Is Nintendo making a Switch 2 Lite? Here's when it could drop
Is Nintendo making a Switch 2 Lite? Here's when it could drop
Meredith G. White, Arizona RepublicThu, June 4, 2026 at 12:02 PM UTC
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It's hard to believe that it's been an entire year since the Switch 2 console came into our lives. Now that a little time has elapsed, some questions about what's next have begun to fill the internet forums and gaming subreddits.
However, it may be a little too early to get your hopes up about a new iteration of the Switch 2. The original Switch released on March 3, 2017, and the Switch Lite made its debut two and a half years later on Sept. 20, 2019. Then the world was introduced to the Switch OLED model two years later on Oct. 8, 2021.
So, it may be a little early to be inquiring about the next edition, however, you never know what Nintendo has up its sleeve. Here's what we do know about the Switch 2's next steps.
Are they going to make a Switch 2 Lite?
There's no word from Nintendo on the matter, however if you look at the company's initial rollout of the original Switch it does seem likely that a Lite version could come along eventually.
And hopefully sooner rather than later.
The Nintendo Switch 2 gaming console will be released on Thursday, June 5.Should I buy a Switch Lite in 2026?
If you're looking for something that's entirely handheld and at a fraction of the price, the Switch Lite is still a great deal in 2026. Depending on the retailer, the original Switch sells for $299-$339.99, meanwhile the Switch Lite ranges from $199.99-$299.99.
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Especially with the Switch 2 Lite likely a couple of years away, it's a great option to hold you over until that inevitable release.
Is the Switch 2 price increasing?
Yes, unfortunately the price of the Switch 2 is already rising.
In a news release shared on nintendo.com, the creators of the Switch 2 announced they'd be raising the price of the Switch 2 in America from $449.99 to $499.99 in response to "various changes in market conditions, which are expected to extend over the medium to long term."
What is the difference between the Switch and Switch 2?
If you're still mulling over if you should buy the Switch or the Switch 2, here are the biggest differences between the two consoles to help you make an informed decision:
Storage: The Switch has 32GB of internal memory while the Switch 2 has 256GB. (the Switch OLED has 64GB).
Battery life: The Switch ranges between 4.5-9 hours while the Switch 2 ranges between 2-6.5 hours.
Video output: The Switch produces 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked. The Switch 2 produced 1080p in handheld mode and 4K HDR when docked.
Audio output: Both models are compatible with 5.1ch Linear PCM output, however the Switch 2 also has surround sound effect that can be applied to headphones or a built-in speaker.
Max framerate: The Switch has up to 60fps and the Switch 2 has up to 120fps.
Dimensions: The Switch is 4 inches high and 9.4 inches long while the Switch 2 is 4.5 inches high and 10.7 inches long.
Microphone: The Switch 2 has a microphone; the Switch does not.
Backward compatibility: The Switch is backward compatible with NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, Sega Genesis and N64. The Switch 2 is the same along with most Switch games as well.
Streaming game service: The Switch does not have a streaming game service, but the Switch 2 does via GamesShare to other Nintendo Switch systems.
Cross game chat: The Switch doe not have cross game chat but the Switch 2 can send or receive GameShares locally and online.
Controllers: The Switch and Switch 2 both have Joy-Cons and a Pro Controller however the Switch 2's Joy-Cons are magnetic while its Pro Controller has mappable GL/GR buttons and an audio jack.
USB and Ports: The Switch has a USB-C, 3.5mm, MicroSD, HDMI, AC Adapter and Secondary USB. The Switch 2 has two USB-C Ports on the top and bottom, 3.mm, MicroSD Express, HDMI, AC Adapter and LAN Port.
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Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Is Nintendo making a Switch 2 Lite? Here's when it could drop
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