After months of rumours and speculation, Nintendo has finally unveiled a refresh to its hybrid console. Say hello to Nintendo Switch Lite, a new member in the family of hardware aiming at younger players and those who want to focus entirely on portable play.
While it isn’t the eagerly awaited Switch Pro, it’s a new spin of the beloved console we’re excited to get our hands on for a number of reasons. It sports a variety of different colours, improved battery life and a revamped aesthetic. But no fear, it’ll play all of the games you’re familiar with.
Trusted Reviews has compiled everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch Lite including all the latest news, release date, price, specs, games and more.
Pre-order the Nintendo Switch Lite from Amazon UK
Nintendo Switch Lite release date – When is it coming out?
The Lite will launching on September 20, 2019 and will be arriving alongside The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. So, if you’re after a classic adventure to accompany your new console, the gaming gods have blessed us.
At launch, it will be available in three colours: Turquoise, Yellow and Grey. A limited edition console bundle is in the works for Pokemon Sword and Shield. It looks gorgeous, but will be coming in November when the game releases.
Nintendo Switch Lite Price – How much will it cost?
In the US, Nintendo Switch Lite will retail for $199.99, which is $100 off the original console’s price. Given the removal of some features, this feels like a decent price in our eyes.
Sadly, UK pricing remains unconfirmed, so here’s hoping we aren’t shafted with a £200 price-point and get something worthwhile. We’ll be updating this article once we learn more.
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Nintendo Switch Lite Design and Features – What are the big differences?
The first big difference is hinted at in the name. Nintendo Switch Lite is a smaller, more lightweight console that weighs in at 275g with a 5.5 inch screen. At a base level, it’s the exact same console you know and love.
However, it does sacrifice some key features for its cheaper price and revised design. The Switch Lite launches without a Dock, meaning you’re unable to connect it to a television or similar display. It’s a portable device through and through, which won’t be for everyone.
Other features such as HD Rumble, IR Sensor and the general use of motion controls are also missing. These are far from dealbreakers, and were arguably underutilised in the base console since launch. That is, unless you’re a huge fan of 1-2 Switch or Just Dance. If you are, joy-con and other controllers can be connected for making use of them.
Not being able to detach the controllers to play with friends is somewhat of a shame, although you’ll have an option to connect with other Nintendo Switch consoles for wireless multiplayer, topping out at an impressive eight units. The Switch Lite is focused on portable play with unwavering dedication, that much is for sure.
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Nintendo Switch Lite Specs – How powerful is it?
Beyond the differing aesthetic and removal of certain features, Switch Lite is the very same console. It sports the same model of Nvidia’s Tegra processor, meaning it will offer the same visuals and performance as its older sibling. It’s worth noting some titles sport a higher resolution and improved performance when docked, whereas the Lite will be limited to 720p at all times.
The 32GB internal storage remains the same, although we’d love to see different variants introduced going forward for fans who don’t fancy fussing with SD cards if they want to install more than a couple of games. Breath of the Wild on its lonesome already takes up an impressive 13.4GB. So, if you’re a digital gamer, be ready to invest in additional storage.
Nintendo Switch Lite Games – Will everything work?
Yep! With the exception of titles that require motion controls, HD rumble or detachable joy-cons, everything on Switch Lite will work as intended. So if you’re keen to upgrade or simply want a second console in your household, none of your gaming library will be left behind.
There’s plenty of Nintendo Switch blockbusters to look forward to in the coming weeks, months and years. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Astral Chain are just a few of the big hitters coming our way, and we can’t wait.
Nintendo Switch Lite trailer – how does it look?
You watch the entensive Nintendo Switch Lite reveal video below, providing a deeper glimpse into what we can expect from the console:
Pre-order the Nintendo Switch Lite from Amazon UK
Will you be picking up the Nintendo Switch Lite later this year? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter @trustedreviews or email the editor below.
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Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
