When the Nintendo Switch first launched, playing local co-op was a little more complicated than it should have been. If you and your friends wanted to jump into a split-screen game together, you either had to buy an additional controller for the second player (at an additional cost) or keep things simple by only playing single-player games. Luckily, Nintendo soon remedied that problem by releasing the affordable Switch Lite. This compact version of the original Switch comes with integrated motion controls and a smaller screen so it’s better suited for extended gaming sessions on the go. However, this means that it doesn’t come with a second set of Joy-Con controllers or the ability to accommodate any. Thankfully, there are ways to get around this limitation and still enjoy local co-op on your Switch Lite. Keep reading to learn more about how to use a Switch Lite as a controller and other tips for using one effectively at home or on the go!
How To Use A Switch Lite As A Controller
1. Using the Joy-Con Grip with a Switch Lite
If you want to use the Joy-Con controllers that come with a standard Switch, you can still use them with a Switch Lite. You just have to buy the Joy-Con Grip that comes with every Switch. Using the Grip with a Switch Lite is as simple as connecting your Joy-Con controllers to it and holding the Grip like you would a standard controller. Switch Lite users especially like to use the Grip because it feels more like a traditional controller. Plus, you can use the built-in Switch Dock to charge the Grip so you don’t have to remember to plug it in!
2. Using a Pro Controller with a Switch Lite
If you already have a Pro Controller, you can use it (or any other wired controller) to play games on your Switch Lite. You just have to connect it to your Switch and make sure the controller is turned on. Once you’re ready to play, make sure the Switch is in handheld mode and the controller should be connected and ready to go! Pro Controller users especially like to use their controllers with the Switch Lite because it’s a more comfortable way to play. Plus, the thumb sticks on the Pro Controller are significantly larger than those on the Joy-Con controllers. This makes them easier to navigate using the small built-in screen of the Switch Lite.
3. Using an Adapter to Play With Wired Controllers
If you don’t have a Pro Controller, but you do have a standard wired controller, you can use an adapter to connect it to your Switch. All you have to do is plug the adapter into one of the USB ports on the Switch and then plug your controller into the adapter. Using an adapter to play with a wired controller is fairly straightforward. The only real thing to keep in mind is that each adapter can only support one controller. So, if you want to use multiple wired controllers, you’ll have to buy multiple adapters.
4. Using an Adapter to Play With Wireless Controllers
If you have a wireless controller, you can use an adapter to connect it to your Switch and play games on a Switch Lite. The only thing you have to remember is that you have to plug the adapter into a wall outlet. So, if you plan to use a wireless controller with a Switch Lite, make sure you keep an outlet nearby. Wireless controller adapters use batteries to send the signal from the adapter to the Switch. However, batteries don’t last forever and the Switch draws a lot of power. So, the adapter won’t last as long if you have the Switch plugged in while it’s plugged into the wall. That’s why it’s best to plug it in and then plug a long, heavy-duty power cable into that adapter so you can keep playing as long as you want!
What’s The Difference Between Switch And Switch Lite?
- The switch has 32 GB of internal onboard memory, but the Switch Lite only has 8 GB.
- The screen resolution of the Switch is 1280 x 720 pixels, while the screen resolution of the Switch Lite is 960 x 540 pixels.
- The battery life on a Switch is 3 hours and 30 minutes, while it’s 2 hours and 30 minutes on a Switch Lite.
- The storage capacity of a Switch is 32 GB, while it’s only 8 GB on a Switch Lite.
- Both devices have built-in motion sensors that allow you to play with six degrees of motion-control sensitivity. However, they don’t have gyroscope sensors like the Joy-Cons do, so you can only play games that are compatible with motion controls or use the touchscreen to move around in games that support it!
Useful Tips For Switch Lite
- The Switch Lite has a USB 2.0 port, so you can connect your keyboard to it if you want to use it as a portable hard drive.
- You can use the Switch Lite as a portable game console and TV by connecting it to an external monitor or TV via HDMI or VGA cable and using an HDMI cable to connect it to your TV (if your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port).
- You can plug in your Switch Lite with a USB 2.0 cable to play games on your PC or Mac. However, if you want to play games from the Nintendo eShop, you’ll have to use a USB 3.0 cable instead!
- If you want to connect two Switches via a wireless network, you’ll have to buy an adapter that supports wireless communication between two Switches.
- When it’s plugged in, the Switch Lite has a built-in microSD card slot that can be used to expand its storage capacity up to 32 GB (it works with cards up to 128 GB).
- On the left side of the Switch, Lite is an SD card slot that supports microSD cards up to 128 GB (it works with cards up to 64 GB).
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch has proven itself as a versatile system that’s great for many different types of players. From families with young children who want to share a handheld gaming experience with them to serious esports players, the Switch has something for everyone. When it first launched, one of the only drawbacks was the fact that it didn’t come with a second set of controllers. This meant that you couldn’t play local co-op unless you purchased an additional set of controllers for each person in the room. Thankfully, Nintendo remedied this problem by releasing the more compact Switch, Lite. This system is better suited for shorter gaming sessions and easily fits into a backpack or bag for portability.
