Nintendo unveiled its newest iteration of the Switch console on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, and this version is dedicated to handheld play.
In the video below, Yoshiaki Koizumi, Nintendo’s general producer for the Switch, details the lighter, more compact version of the console. As such, the Lite version will not have detachable joy cons, nor will it include the IR Motion Camera or HD rumble features. A separate set of joy cons are needed in order to play games that require those features. The main unit and control inputs are integrated into one piece of hardware found on the back of the console, the directional buttons have been swapped out for a +control pad, and it cannot connect to a television.
Nintendo Switch Lite can play all handheld-compatible games in the Switch library, including major titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Koizumi showed off several other games compatible with the Lite, including Yoshi’s Crafted World, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Super Mario Maker 2, Splatoon 2, and the Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! Pokémon titles. Handheld-compatible games are indicated by an icon on the back of each game’s box.
“With Nintendo Switch Lite joining the family, you’ll have an option that’s optimized for handheld play,” says Koizumi.
The Lite will be available in yellow, grey, and turquoise colors, and hits shelves Sept. 20, 2019. It retails for $199.99 USD.
