Apparently it’s not too tardy for Nintendo to release up-to-date editions of the Switch Lite console. Best Buy is currently offering pre-orders Nintendo Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition portable console for $209.99, with orders shipping on September 26. That’s $10 more than the standard Switch Lite, but it’s more than justified considering the fact that this edition includes a 12-month Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The membership itself costs $49, and for most people, Switch Online is worth the price. Currently, only Best Buy has it in stock, unless you prefer to buy it from an overseas retailer for some reason.
Pre-Order Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition
Pre-order Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition
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Includes 12-month Switch Online membership + Expansion Pass
The Switch Lite Hyrule Edition was announced during a Nintendo Direct on June 18th alongside the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. We first saw them available overseas in the UK, but this is the first time a US retailer has offered them for pre-order. This particular edition is decked out in a gold colour very similar to the Switch OLED Hyrule Edition. It’s a gorgeous metallic finish that looks even better than it does in photos. Apart from a tiny Triforce logo, the front of the case is free of any unnecessary embellishments. The back has a single huge Hyrule crest embossed on it. It’s all done tastefully, and it’s the best looking Switch Lite to date.
Differences between Switch Lite, Switch and Switch OLED
The main advantages of the Switch Lite are that it’s $100 cheaper than the Switch and $150 cheaper than the Switch OLED. It’s compatible with most Nintendo Switch games and runs on the same hardware, so performance is identical. The three main drawbacks of the Switch Lite are (1) the controllers aren’t detachable, (2) you can’t dock the console and play on a TV, and (3) the display is smaller (5.5″ compared to 6.2″ on the Switch and 7″ on the Switch OLED). If you’re going to use the Switch purely as a handheld console, you’re better off just buying the Switch Lite. While the controls aren’t detachable, the Switch Lite does support Bluetooth wireless technology, so you can always buy another pair of Joy-Cons, a Switch Pro Controller, or a compatible third-party wireless Switch controller and still play without a cable.
Included in the price of 12 months of Switch Online membership
The bundle includes a 12-month Switch Online membership. You’ll absolutely need it if you plan on accessing the online portion of your favorite games. That includes the ability to play online with other opponents in Super Smash Bros Ultimate or Splatoon 3, download other people’s creations in Minecraft or Mario Maker 2, or visit someone else’s island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Other benefits include access to 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 eShop deals and promotions, cloud saves, and access to the NSO mobile app.
You will also receive the Switch Online expansion pack
Here is a summary of the contents of the additional 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 package includes Animal Crossing: New Horizons for just $159. Better hurry up because it expires tonight. In fact, it has not expired and is still available.