Nintendo Switch Lite

[Arthur]

www.nintendo.co.uk/Nintendo-Switch/Nintendo-Switch-Lite/Nintendo-Switch-Lite-1595961.html

 

Following earlier reports that two new Switch models were on the way, Nintendo has finally confirmed one of those: the new portable-only Nintendo Switch Lite.

 

According to Nintendo, the Switch Lite is a "compact, lightweight console that's dedicated to handheld play". By dropping the original model's detachable Joy-Cons, the new offering is both slimmer, lighter, and features slightly better battery life. It's due to arrive in stores on 20th September, and will cost $199.99 USD (around £159.76), compared to the original's $299.99 USD (around £239.68).

 

So, what do you lose to get the price down to $199.99? Alongside the now-ditched Joy-Cons, the handheld-only console drops support for TV and tabletop modes, meaning you don't get a kickstand or a Switch Dock either.

 

In terms of game compatibility, Nintendo states the Switch Lite can play all games in the Switch library that support handheld mode - but games without handheld support can still be played by connecting wireless compatible controllers, which will be sold separately.

 

Further sacrifices include the lack of HD rumble and IR motion camera, while the size of the console (and its screen) is also reduced.

 

www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-07-10-nintendo-announces-portable-only-switch-lite-arriving-september

 

https://youtu.be/jZOPC6J4fAA

 

Edited July 10, 2019 by Arthur

[Dos_Box]

Hmm. Being a Switch owner and my kids having various guises of the DS I think I can be a little critical here.

It does not look that much smaller than the original Switch body and that makes it not exactly portable. One you factor in the price of joycons, if you want to play some of the better games, you won't be far off the price of a full fat Switch package.

[Norphy]

Hmm indeed.

 

Fair enough that they don't include the dock with it. Taking away the TV mode entirely is a bit of a crap move.

[flyinghaggis]

Hmm. Being a Switch owner and my kids having various guises of the DS I think I can be a little critical here.

It does not look that much smaller than the original Switch body and that makes it not exactly portable. One you factor in the price of joycons, if you want to play some of the better games, you won't be far off the price of a full fat Switch package.

 

Those were pretty much my thoughts as well. I've always felt the regular switch was too large to work well as a portable device but I'm not really sure if I like the design of this lite version. I'd have much preferred a clamshell case like the DS range. I'm feeling kind of underwhelmed by it on first impressions?

 

Also, and I understand why they did it, but removing the HDMI output really limits the functionality of the device.

 

Given its only $80/£80 less than the regular switch it strikes me the lite will only appeal to those who already own a switch. At the same time though $200/£200 is a lot of money to spend for a slightly more portable version of a console you already have. I certainly wouldn't.

 

It makes me wonder who Nintendo are aiming this system at? Maybe when I chance to try one it'll win me over though so I'll reserve judgement until then!

 

Actually the more I think about it maybe Nintendo's ultimate plan is to drop the regular switch model and offer a switch lite for portable use or a switch Pro (without a screen for home use with a 4k TV)?

 

This lite version really doesn't seem to make sense alongside the existing model 🤔

Edited July 10, 2019 by flyinghaggis

[sted]

i think its aimed at getting people to buy a 2nd switch for the house or for kids as without detachable stuff its got to be harder to break. length wise i hear it about the same size as a current switch if you remove one of the joycons.

 

as to joycon games yes you can use them but htf are you going to play say mario party on this version lets get 4 people round a tiny screen lol

 

 

it also had to be said that people thought the 2ds wouldnt do well and that thing has i believe sold by the truckload

 

i suspect down the road there will be a switch lite dick that has the tv out "chip" in in so a different dock to the old model and the old model will get replaced with a switch pro probably about the same time a really graphic heavy game that could use the power releases (say breath of the wild 2 because we all know botw can chug on a standard switch) its no surprise that they release a portable version on the same day as a remake of a portable zelda game and with pokemon just round the corner

 

i do see this as the end of games that make use of the joycons (as anything other than a straight controller)for much though i expect rumble will survive(because esp in ports the code is already there) but i bet a lot of the other features like the ir pointer etc get effectively depreciated now

 

as to clamshell how unless you want a samsung folding screen debacle or 2 screens with a border down the middle

Edited July 11, 2019 by sted

[Joanne]

it's for kids who weren't allowed a switch because it was too expensive. I reckon this will sell well at Christmas. I think it looks great.

 

I won't be buying one though.... I splashed out on a special edition switch and it's not going anywhere soon... (well.... except with me... to places...)

[Dos_Box]

i do see this as the end of games that make use of the joycons

 

I have to disagree there, there are many games I play with my kids (teens) that are joycon specific such as Mario Party or utilise detached joycons such as Mario Kart 8.

The Switch has a bucket load of good multiplayer games in fact.

One thought that comes to mind, and possibly why we may not be able to see Nintendo's strategy here is that portable gaming is HUGE in Japan, more so than any other region as far as I'm aware. It also probably marks a point where the DS range is to be finally discontinued.

Edited July 17, 2019 by Dos_Box

[sted]

I have to disagree there, there are many games I play with my kids (teens) that are joycon specific such as Mario Party or utlise detacthed joycons such as Mario Kart 8.

The Switch has a bucket load of good multiplayer games in fact.

One thought that comes to mind, and possibly why we may not be able to see Nintendo's strategy here is that portable gaming is HUGE in Japan, more so than any other region as far as I'm aware. It also probably marks a point where the DS range is to be finally discontinued.

 

as a control pad like in mk8 yes, but take mario party how are even 2 people going to be able to see the screen and shake the joycons round at the same time never mind 4 or more

 

the whole point of the switch being portable was japan they buy less tv consoles than the west heck even the vita sold well there and i would wager massively outsold the xbox 1/360 possibly combined. i think the west is the only reason the switch ever worked on a tv

 

the ds will be sld probably until nobody buys one i dont think they are even heavily discounted yet so theres still a market for them

[Arthur]

Nintendo announces updated Switch with better battery life

 

Nintendo is unveiling an updated version of its Switch console today, with promises of improved battery life. The new model will include approximately two extra hours of battery life, bringing the estimates of usage to between 4.5 and 9 hours. Nintendo’s current Switch has an estimated battery life of between 2.5 and 6.5 hours.

 

Nintendo’s Switch product page doesn’t reveal exactly how the company has achieved this improved battery life, but it’s likely thanks to a new system-on-chip inside and updated memory.