Does Nintendo Switch Lite support Nintendo Switch Online?

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Nintendo Switch Lite Super Smash Bros Ultimate
Nintendo Switch Lite Super Smash Bros Ultimate (Image credit: Rebecca Spear / iMore)

Does Nintendo Switch Lite support Nintendo Switch Online?

What is the Nintendo Switch Lite, anyway?

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a special version of Nintendo's hottest gaming machine that has built-in controllers and reduces the device's size. It costs $100 less than the original Switch, plays many of the same games, and has slightly longer battery life. However, it wasn't designed to be used on a TV.

It's the perfect option for people who prefer to play Switch games on a dedicated handheld device. It comes in a few fun colors, and its super compact size makes it easy to take with you just about anywhere.

Nintendo Switch Lite
Portable gaming
Nintendo Switch Lite

Smaller, less expensive, just as much fun

Nintendo Switch Lite works solely in handheld mode, but it uses the same cartridges as the standard Nintendo Switch. So, any of your games that offer handheld mode will be compatible, and it can link with Nintendo Switch to play local co-op games.

How does it work with Nintendo Online?

Two people playing Nintendo Switch Lite

Two people playing Nintendo Switch Lite (Image credit: Nintendo)

While there are a lot of differences between the original Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch Lite, the way that Nintendo Switch Online works is fortunately not one of them. As long as you've created a free Nintendo account, you'll be able to get access to a Nintendo Online subscription and experience everything it has to offer on the Nintendo Switch Lite, just like you can with the standard Switch.

Nintendo Online gives you the ability to play multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate online with friends and other players around the world. It also gives you access to an extensive library of classic NES and SNES titles that you can play for a retro gaming experience. Also, Nintendo Online gives you access to storing saves on cloud storage.

12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership

Get connected
12-Month Nintendo Online Membership

Play with players around the world

Nintendo Online access allows you to play with players around the globe, enjoy a library of NES games, and use cloud save storage.

Rebecca Spear
Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.