The Switch lite is nice as a handheld but overall I still prefer being able to use detachable joycons and dock mode. I've not enjoyed nintendo's online system since the DS tbh, even then the friend code system was a bit clunky but online was fun in some games.
Modding aside, the only other model I considered picking up was the OLED Switch but since decided to pick up a few x86 handhelds for both gaming and productivity purposes.
The Wii, DS and 3DS were all fairly clunky but at least they were free and worked fairly well.
I had a crappy connection when I got Smash Bros 4 but still had no lag when playing with foreigners, Smash Ultimate is an absolute lagfest.
I'm getting a Steam Deck in Q4 so I won't have much use for the Switch Lite - at least it's a fun little distraction in the meanwhile.
My Deck is still in Q3 apparently but will probably get pushed back again. Will be picking up a couple of alternatives in the meantime.
Yeah netcode and infrastructure is really important, I've not looked into how Smash does it recently but rollback netcode has been wonderful in other fighting games. I really enjoyed Jump Superstars/Ultimate Stars online.
From what I know Smash uses P2P, which is horrible for a fighting game. Mario Kart 8 doesn't run peer to peer so I don't understand how they managed to screw this up so bad.
My Deck is all the way in Q4, let's hope they have more stock by then so I don't have to wait much, hope yours arrives soon.