Nintendo’s hybrid home and portable console, the Switch, had become the fastest selling game console of this generation. Globally the system has sold over 34 million units since its release. Today, Nintendo announced a new option to the platform for players who strictly use their system on the go, the Nintendo Switch Lite.
The system will release in on September 20, 2019. First, this is not a graphical upgrade of the hardware. Its biggest changes are geared towards the value consumer looking for portable gaming. Switch Lite will not have the A/V out ability to connect to a television and its joy-con controllers are built attached to the system. The controllers will not have rumble or motion control capability. For this trade-off you get a 5.5 inch LED screen with an improved 3-7hr battery life and a true D-pad control instead of the left joy-con buttons.
Perhaps the systems most appealing feature is its price point. The Nintendo Switch Lite will launch for an MSRP of $199.99. Nintendo views the system as a price point option that lowers the barrier for those who don’t need the ability to connect the system to a television. In an informal social media survey, I found nearly 57% of the Switch owners surveyed had never connected their Switch to the TV dock. Some had even commented they still used their Switch in handheld mode even when playing at home.
Also of note, there will be a special edition Pokemon Sword and Shield Switch color variant available beginning November 8. The system will launch on the same day as The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. Players can still connect wireless pro controllers to the system.
Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite is a tale of two systems while you’ll be able to play all the same Switch games (except for Labo) in some way it does separate itself distinctly from the system’s hybrid selling point. Having gotten my hands on it at an event, there is a lot of noticeable difference in feel. It’s lighter and a bit sharper on handheld play, mostly due to the slightly smaller screen. Switch Lite could be a great replacement Switch if you’ve found yourself never using the dock to connect a television.
If the portable experience is strictly for you then this Switch is definitely worth the $100 discount. What should have been called Nintendo Switch Traveller will be available this September.
UPDATE:
- Switch Lite will not have a kickstand. The thought behind it would be most people using the Lite will not put it on a table since joy-cons will not detach.
- Nintendo has no plans to make D-pad joy-cons according to Nintendo of America’s, Doug Bowser.
