tv then dont pay the extra for the switch. But in saying that the battery is a bit of a let down for a portable system if u want it for long haul without power.

The Nintendo Switch Lite is an excellent portable console that refines the display, buttons and overall form factor of its older sibling. Yet the sacrifice of docked play will be a deal-breaker for some. If you're yet to purchase a Switch, however, and are purely interested in portable play without the need for local multiplayer, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a no-brainer.

Design is robust, attractive and easy to use; Already boasts a fantastic library of games; Increased battery life compared to the base model;

Nature of console means certain games are no longer supported; Local multiplayer is far harder to achieve without docking;

Great colour options; Sharp, colourful screen ; Brilliant selection of games ; An actual D-Pad ; Very comfortable to hold (unless you have giant hands);

Primary and non-primary console faff; Battery life still isn’t great; Some games need Joy-Con support; Should it even be called a Switch?;

If feel and price are more important to you than features and flexibility (or if you’re just trying to replace your 3DS) then the Switch Lite is a wonderful way to get your hands on an awesome system.

All in all, I ended up loving the Switch Lite more than I expected. I was surprised by how light and portable it is, and I really like the soft feel of the buttons. Playing on it is much more comfortable than the regular Switch in handheld mode, which is to be expected.

It's an even-more-portable Switch that is the perfect commute companion. It might not be quite as feature packed as the original but the missing features are rarely missed and that D-pad makes a huge difference.

“Small improvements make the Switch Lite a mini triumph.”

Comfortable design, Sharp and vibrant display, Solid battery life, Brings back the iconic D-pad, Affordable

Slightly smaller game library, No TV mode support, No motion controls