Nintendo Switch is what you need to light up your mood or shrug off Monday blues by indulging yourself with exciting games. The video game console is all the rage among gaming aficionados thanks largely to the unique ability to deliver stunning handheld graphical quality while effortlessly donning the role of a top-notch home console. That being said, despite being such a cool game console, it can’t claim to live up to everyone’s taste. While some may not like the split D-pad, others might find the right analog stick placed too oddly. Well, if you are one of those who are yet to be charmed by Nintendo Switch or looking for something cheaper/more exciting, this roster of the best Nintendo Switch Alternatives of 2020 has you fully covered.
Though Switch is way ahead of the pack in many aspects, there are quite a few rivals that can give the video game console a run for its money. So, whether you are hunting for an elegant handheld console or itching for handsome consoles, you have got multiple options to put your hands on.
- Best Nintendo Switch Alternatives for Handheld Gaming
- Best Nintendo Switch Alternative Consoles
Best Nintendo Switch Alternatives for Handheld Gaming
1. Nintendo Switch Lite
Should you wish to get a cheaper and lighter alternative to Nintendo Switch, look no further than “Nintendo Switch Lite”. The brand new game console looks pretty compact that makes it well-timed for on-the-go gaming. Unlike Switch, Lite has got the Joy-Con controllers fully integrated which makes it a fine bet for casual and younger gamers.
2. Nintendo 3DS XL
When you talk about one of the best handheld consoles, Nintendo’s 3DS XL comes into the picture straight away. And rightly so as the gaming console is right on the money in many aspects. Just like the all-new Switch Lite, it also looks pretty lightweight and feels comfortable in the hands. Therefore, you can use it to play your favorite games for hours.
3. LYRA | Handheld Game Console
If you love playing classic games then you are going to love this handheld gaming console. Dubbed as “LYRA” this gaming console promises to bring the history of gaming in your palms.
Buy from Kickstarter: £149
What about getting a cloud gaming service? Should you wish to make your gaming more thrilling by streaming video games up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (35Mbps for full 4K HDR/60fps), “Google Stadia” and xCloud Gaming have your covered. To me, what makes this gaming services stand out is the ability to let users play top-notch games without the need to have expensive gaming equipment.
Microsoft’s xCloud Gaming is another good cloud gaming service that you can use. Like Stadia, it lets you stream high-end games without requiring any hardware. That said it’s in beta right now and works only on Android devices. The iOS app has had some hurdles and there’s no news when it will be available on PCs and Mac.
I know, I know, most of you didn’t see it coming, did you? Let me tell you that the iPad is by far the best tablet in the market. Powered by A-Series Bionic chip, Apple’s tablet is wicked fast. So, it doesn’t matter whether you want to take on action-packed multiplayer games or desire to take thrilling racing games for a long ride, the iPad can seamlessly fit into your taste.
1. Xbox One S
“Xbox” is the sort of video gaming console that never fails to charm us. Right from the day I first put my hands on this console (a few years ago), it has continued to live up to my taste. To me, the best part about it is the more personalized gaming experience which makes it a notable competitor of Nintendo Switch. The excellent graphics with a high-dynamic-range is designed to get the most out of your games.
Just like Switch, it also offers cloud storage to ensures all of your games and saves stay safe and easily accessible whenever you want to get them back. If you wish to liven up the gaming experience even further, you can get the Xbox Game Pass to access high-quality games at $9.99/month.
2. Xbox Series X
If robust power is what you are after, Xbox Series X can make for a strong case as a solid Nintendo Switch alternative. Games run quite faster on the video game console due to much-reduced load times. So, whether you enjoy decimating rivals in a nerve-wracking car racing game or intense deathmatch to be the last one standing, the video game console can enhance your tryst with the fast-paced gaming.
Buy From Microsoft: $499.99
If Xbox Series X claims to be the most power-packed video game console in the market right now, PS5 is not behind in the battle either. Both in terms of raw horsepower and speed, Sony’s latest offering is in the elite league. So, if you are hunting for a Nintendo Switch competitor that can tick off most boxes, you’ve got to keep an eye on it.
Notably, PS5 supports 8K output, allowing you to play games on your 4320p resolution display. Besides, it delivers a high frame rate of up to 120FPS and supports 120Hz output on 4K displays.
I guess you had been waiting for PS4 to finally make a foray into this roundup, hadn’t you? It has consistently been one of the best selling game consoles in the world. Therefore, it deserves to be rated as a noted substitute for Nintendo Switch. When it comes to getting the desired crispness out of games, PS4 is slightly ahead of its counterparts.
Depending on the model you choose, you will get up to 1TB of storage to keep all of your games secure. So, if you think that the 32GB of minuscule internal storage offered on Switch isn’t able to accommodate all of your games, PS4 could be an ideal answer to your needs.
Are you looking for a Nintendo Switch alternative that could let you play retro games? If your answer is yes, Super NES Classic has to be your top pick. Sporting the appearance of the home consoles that used to be very popular in the 1990s, the console can be a great choice, should you wish to turn the clock back and resurrect retro games.
With this console at your disposal, you can play classy 21 games including the very popular Starfox 2 that were all the rage during the 1990s. What’s more, the bundle also boasts some of the most exciting 2-player games of that era including Super Mario Kart and Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting.
What is comparable to the Nintendo Switch?
There are quite a few video game consoles that are comparable to Nintendo Switch. For instance, the Switch Lite and LYRA are great for handheld gaming. Besides, Xbox Series X and PS5 are fully capable alternative consoles.
Yes and no. I mean you can buy the games using the Nintendo’s online store or offline game cartridges. But without the Switch or Switch Lite, you won’t be able to play them.
What is the cheapest Nintendo Switch?
Though Nintendo Switch is available for $300, you can get it at around $250 by taking advantage of the exclusive offers.
As per several rumors, Nintendo is getting ready to launch a more powerful iteration of the main Switch which is said to be called Switch 2 or Switch Pro. And it’s rumored to launch in 2021.
If you wish to have high-end performance, Nintendo Switch is the better bet. However, if you are looking for a lightweight and on-the-go gaming experience, the Lite is the way to go.
So, that concludes my lineup of the top rivals of the Nintendo Switch. Of course, none of the contenders mentioned above can go neck and neck to what Nintendo’s video game console has to offer, they have got most of the things covered to light up your gaming big time. Let me know your valuable thoughts about my picks and the ones that are ready to rock your gaming spree!
