Since its inception as the leading handheld gaming system on the current marketplace, the Nintendo Switch Lite methodically targeted the non-competitive gaming market. Nearly two years after the release, the Nintendo Switch Lite continues to be an important player in the gaming industry, releasing new colorways and games along the way, and with the Nintendo Switch Pro (probably) on the way, this system takes many forms.
According to StockX data, now is the most affordable time to buy a Nintendo Switch Lite, as prices have dipped under retail. Here’s our Nintendo Switch Lite Price Guide, with everything you need to know about the colorful handheld console.
The Nintendo Switch Lite: An Overview
The Nintendo Switch Lite stands out among the competition as one of the most affordable and accessible entertainment devices on the market, which has been a key component to the console’s success.
At a retail price of $200, the Switch Lite is the most affordable current generation gaming console. And, with a screen and controller already attached to the console, there is no need for a TV, expensive controllers, or other accessories to get started.
Outfitted with a 5.5 inch touchscreen, the Switch Lite is slightly smaller than the original Switch, but highly durable and portable as it does not have removable joycons like its predecessor.
Nintendo Switch Lite Zacian and Zamazenta Pokemon Edition Gray – US Charger
The success of the Switch Lite can also be attributed to its flexibility. No matter what changes come our way, you can count on your favorite game fitting in your bag, ready to be enjoyed at your own time, wherever life takes you. Its portability, entertainment options, and catalog of games makes it a great console for adults or children, and experienced or new gamers.
One game in particular conveys the dichotomy of professional and hobbyist players perfectly. Animal Crossing: New Horizons was a catalyst for millions of players worldwide to purchase a Switch Lite. The Animal Crossing series has been a Nintendo staple for two decades with its charming, easy, repetitive, yet captivating gameplay.
By March 2021, a full year since the game’s release, Nintendo had shipped over 30 million copies of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
“The results for this fiscal year (April 2020 through March 2021) showed strong software sales for Nintendo Switch, which contributed greatly to the growth of hardware sales,” Nintendo said in the company’s May 2021 consolidated financial statements report. The company cited games like Animal Crossing, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Mario 3D All-Stars as key components to Switch’s continued success.
While New Horizons is just one example of Nintendo’s success in gaming within the past year, it exemplifies the power of the Nintendo Switch as a console that can be enjoyed by the masses.
Nintendo Switch Lite Price Breakdown
When the Nintendo Switch Lite first hit the market at a retail price of $200, it was the most affordable gaming console on the market of the current generation.
In June 2020, every colorway of theSwitch Lite was trading above retail on StockX, with the most expensive being the Switch Lite Zacian and Zamazenta Edition which went for over $400. A year later, the data tells a different story.
On StockX, Nintendo Switch Lite prices have dropped below retail, by nearly $50 on average, though the size of the decrease varies by colorway. Currently, the Switch Lite Coral colorway is the most affordable, with an average resale price of $157.
Even the limited edition Switch Lite Zacian and Zamazenta Switch Lite has dropped significantly in price. Though still above retail, they are currently trading for $306 on average, a 25% drop from their high last year.
The dip in price couldn’t have come at a more perfect time for those in the market for a Switch Lite. On May 21, Nintendo launched a new colorway, dubbed the Switch Lite Blue. And with E3 on the horizon, hype is building on the potential announcement of a Switch Pro console.
The decline in Switch Lite resale prices coincides with growing sales numbers by Nintendo. According to the company, over 28 million Nintendo Switch consoles have been sold this fiscal year alone, on par with a record breaking pace.
Since 2017, Nintendo has shipped 84 million units, potentially on pace to pass the Nintendo Wii’s 101 million mark. After that milestone, the Nintendo Switch will look to dethrone the Nintendo DS, which sold over 150 million units.
Is the Switch Lite Worth It?
Despite the growing popularity of the Switch Lite, in conjunction with a worldwide semiconductor shortage, the console can be copped at a great price for anyone looking to join the growing ranks of handheld gamers. If you’re someone looking for a great price on a new console, the Nintendo Switch Lite is absolutely worth it.
From a hardware perspective, handhelds can never compete with stationary consoles, as limited space and bandwidth means less room for top-of-the-line specs. But handhelds are efficient and extremely good at what they do: portable, solid gaming, at a fraction of the price.
The Switch Lite also supports most Nintendo Switch titles, and games that do not support handheld mode can be wirelessly connected to compatible controllers, according to Nintendo.
Plus, if you typically play on other platforms like Playstation or Xbox but aren’t ready to make an investment of that size, Nintendo Switch Lites are available now at a fraction of the cost.
The Nintendo Switch Lite Price Takeaways
The Nintendo Switch Lite embodies versatility, both in the catalog of available games and the consumer base Nintendo is targeting.
With E3 2021 around the corner, a new batch of titles is expected to be announced that will help propel the Nintendo Switch Lite to another massive sales year. As the hype continues to build into an important holiday season for gaming and demand ticks up, it’s very possible that prices will follow suit. They may be below-retail now, but there’s no guarantee they’ll stay that way.
The new blue colorway of the Switch Lite shows Nintendo is still committed to the handheld console years after release, and may be a good indication of Switch Lite support in the coming years. If you’re itching to get ahold of the Nintendo Switch Lite in your favorite colorway, now is the time. The extra cash saved can buy you a great title, and endless hours of fun.
