Ever thought that the Nintendo Switch was just a smidge too large, and nowhere near yellow enough? Does the idea of plugging your Switch into a TV alarm and disgust you? Well, you’re in luck! Nintendo has just announced the Switch Lite – a mildly cheaper version of their phenomenally popular console which is a little bit smaller and lacks several of the features of its older sibling.
https://youtu.be/jZOPC6J4fAA
Unlike the normal Switch, which is a hybrid console which can be played in both portable and docked mode, the Switch Lite is purely handheld. As such, you can’t plug it into your telly, and you can’t remove the Joy-Con controllers; they’re fixed to the unit. Also: no rumble functionality. But it’s smaller and lighter, has a better directional pad, and comes in a range of groovy colours (yellow, grey, and turquoise).
It’s an interesting pitch from the folks at Nintendo: the hybrid nature of the Switch is part of what has made it so phenomenally popular. But it could be a smart ploy – the Switch has eaten up a lot of the appeal of the 3DS line, and the Switch Lite might just plug the remaining gap. However, Nintendo has taken pains to say that the 3DS is still going strong. “We’ll continue to support our 3DS family of systems as long as there is demand,” says Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser.
As you might imagine, there are some games which require motion controls which won’t work on the Lite. Here’s what Nintendo says on that:
For games that do not support handheld mode, players can wirelessly connect compatible controllers (sold separately) to Nintendo Switch Lite. If using separate Joy-Con controllers, users will need to have a device to recharge them, such as the Joy-Con Charging Grip.
The Switch Lite is marginally cheaper, but doesn’t nudge it under the magical $300 mark in Australia. It’ll be $329.95 when it launches here on September 20.
You can see a full spec list courtesy of our dear friends at Kotaku Australia, if that’s your jam.
