Nintendo Switch Lite feature image

Nintendo Switch Lite

Tahira Hanif
Nintendo Switch Lite Gadget

Like a lot of millennials, you’re a gamer but don’t have a lot of time to play games. You’ve been thinking about getting the Nintendo Switch for a few years now but couldn’t really commit to the console and its cost. Enter the Nintendo Switch Lite.

The Switch Lite is a handheld only console from Nintendo, which gives you all the fun from the Switch without any of the dockings. The price point is a major advantage for those who don’t have a lot of cash to drop and pre-orders are open for those of you who want to get it on launch day on September 20, 2019.

What features can you expect from the Switch Lite?

Switch Lite Additional System Features
  • It is a handheld-only console, basically making it an advanced 2DS.
  • Controllers are part of the console and cannot be detached.
  • It has a smaller screen than the original Switch but weighs less at approximately .61 lbs.
  • It has a + control pad, which a lot of gamers will be happy about.
  • While the battery capacity is less than the original Switch, software changes allow it to perform for longer periods.
  • Great colors. Nintendo is releasing the Lite in grey, turquoise and yellow while the Zacian and Zamazenta limited edition version will be presented in a soft grey with bright cyan and magenta buttons and analog sticks. Say goodbye to the basic black of the Switch!

Under the colors: What are the hardware specifications for the Switch Lite?

Size: The Switch Lite is a little more portable than the original Switch with a height of 3.6 inches, 8.2 inches length and .55 inches deep. Not exactly pocket-sized like the New 3DS but more manageable.

Screen size: The Lite has a 5.5 inch (1280×720) LCD screen which should provide a better quality image as pixel density is higher.

Processor: Nintendo has stuck to the tried and tested NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor and the Lite will ship with the same processing power as the original Switch.

Sound: Stereo with a 3.5mm audio jack.

Storage: 32GB internal memory. Storage can be expanded by using a microSDHC or micro SDHX card up to 2TB, which needs to be bought separately.

Wireless: Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) along with Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC.

Battery: Lithium-ion battery with 3570mAH capacity. However, updated software allows the Switch Lite to run between 3-7 hours, compared to the Switch’s 3-6 hours. 

Charging time: It remains at 3 hours while the Switch is in sleep mode.

Is it better than the original Switch?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a purely one-player or online gamer who doesn’t have time to sit in front of the television, it’s a great bargain. The Switch Lite is perfect for people on the go.

If you enjoy the social aspect of gaming (especially couch co-op on Mario Kart) or just like playing on a television, it’s best to go for the original Switch or wait for an upgraded Switch that will probably be announced for an early 2020 release date.

Things to think about:

  • Games: The new Switch Lite will not release with bundled games, so definitely think about those extra costs before you buy it. The Lite cannot play games that require detachable controllers unless you’re willing to pay extra for those. The lack of motion controls also means that some games like Super Mario Party, ARMS and Just Dance will be incompatible with the Lite straight out of the box.
  • Lost features: The Switch Lite doesn’t have a kickstand or rumble features, and you won’t be able to use Nintendo Labo with it either. While you technically can play 2-4 player games on the system with separate Joy-Cons, the lack of kickstand means you can’t just put it on the table.

So are you pre-ordering it?

The Switch Lite is currently available on pre-order from Amazon for $199.96 and will be released on September 20, 2019. If you’re a Pokémon fan and can endure the wait, the Switch Lite Zacian and Zamazenta edition will be released on November 8, 2019, just before the launch of Pokémon Sword and Shield. You can pre-order it from Target.

Regardless, the Nintendo Switch Lite will be an amazing gift for gamers young and old, especially with Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner.