Nintendo announced the Nintendo Switch Lite today. Priced at $199 (USD), this new iteration of the Switch hardware will be released on September 20, 2019. It will come in three different colors (Grey, Yellow, and Turquoise) at launch. A carrying case and a screen protector is also going to be available at launch for the Switch Lite.
Compared to its older brother, the Switch Lite will be a portable only device. You will not be able to dock the Switch Lite to a TV as you can with the regular Switch. In addition, the Switch Lite does not have detachable JoyCons. There's also something about the looks of the Switch Lite that may appeal to old Vita owners, but I can't put my finger on it.
Also when compared to the Switch, the Switch Lite includes a better d-pad, a smaller overall size, a slightly smaller screen (5.5" vs 6.2"), less weight (.61lbs vs .88lbs), and slightly better battery life (3-7 hours vs 2.5-6.5 hours). A full list of the differences between the two devices can be found at this handy comparison site that Nintendo set up.
Other than that, it's pretty much the same Switch you already know and possibly love. It plays the same games. It (apparently) has the same internal hardware, so one shouldn't be more powerful than the other. If you never want to hook the Switch up to a TV and you want to save $100, the Lite is for you.
“Adding Nintendo Switch Lite to the lineup gives gamers more color and price point options,†said Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser. “Now consumers can choose the system that best suits how they like to play their favorite Nintendo Switch games.â€
The flagship Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017 and offers three different play modes: playing in TV mode by placing the system into a Nintendo Switch dock, playing cooperatively or competitively in tabletop mode by sharing Joy-Con controllers and playing in handheld mode. The system comes with either Gray Joy-Con controllers or Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con controllers.
Nintendo Switch Lite has integrated controls and is smaller than the flagship version of Nintendo Switch. It has no kickstand and, as a dedicated handheld gaming device, does not support video output to a TV. Therefore, it does not come with a dock or HDMI cable. For a full list of the differences between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/compare.
The new device can play all games in the robust Nintendo Switch library that support handheld mode*, although some games will have restrictions. Compatible game modes will be listed on the back of game packaging and in Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite owners can get together to enjoy compatible multiplayer titles like Super Mario Maker 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate together via Nintendo Switch Online** or local wireless multiplayer***.
For additional information about Nintendo Switch Lite, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/lite/.
* For games that support tabletop mode, players can wirelessly connect Joy-Con controllers (sold separately) to Nintendo Switch Lite. In these cases, users will need to have a device to recharge Joy-Con controllers, such as the Joy-Con Charging Grip.
**Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online play. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online
***Additional systems and software required.
The flagship Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017 and offers three different play modes: playing in TV mode by placing the system into a Nintendo Switch dock, playing cooperatively or competitively in tabletop mode by sharing Joy-Con controllers and playing in handheld mode. The system comes with either Gray Joy-Con controllers or Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con controllers.
Nintendo Switch Lite has integrated controls and is smaller than the flagship version of Nintendo Switch. It has no kickstand and, as a dedicated handheld gaming device, does not support video output to a TV. Therefore, it does not come with a dock or HDMI cable. For a full list of the differences between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/compare.
The new device can play all games in the robust Nintendo Switch library that support handheld mode*, although some games will have restrictions. Compatible game modes will be listed on the back of game packaging and in Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite owners can get together to enjoy compatible multiplayer titles like Super Mario Maker 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate together via Nintendo Switch Online** or local wireless multiplayer***.
For additional information about Nintendo Switch Lite, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/lite/.
* For games that support tabletop mode, players can wirelessly connect Joy-Con controllers (sold separately) to Nintendo Switch Lite. In these cases, users will need to have a device to recharge Joy-Con controllers, such as the Joy-Con Charging Grip.
**Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online play. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online
***Additional systems and software required.
Still hoping for a legit "Pro" version and not just a small tweak, but if it's worth it, I might jump on it when those revisions hit. I really want to play Breath of the Wild.
The downside to the Lite (for me) is that it re-introduces portable focused game development, developers had to make sure their games worked both docked and on the go, but with a portable only system the docked experience might suffer, but that's just hyperbole.
If it drives down the price of the base system i might be closer to getting a Switch, i'd probably play other games but for me it's primarily the Bayonetta console.