Analysts and fans alike have been waiting for a handheld-focused “Switch Mini” (and the death of the 3DS) ever since the launch of Nintendo’s newest console back in 2017. With the 3DS being put out to pasture earlier this year, Nintendo finally made good on the other half of that equation with the announcement of the Switch Lite.
Set to be released on September 20, the Switch Lite will be available in stores for $199.99 in three different colors (Yellow, Turquoise, and Gray). To reach this lower price, Nintendo crafted the Switch Lite as a system that can only be played in Handheld Mode. It features integrated controls, a smaller 5.5″ touchscreen, no HD Rumble, and no support for the Switch Dock.
Nintendo also managed to make some improvements to the platform with the Switch Lite. The handheld will be lighter (just 10 ounces) and with a better battery life (up to seven hours, according to Nintendo). By ditching the Joy-Cons, Nintendo was also able to add a real D-Pad to the left side of the Switch Lite. That said, if you’ve got a pair of Joy-Cons lying around, the Switch Lite will be compatible with the two-fisted controllers for games that can be played in Tabletop Mode (but beware, the Switch Lite won’t have a kickstand).
“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.”
Pokemon fans interested in upgrading to the Switch Lite might want to wait until November 8, which is when Nintendo will launch a special “Zacian and Zamazenta Edition” of the handheld alongside Pokemon Sword and Shield.
You can learn more about the Switch Lite via Nintendo’s official website or by viewing the First Look video embedded above.
