Apparently it's not too late for Nintendo to be releasing new editions of their Switch Lite console. Right now Best Buy is offering preorders of the Nintendo Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition handheld console for $209.99. That's $10 more than the base price of the stock Switch Lite, but that's more than justified by the fact that this edition includes a 12 month Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The membership alone costs $49 and for most people, Switch Online is well worth the price of admission. Currently only Best Buy has it in stock, unless for whatever reason you prefer to purchase it from an overseas vendor.
Preorder the Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition Console
The Switch Lite Hyrule Edition was announced during the June 18 Nintendo Direct alongside the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. We originally saw it available overseas in the UK, but this is the first time we've seen a vendor here in the United States offer one up for preorder. This particular edition is adorned in a gold colorway very similar to the Switch OLED Hyrule Edition. It is a gorgeous metallic finish that looks even better than in the photos. Aside from the tiny Triforce logo, the front of the case is free from any busy embellishments. The rear sports a single large embossed Hyrule Crest. It's all tastefully done and the best looking Switch Lite so far.
Differences between the Switch Lite, Switch and Switch OLED
The Switch Lite's major draw is that it's $100 less expensive than the Switch and $150 less than the Switch OLED. It's compatible with most Nintendo Switch games and it runs off the same hardware, so performance is identical. The three main tradeoffs of the Switch Lite is that (1) the controllers are not detachable, (2) the console can't be docked and played on a TV and (3) the display is smaller (5.5" vs 6.2" on Switch and 7" on Switch OLED). If you were intending to use the Switch solely as a handheld console, you might be better off just getting the Switch Lite. Even though the controls aren't detachable, the Switch Lite does support wireless Bluetooth, so you can always purchase another pair of Joy-Cons, a Switch Pro controller, or a compatible third party wireless Switch controller, and you can still play untethered.
12 months of Switch Online membership Are Included
The bundle includes a 12 month Switch Online membership. You will absolutely need this if you plan on accessing the online portions of your favorite games. That includes being able to play online against other opponents in Super Smash Bros Ultimate or Splatoon 3, downloading other people's creations in Minecraft or Mario Maker 2, or visiting someone else's island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Other perks include access to the NES, SNES and Game Boy emulator libraries, which include classic games like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-ZERO and Donkey Kong Country. You'll even be able to play these games offline for up to seven days after you last logged into your Nintendo Switch Online account. Members also get access to exclusive deals and offers at the eShop, cloud saving, and access to the NSO mobile app.
You also get the Switch Online Expansion Pack
Here's a rundown of what's included with the bonus expansion pack:
- Classic Nintendo 64 games
- Classic Game Boy Advance games
- Classic SEGA Genesis games
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course pass
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise access
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion access
Looking for more Switch Lite deals? This Switch Lite bundle includes Animal Crossing: New Horizons for only $159. You better hurry, because it expires tonight.
