The Nintendo Switch is just what you need to brighten your day or beat the Monday blues by engaging in thrilling games. The video game system is all the rage among gamers, thanks to its unique ability to produce outstanding handheld graphical quality while still performing admirably as a top-tier home console. Despite being a fantastic game system, it cannot claim to satisfy everyone’s preferences. While some may dislike the split D-pad, others may find the placement of the right analogue stick to be strange. If you have yet to be enchanted by Nintendo Switch or are seeking for a cheaper/more interesting alternative, this list of the best Nintendo Switch Alternatives of 2020 has you covered.
Best Nintendo Switch Alternatives 2022’s
Though the Nintendo Switch is far ahead of the competition in many ways, there are a number of competitors who can give it a run for its money. So, whether you’re looking for a stylish handheld console or a gorgeous console, you’ve got a lot of options to choose from.
Oh, and there are a few gamers that will take your gaming to a whole new level. So, let’s get started (together with me) by looking at the best Nintendo Switch alternatives.
Handheld Gaming’s Best Nintendo Switch Alternatives
1. Nintendo Switch Lite
Look no further than “Nintendo Switch Lite” if you’re looking for a less expensive and lighter alternative to Nintendo Switch. The brand new game system appears to be fairly tiny, which makes it ideal for on-the-go gaming. Unlike Switch, Lite has fully integrated Joy-Con controllers, making it an excellent choice for casual and younger gamers.
The Lite, like the Nintendo Switch, has a good-looking display. However, unlike the larger sibling’s ultra-large 6.2-inch display, the Lite model has a smaller but functional 5.5-inch display.
Furthermore, it includes a D-pad-style control pad that allows you to master favourite games with ease. Despite the fact that it isn’t built for desktop use, you can make up for it by matching it with a really useful accessory.
The Nintendo Switch handheld has a battery life of up to 7 hours on a single charge. Furthermore, it is available in three colours: yellow, grey, and turquoise. In terms of price, it costs $199, which is $100 less than the original console.
Nintendo Switch Lite is one of the best Nintendo Switch alternatives you can get if you’re searching for a unique handheld gaming experience.
Buy From Amazon: $199
2. Nintendo 3DS XL
When it comes to one of the best handheld consoles, Nintendo’s 3DS XL is at the top of the list. And rightfully so, as the game console is spot-on in many ways. It appears to be lightweight and pleasant in the hands, just like the all-new Switch Lite. As a result, you can spend hours playing your favourite games on it.
The 3DS XL includes a C stick for significantly better control. Its status as one of the cheapest Nintendo Switch alternatives is further enhanced by its built-in amiibo compatibility and NFC connectivity. Additionally, this handheld allows you to play any Nintendo 3DS game at any time. You can restrict 3D mode for youngsters because it contains parental controls (6 years old or under).
Finally, the 3DS XL has a battery life of 3.5 to 6.5 hours, which is not awful when compared to the redesigned Nintendo Switch, which has a battery life of 4.5 to 9 hours. All things considered, it’s one of the most cost-effective yet effective Nintendo Switch alternatives.
Buy From Amazon: Around $150
3. LYRA | Handheld Game Console
If you enjoy playing retro games, you will enjoy this portable gaming console. This game system, dubbed “LYRA,” claims to put the history of gaming in your hands.
Essentially, this handheld device will be able to simulate all of the original platforms, allowing you to play games that were designed for them. LYRA, which is powered by the Raspberry Pi CM3L, isn’t just for playing games; it can also serve as a personal computer and entertainment system.
In terms of technological specifications, the LYRA handheld console is powered by a 1..4GHz 64-bit quad-core Broadcom BCM2837B0 Cortex-A53 (ARMv8) 64-bit SoC. It will have 1GB of RAM and a 5′′ TFT LCD with an 800 x 480 pixel resolution.
As you can see, LYRA isn’t particularly powerful, but it’s adequate for playing the games it supports. LYRA is currently on Kickstarter, where it has raised many times the required funds.
As a result, we are hopeful that it will be available soon. You can get a 30% discount on this console if you pre-order it.
Buy from Kickstarter: £149
4. Google Stadia / xCloud
Consider using a cloud gaming service. “Google Stadia” and xCloud Gaming have you covered if you want to make your gaming more exciting by streaming video games up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (35Mbps for full 4K HDR/60fps). What distinguishes this gaming service in my opinion is its capacity to allow customers to play high-quality games without the need for pricey gaming equipment.
Yes, you read that correctly. To begin playing a videogame, all you need is a browser tab – you don’t even need to install the game. When it comes to Google Stadia, its cloud computing capacity is equivalent to a game system with 10.7 GPU terraflops, which is more than the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X combined! From what I’ve seen, it appears to be a game-changer.
The service will support PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones and will be powered by Google’s own data centres (only Pixel phones initially). Not to mention, buying a game console does not require a large sum of money. Google Stadia’s processing is performed “in the cloud,” unlike Microsoft’s Xbox, Sony’s PlayStation, and Nintendo’s Switch. Keep in mind that it will cost you $9.99 every month.
Another good cloud gaming service to use is Microsoft’s xCloud Gaming. It, like Stadia, allows you to broadcast high-end games without the need for any additional hardware. However, it is currently in beta and only works on Android devices. The iOS app has had some difficulties, and there is no word on when it will be accessible for PCs and Macs.
5. iPad
I’m sure the majority of you didn’t see it coming, did you? Let me state unequivocally that the iPad is the best tablet on the market. Apple’s tablet, which is powered by an A-Series Bionic CPU, is lightning quick. So, whether you want to play action-packed multiplayer games or want to go for a long ride with exhilarating racing games, the iPad can accommodate your preferences.
The tablet now supports PS4 and Xbox controllers, thanks to the release of iOS 13 (iPadOS 13). With an Apple Arcade monthly subscription, you may play hundreds of premium games without any restrictions.
So, if you’re looking for one of the best Switch replacements that has monster power and allows you to play lots of games neatly, iPad is a safe pick.
The best part, in my opinion, is that the iPad Pro is adaptable, which eliminates the need to carry numerous devices. You can take your iPad Pro with you and play games, respond to emails, watch Netflix and YouTube (which isn’t available on Switch), and so much more. The iPad Pro is the most versatile Nintendo Switch alternative you can buy right now if you don’t want to play AAA games like Zelda or Doom.
Best Nintendo Switch Alternative Consoles
1. Xbox One S
“Xbox” is one of those video game consoles that never ceases to enchant us. This console has continued to live up to my expectations since the day I initially got my hands on it (a few years back). The best element, in my opinion, is the more personalised gaming experience, which sets it apart from the Nintendo Switch. The high-dynamic-range graphics are meant to help you get the most out of your games.
It, like Switch, has cloud storage, which ensures that all of your games and saves are safe and easy to access whenever you need them. If you want to amp up your gaming experience even further, the Xbox Game Pass, which costs $9.99 a month, gives you access to high-quality titles.
However, this software isn’t simply for games. You can also use it to watch Netflix and other streaming services in 4K Ultra HD. It also includes a built-in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player, which allows you to watch movies in spectacular resolution.
We all know that, while the Nintendo Switch offers the best of both worlds in terms of console gaming, it lacks the power to provide a 4K immersive gaming experience. The Xbox One S is one of the best Nintendo Switch alternatives available right now if you really want to enjoy gaming at its best.
Buy From Microsoft: $299 (1TB)
2. Xbox Series X
If you’re looking for a powerful alternative to the Nintendo Switch, the Xbox Series X could be a good choice. Because of the shortened load times, games run much faster on the video game system. So, whether you prefer annihilating opponents in a furious auto racing game or an intense deathmatch to be the last man standing, the video game console can increase your experience with fast-paced gaming.
The system on a chip’s 12 teraflops of computing power, along with AMD’s Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures, allow it to take on high-octane games with ease. When you add in the potential to deliver top-notch images at up to 120 frames per second, you have a video game system that appears to be difficult to beat.
Another feature that makes the Xbox Series X a better Nintendo Switch replacement is DirectX ray tracing, which helps produce high-quality lighting and precise reflections for a more immersive gaming experience. One of my favourite features is the 3D spatial sound, which greatly enhances gameplay.
The Xbox Series X is not too pricey, either, at $500, making it a viable alternative to the Nintendo Switch.
Buy From Microsoft: $499.99
3. PS5
If the Xbox Series X claims to be the most powerful video game console on the market right now, the PlayStation 5 isn’t far behind. Sony’s current product is among the best in terms of raw horsepower and speed. So, if you’re looking for a Nintendo Switch rival that can check off all the boxes, keep an eye on it.
The video gaming console is unrivalled in terms of loading speed thanks to its high-end SSD.
The primary components that enable it to produce fast-paced gameplay are the bespoke CPU, GPU, and SSD, as well as the I/O.
Furthermore, the really useful haptic feedback, adjustable triggers, and 3D audio make it perfectly equipped to provide an amazing gaming experience. Ray tracing simulates real-life shadows and reflections by simulating individual light rays.
Notably, the PS5 supports 8K output, letting you to play games on a television with a resolution of 4320p. Furthermore, it supports 120Hz output on 4K TVs and produces a high frame rate of up to 120FPS.
In 2020, the PS5 deserves to be considered one of the best Nintendo Switch alternatives due to its high-end specs.
Buy From Sony: $499.99
4. PlayStation 4 Pro / Slim
I’m sure you’ve been waiting for the PS4 to make an appearance in this roundup, haven’t you? It has regularly been one among the world’s best-selling video gaming systems. As a result, it is deserving of being considered a viable Nintendo Switch replacement. The PS4 is somewhat ahead of its competitors when it comes to achieving the requisite sharpness in games.
You can get up to 1TB of storage depending on the model you choose to keep all of your games safe. So, if you think the Nintendo Switch’s 32GB of internal storage isn’t enough to hold all of your games, the PS4 could be the perfect solution.
Furthermore, it provides you with access to an ever-expanding library of virtual reality games. If you enjoy virtual reality games, they will simply win you over. Aside from games, this system can stream videos, movies, and TV episodes to liven up your viewing experience.
Buy From Amazon/Sony: $399.99 – PS4 Pro / $299.99– PS4 Slim (1TB)
5. Super NES Classic
Are you seeking for an alternative to the Nintendo Switch that allows you to play classic games? If you answered yes, Super NES Classic is your best bet. The console, which has the appearance of home consoles that were popular in the 1990s, can be a perfect choice if you want to turn back the clock and resurrect classic games.
With this console, you can play 21 high-quality games, including the cult classic Starfox 2, which was all the rage in the 1990s. In addition, the bundle includes Super Mario Kart and Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting, two of the most popular 2-player games of the time.
The new demo mode, which replicates the recorded suspend points, is one of my favourite features of this console. It also works with the Classic Controller and Classic Controller Pro accessories, allowing you to improve your gaming experience.
Buy From Amazon: Around $180
