Apparently it’s not too late for Nintendo to be releasing new Switch editions. The Nintendo Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition has just recently been released with a launch price of $209.99 and you can only get it at Best Buy. That is $10 more than the cost of a standard Switch Lite, justified by the fact that a 12-month Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership – which normally retails for $49 – is bundled with the console.
Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition (Best Buy Exclusive)
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 Best Buy has exclusive rights here.
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 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 are 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.
What does the Switch Online membership offer?
For many people, Switch Online is a necessary add-on for a complete Switch experience. You will absolutely need this if you plan on accessing the online portions of your favorite games, like being able to play online against other opponents in Super Smash Bros Ultimate or Splatoon 3, downloading other people’s creations in Minecraft or Super 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 so you can play classic games like Super Mario Bros. 3, F-Zero, and Donkey Kong Country,exclusive deals and offers at the eShop, cloud saves, access to the mobile app, and more.
You also get the Switch Online Expansion Pack
The Expansion Pack gives you access to more emulator games and free DLCs. Here’s the list:
Classic Nintendo 64 gamesClassic Game Boy Advance gamesClassic SEGA Genesis gamesMario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course passAnimal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise accessSplatoon 2: Octo Expansion access
Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn’t hunting for deals for other people at work, he’s hunting for deals for himself during his free time.
