Nintendo Announces ‘Switch Lite’ Handheld Video Game For $199

Meet ‘Switch Lite’, Nintendo’s cheaper handheld video game console

Nintendo finally unveiled its smaller and portable gaming console called the ‘Nintendo Switch Lite’, after months of being in speculation.

“Adding Nintendo Switch Lite to the lineup gives gamers more color and price point options,” said Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser in a release. “Now consumers can choose the system that best suits how they like to play their favorite Nintendo Switch games.”

The new Switch Lite measures 3.6″ high, 8.2″ long, and 0.55″ deep (9.1cm x 20.8cm x 1.4cm). The portable gaming console comes with a smaller capacitive touch screen — 5.5″ instead of 6.2″ — along with a 720 resolution. Unlike the original Switch that weighs 0.88 lbs/398g, the Switch Lite weighs approximately 0.61 lbs/275g.

Further, the Switch Lite comes with an improved battery life of 3 to 7 hours, instead of the old 2.5 to 6.5 hours that you get out of the normal Switch. In addition, four directional buttons under the left-hand joystick control have been replaced by a single, more traditional D-pad on the Switch Lite.

Unlike the standard Switch, you cannot connect the Switch Lite to a TV, as there is no dock or port designed for TV connection. It has built-in, not removable, controllers and does not feature IR motion sensors and rumble.

As far as game compatibility, the Switch Lite will work with any Nintendo Switch that supports handheld mode. However, for games that do no support handheld, you can wirelessly connect the Switch Lite to other compatible controllers for games that are meant to be played with separate gamepads.

The new Nintendo Switch Lite will cost $199.99 and is slated to be released on September 20, 2019. It will be available in a variety of colors, such as grey, turquoise, and yellow. Also, a special Pokemon edition will be available as well alongside the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield.