The Nintendo Switch 2 is due to launch sometime this year, so grabbing a Switch Lite might be the last thing on your mind, and I wouldn't blame you. I've already started saving for Nintendo's upcoming handheld and an official release date is nowhere to be seen. Yet, as big a fan of the Nintendo Switch as I am, I'm equally as big a fan of The Legend of Zelda and the Switch Lite Hyrule Edition is hard to ignore.
Released alongside The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the Hyrule Edition Switch Lite is now just $199 at Amazon, in all its golden shimmery glory. It's only $10.99 less than its MSRP of $209.99, however, this is the first discount I've ever spotted for the special edition, which just launched in September of last year.
Even at around just 5% off, its current discount makes it one of the best Nintendo Switch deals I've come across, and a slightly cheaper alternative to the range of pastel-colored models available at full price. It's worth remembering that, as a Lite model, this is purely for the handheld-mode enjoyers. But its top-tier Zelda theming almost makes up for the usual Switch Lite shortcomings.
Should you buy a Nintendo Switch Lite over a Switch 2?
Recommending a Switch Lite while we're on the cusp of the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 may seem bizarre. But not everything wants, or needs the latest and great bit of tech out there - especially the upcoming Switch successor.
Yes, by grabbing a Switch 2 the second it's humanely possible (hurry up Nintendo, I beg) you'll be able to play whatever exclusive games come its way. But if you aren't fussed at playing games the day they release, there's still a ridiculous library of exclusive first-party releases on the Switch, and Switch Lite, to get through. Just at the tail end of last year, Nintendo released the aforementioned Echoes of Wisdom, and a new entry into the Mario & Luigi RPG series, Mario and Luigi Brothership.
Even one of my absolute favorite games released in the past eight years, Super Mario Jamboree, only hit the shelves in October last year. If someone like me, who got a Switch shortly after launch, is still getting their way through recent releases, then there's no shame in wanting to sit back and enjoy the existing Switch library on the Lite while everyone else prepares for the Switch 2.
Most importantly, this Switch Lite is one for the Zelda fans. If you're a hardcore Zelda nerd and have a collection of officially licensed handhelds, this would make another fine addition to your collection. I currently own the Tears of the Kingdom OLED Switch, but even I'm finding it hard to ignore this Hyrule Edition Switch Lite for its flashy Hyrulian crest design and gorgeous gold colorway.
As briefly mentioned earlier, the main caveat with even the Hyrule Edition Switch lite is of course that you can't dock this handheld. Unlike the original Switch and OLED iterations, this Switch is purely for handheld gaming fans. The gimmick of a hybrid handheld and console isn't on show here, and the Joy-Con controllers can't be removed for tabletop mode gaming either.
Additionally, while this Hyrule Edition Switch is meant to come with a 12-month code for Nintendo Switch Online, as an 'international version' - it won't be in your region of choice. If you're desperate to grab the full version of Nintendo Switch Online, I recommend grabbing the Hyrule Edition Switch Lite at sites like Walmart and Best Buy. You won't find any discounts on those other retailers, but you will save $49.99 by not having to buy 12 months of NSO separately. Plus, you'll gain access to a plethora of classic Zelda games in the process.
Check out our Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide to be kept up to date on the upcoming handheld if you'd prefer to grab the next best thing. If you aren't fussed about the new Ninty machine, pairing your Switch Lite with the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and best Nintendo Switch accessories will help fully unlock the potential of your handheld.
