Nintendo’s Switch Lite For Mobile Gaming

Nintendo has announced a new version of its handheld console Switch, called the Switch Lite, which will retail for US$199 and be smaller and lighter. The game system comes in a choice of three colours – turquoise, grey and yellow – and is designed for gamers ‘on the go’.

Specs For The Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo has released the all important specifications for the Switch Lite.

Nintendo Switch Lite Released In September

Let’s start with the size and weight. The Lite version will be 91.1 by 208 by 13.9 millimetres with the controllers, as opposed to the original Switch at 173 by 102 by 13.9 millimetres. It will weigh around only 276 grams as opposed to 297 grams for the Switch.

The size of the screen will change as well, with the Switch Lite having a 5.5 inch LCD screen and the original Switch having a 6.2 inch screen. The resolution has not changed however, at 1280 x 720 for both devices. The system memory for both devices also sits at 32 GB, however, it’s likely that the original Switch will be getting a storage upgrade in the near future.

The Switch Lite’s battery life is around three to seven hours, with Nintendo saying they have tested the device with Zelda: Breath Of The Wild and achieved four hours solid play time. The charge time is around three hours while in sleep mode.

There are also three brand new colours to brighten up your mobile gaming experience – grey, yellow and a stunning turquoise.

Should I Buy A Nintendo Switch Lite?

So the console is a cheaper version of the original Nintendo Switch, but what are the benefits and what are you sacrificing?

More Mobility Without Restrictions

The Switch Lite is all about mobile handheld gaming fun. Nintendo has said that you’ll be able to play any of the games that will work in handheld mode. These include:

  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  • Super Mario Odyssey
  • Super Mario Maker 2
  • Pokémon Sword and Shield
  • The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Switch Lite The Legend Of Zelda: Links Awakening
The Legend Of Zelda: Links Awakening Can be Played On The Switch Lite

In fact the list of games that don’t work in handheld mode is fairly limited.

A play time of around 4 hours for an intensive game like Breath Of The Wild is pretty good, and the device’s size and weight means that it’ll be easy to transport and play on the go where ever you may be. The Switch Lite also just looks good, and there’s no worrying about changing out the controllers as they come fixed to the device.

Multiplayer gaming options include being able to link up to 8 Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite devices, meaning that you can still play with your friends who own the original Switch, as well as being able to participate online with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

No TV Display, No Removable Joy-Con Sticks, No HD Rumble Or IR Motion Camera

Nintendo are obviously banking on the fact that a large portion of their customers like the concept of playing their games on a good old fashioned handheld device like the 3DS, and won’t be too worried about losing the ability to stream games to their TV’s or have removable Joy-Con sticks. If these features are what drew you to the Switch in the first place, it may take a while to get used to not having them.

Nintendo Switch Lite Release Date

The Switch Lite will be released on the 20th September this year, just in time for it to be discounted for the Christmas sales (we hope).

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