Given its penchant for iterating and refreshing its hardware, the arrival of Nintendo's Switch Lite feels inevitable rather than surprising. What's perhaps a little more unexpected is how this new machine gleefully jettisons the key element that the original console was arguably sold on – its ability to 'switch' between a home console and a portable.
Sure, Nintendo has pulled similar tricks in the past – a 3DS without 3D, for example – but can a Switch that doesn't switch really be a success? We're about to find out.
Nintendo Switch Lite: What's In The Box
Call to mind the rather large box you got your existing Nintendo Switch in; it felt weighty and packed with content, right? There was the base console, the two Joy-Con, the Joy-Con rails, the power supply and – of course – that all-important dock, along with its HDMI connection to your television set. You felt like you really were getting a home console, yet one with a portable form factor.
The packaging for the Switch Lite is definitely at the other end of the scale; the diminutive box measures just 250 x 114 x 85mm – the console inside is 208mm at its longest point, so that gives you an idea of how little wasted space there is inside this box.
Alongside the Switch Lite, you get a power brick with a USB-C connection and a small instruction sheet – and that's your lot.
Nintendo Switch Lite: Design
If you're used to the original Switch – and, if you're reading this site, there's a good chance that's the case – then the Switch Lite will definitely feel like a significant change in terms of size and weight. It measures 91.1mm x 208mm x 13.9mm and tips the scales at 275g. In contrast, the original 2017 Switch measures 102mm x 239mm x 13.9mm and weighs 297g.
The disparity between those statistics might not seem all that massive, but the Lite certainly feels more compact, more portable, and more… dinky. That's perhaps not the best word to describe such a device (especially when you consider it's still somewhat large when compared to something like the PS Vita), but it really does feel that way the first time you scoop it up and shift it around in your hands.
As we already know, there are no detachable Joy-Con on the Switch Lite; the controls are fused to the bodywork of the device. Despite this, things are very much the same; the analogue sticks appear to be identical to those on the original Joy-Con (what that means for Switch Lite systems which develop 'Joy-Con Drift' is anyone's guess), and the face button cluster is the same size – although, on the Switch lite, the A, B, X and Y letters are embossed into the buttons, rather than printed on.
The screenshot and Home buttons are the same size and in the same location, but left-hand face button cluster has been replaced by a more traditional D-Pad, which is fantastic news for those hardcore Street Fighter and Tetris players out there. It sits a little lower than the one seen on the Switch Pro Controller but is still brilliant to use. As for the other interface elements – such as the shoulder buttons, 'plus' and 'minus' keys, volume rocker and power button – they're all pretty much the same as they were before. The game card flap is in the same location, too, and the main vent for the internal fan has remained in largely the same place. The stereo speakers are on the bottom edge now, and, to our ears, they sound a little harsher than those on the original model.
With the Switch Lite's focus being totally portable, Nintendo has removed the kick-stand which also served as the MicroSD card slot cover. Because of this, the MicroSD slot has its own dedicated flap now (you still only get 32GB of storage, too). We actually think this is a shame, because the Switch Lite could still have been used in tabletop mode without any issue.
Oh, and the plastic used on the body of the Switch Lite feels more grippy and 'matte' than the original. The back of the device is one complete panel of plastic, and the vents over the fan feel sturdier, too. Time will tell if the Switch Lite is as susceptible to cracking as its older sibling, but the unit certainly feels more robust to us.
It's also worth noting that games designed to play in 'TATE' mode are still viable, as long as you have a decent stand to place the console in. However, the amazing Flip Grip accessory is, of course, no longer feasible.
The unit we've been sent for review is the Turquoise variant, but you can also pick up the Switch Lite in Yellow, Grey, and – for all you Pokémon fans out there – in a Zacian and Zamazenta-themed edition, to mark the upcoming release of Pokémon Sword & Shield.
Nintendo Switch Lite: Screen
A smaller body naturally means a smaller screen, and the Switch Lite has a 5.5-inch LCD panel which is a slight drop down from the 6.2-inch display on the original model. Both screens have the exact same resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, though.
When you consider that some games had text that was hard to parse on the 2017 original, the smaller screen on the Switch Lite can create some problems. It's perhaps not as dramatic as you think, but we did find ourselves occasionally squinting at text in certain titles – perhaps because our ageing eyeballs were more accustomed to viewing said letters on a roomier 6.2-inch panel. What we hope to see in the future is developers creating their software with the smaller screen of the Switch Lite in mind.
When Nintendo launched the revised version of the original Switch recently, some buyers complained of 'improved' screens which actually delivered a slightly warmer, yellow-ish image. We can confirm that – on our review unit, at least – the Lite seems to have received the same slightly-yellow panel. It's not immediately noticeable, but when placed alongside a 2017 Switch, you can see a slight difference.
It's also worth noting that the Switch Lite lacks the ambient light sensor present at the bottom of the screen on the original, so there's no option to enable 'automatic brightness' in the settings. We found the unit quite hard to use in bright sunlight, but the same can be said of the original model.
Nintendo Switch Lite: Getting Down To Gaming
Cosmetic changes aside, the Switch Lite is – as you might expect – very much like a Switch once you get down to the act of playing video games on it. It's comfortable to use – perhaps more so than the 2017 model, if you ask us and our tiny, hobbit-sized hands – and the grippy, rounded plastic edges mean it sits comfortably in your palms. That D-Pad is also a complete and utter godsend for 'old school' games that were designed around digital input.
Despite losing the power to dock with your TV and the ability to remove the controllers, the Switch Lite can still connect to other Joy-Con, as well as any other supported wireless controller. Taking this into account, we feel it's necessary to reiterate how dumb it is of Nintendo to remove the kick-stand from the back of the unit; the Switch Lite could still have been perfectly serviceable in tabletop mode, even if that smaller screen would be harder to crowd four people around.
It goes without saying that the Switch Lite will only provide the same gameplay experience you'd get when playing an original Switch in handheld mode. That means any titles which see a performance or visual benefit from being docked won't get that improvement here. That might sound obvious, but if you're one of those people who plays both handheld and docked equally, then it's going to feel like you're missing out on 50% of the experience. Battery life is roughly the same as the original Switch; you're looking at between three and seven hours, depending on the game you're playing, the brightness of your screen and the volume level you use.
Given its robust design, lower retail price and smaller form factor – and taking into account the increasing irrelevance of the 3DS line of consoles – it's not difficult to guess who Nintendo is aiming the Switch Lite at. If you've got kids then this is the ideal gaming system, but if you're looking to pick one up as your 'second console', the argument for buying a Switch Lite becomes a little more complicated.
The first complexity is that, if you already own a Switch, you'll presumably want to share your games and save data between the two of them. Nintendo has made this a heck of a lot easier in recent months thanks to the ability to sign into multiple machines at once (and download your games to them), as well as the opportunity to back up save data in the cloud via your Nintendo Switch Online sub, and then download that data to all of the Switch consoles you're signed into. in theory, this means your progress should be tracked on all of the console's you're signed into.
On paper, it works – but in reality, it's not quite as elegant as you might expect. You see, even when you're signed into more than one Switch, you have select one of those machines to be your primary system. On this system, you can play all of your games without issue. However, on any secondary console, a constant internet connection is required to access those titles – because Nintendo's servers are constantly checking to see if anyone is playing software on your primary account. If that's the case, you will be unceremoniously booted out of your secondary machine until they log out.
If you're the only person who uses your Switch (or Switches), then this won't be a problem – you can game on your TV with your original console and then take the more travel-friendly Switch Lite out of the house with you, because there will be zero overlap (although it's worth noting that using the system in this way means you'll have to make the Switch Lite your primary console, otherwise you won't be able to play it when you're away from an internet connection). However, as we've discovered here at Nintendo Life, there are scenarios that occur – through fault rather than design – which make this setup messier than it should be.
For example, one of our secondary Switches has a family member's Fortnite progression saved to it – and this data is tied to our primary account, as they began playing it before we had a second Switch in the house. That means they're playing on our 'primary' account – the same one that is shared with the Switch Lite and has the vast majority of our games associated with it. Now, when we take the (secondary) Switch Lite to the office, we're locked out of many of the games we want to play if that same family member happens to be at home shootin' up noobs in Epic's popular online title.
One way around this issue is to make the Switch Lite the 'primary' console and simply stick it in flight mode when playing a game that doesn't require online connectivity, but it's hardly ideal. Another option is to create a second user account and associate the Fortnite data with that one, thereby avoiding any clashes – but Epic's rather vague warning about not being able to re-connect Epic Accounts with new Nintendo IDs means we're too scared to risk losing over 350 hours of progress. Likewise, we have a massive number of paid-for games associated with our primary account, but our younger family member can't play any of those if we happen to be playing on your Switch Lite at the same time, using the same primary account.
Now, not all of this is strictly Nintendo's fault. Of course the company is going to want to ensure that people can't sign into multiple Switches and share their game collection with a wide circle of friends, but equally, the lock-out mechanic seems rather heavy-handed. Why not limit the number of Switch consoles you can associate with your user account, or simply have a system that doesn't allow you to play the same game on two different consoles at once, thereby avoiding any issues with clashing backup data and accounts?
Still, what we have here is still a million miles better than what Nintendo has had in place in the past, so we should at least be glad that we're able to sign into multiple consoles at all. We just think the whole system needs a bit more tweaking before Nintendo really nails it – and given how many people will be picking up Switch Lites as their secondary consoles, we could see that improvement come sooner rather than later.
Nintendo Switch Lite: The Verdict
While there are still some kinks that need ironing out with the system of using the same account on more than one Switch console, you can't fault Nintendo when it comes to knowing its market. The original Switch has maintained its price point impressively over the past few months, and that means that there's a gap for a lower-cost entry point – which is precisely was the Switch Lite is.
Sure, it's going to be attractive to the average Nintendo fan purely because it's new hardware that looks (and feels) great, but the Switch Lite is all about expanding Nintendo's audience – and that means skewing younger and picking up all those kids that have finally grown bored of their 3DS and 2DS consoles and are eyeing the Switch's amazing library with envious eyes.
For that reason, we can see the Switch Lite being a strong seller this holiday season, and rightly so; younger players are more concerned with portability and are less bothered about hogging the family TV. Still, there's no denying the fact that it only offers half of the 'Switch experience', so if you're someone who prefers playing on the TV or likes the ability to alternate between handheld and docked play, then you're better off waiting for the rumoured 'Switch Pro' – or just sticking with what you already have.
We dare say, though, that most Switch Lite owners will be complete newcomers, and many will be picking up the system to play Pokémon Sword & Shield this Christmas. To them, the lack of docked play will be much less of a deal.
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Comments 172
I'm so envy to see colorful Switch Lite body than Switch itself (still Black color for its tablet body).
Switch should have other color variation as beautiful as Switch Lite.
Is it tomorrow yet x
Yeah, I have no interest in buying one whatsoever. The newer model Switches with the higher battery life interest me though.
Whoop whoop! Amazon shipped 2 of mine out today and will be picking up another at Gamestop in the morning! Tomorrow is going to be a great day!!
i think we will find out that it can be docked into a tv and they will prob release a dock, at a ridiculous price, at some time, maybe when the original switch is reduced in price
Until you can share digital games without restrictions within a family, there's no way I'd buy this. After Splatoon 2 and Mario Party, I'm done buying 2 copies of digital games for our 2 switches.
@jockmahon it can't
If only it could have docked I would have considered trading my current switch in for this one. I use a pro controller when docked and can't remember the last time I actually removed a JoyCon. A real shame!
Does it have any sort of rumble? I know it doesn't have HD Rumble.
Still utterly confused on how this could be more comfortable considering it is smaller than the original model and the issue was cause the joycons were too small.
@jockmahon This has already been tried. There's no output when docked. It only charges.
I'll be picking one up soon. Gotta inevitably find a good grip attachment to make it more fitting for big hands. Nintendo's handhelds are always uncomfortable for me.
Usually Nintendo revisions look better than the previous model, but the Switch Lite just looks ugly to me.
I’ll wait for a “pro” model before I get another switch. The Lite just doesn’t give me any features that I feel are true upgrades beyond longer batter life. They didn’t even make the buttons different.
“Epic's rather vague warning about not being able to re-connect Epic Accounts with new Nintendo IDs means we're too scared to risk losing over 350 hours of progress.”
There is a solution. Just don’t play Fortnite
It's disappointing that this doesn't have at least an HDMI out. How much more it would have cost to include one?
I like the look of this and it really looks more portable than the normal Switch, but won't games like Divinity: OS2 and the likes look to small on it?
@Xelha That's not the reviewer's fault though. Guess it takes some months before the eventual drifting shows. I thought it was a good review overall, good to get some info about how to transfer one's save data and games.
@redd214 is the drift that bad so you need two for backup?
I preordered a Switch Lite for my partner (along with Link’s Awakening for myself) at GameStop, and I am super excited to get it tomorrow! We mostly play games together in bed, and they’ve been using my old gaming laptop. I know they’re gonna love playing Skyrim and Minecraft on a shiny new toy 😃
For myself, I’m happy with my OG model. I’ve dropped a decent chunk of change on a second set of Joycon, a Pro controller, and I do enjoy playing on the TV from time to time. Can’t say I’m not a little jealous, though! I thinking I’ll definitely want to upgrade (downgrade?) at some point. 99% of my play is in portable mode anyway.
@jockmahon I'm afraid this is physically impossible, there is no video out.
It's a shame because they could have just made it possible with a wire, with no dock included.
This would have kept it just as easily portable and increased the manufacturing cost by only a minuscule amount.
@Xelha Well you said it yourself, it can't be answered until people have used the console enough for it to start happening.
Not really the review's fault, it covers everything known about the system right now.
Does it run CrysisCan you read Fire Emblem: Three Houses text on it?I was interested, but then again the screen got even smaller and when you hold it I read people got some cramps because it's too small. This is absolute for children hands made. For adults... stick to original Switch. At least that is bigger and much much much more options. Because it has better batterylife doesn't it's better. Instead improving the Switch as it is they even went a step back. Putting a smaller screen of course it will use less battery
@redd214 3 Switch Lites? Lol
Bigger than an original Game Boy brick....
@Damo Is the AC adaptor the same as the Regular Switch? I.e. will it run the Regular switch in docked mode?
@jockmahon G34 here.. We're not sure if it's a hardware or a software restriction. Considering its dll USBC , It might be Software based...
@AG_Awesome same here. I dont understand the reason for the release of this model what so ever.
@StooBush I agree. Xbox have proper family sharing, and Sony is limited to 2 i think.
I bought Wolfenstein Youngblood - Deluxe Edition retail this week for only 9 bucks on sale, and it came with buddy sharing and all DLC.
Buddy sharing.. Friends can download trial version, but play the full game for free if they join you.
@phanboy hope not
@cfgk24 yup, 2 for the kids and turquoise for the wife, anniversary surprise
@Xelha
How could any review meaningfully address the possibility of drift at this time beyond mention it as a possibility.
The Switch Lite is brand new, we don't know if Nintendo has implemented some fix "under the hood" that will eliminate drift or if it will drift just as bad as joy cons over time.
I'm personally going to hold off on the Switch Lite until some time has passed to see if drifting issues emerge. With that said, I absolutely don't fault Nintendo Life for not having the answer as to whether or not the Switch Lite will drift at this time.
I'm still Switchless as of this writing but do hope to pick one up in a couple of months. I believe the Switch Lite will sell well and definitely understand what area of the market it's for, but it's not for me. It sacrifices a little too much for a slightly lower price point in my eyes. I'll be picking up the minor Switch revision with the better battery life.
@Damo +1 for the Daft Punk reference. XD
Hard pass for me as I consider this a massive downgrade. Bring on that Switch PRO!
Wonderful hardware review Damo. Waiting for my turquoise system to arrive tomorrow! D-Pad!!!!! Lol
@Kidfunkadelic83 my guess is that just because it’s the “new” thing it’ll sell very, very well. But yeah, I also don’t get it. Especially for those that already have a switch. Maybe first adopters or people that want two systems.
A wild @Corbs appeared! Long time no see!
@Ventilator I don't love how Playstation does it either, but at least you can do it with 2 consoles. You should be able to designate a certain number of accounts as your "family" (like you can with Switch Online), and every member of the family should be able to freely download digital content and play it with their own profiles (and cloud saves, where appropriate).
I'm totally fine with not being able to play a game on two systems simultaneously (though I would love it), which is why I bought 2 copies of Splatoon 2, but having to pay full price for two digital titles vs. buying an easily-sharable (and sellable) physical copy is just ridiculous.
The Apple AppStore model is what I like the best.
@poly_phil yeah it’s a shame. I remember when all the rumours were flying around about this and I thought it would still be able to dock but that the dock would be sold separately to keep costs down. Shame they didn’t do it like that then we’d have the choice...
@Alucard83
Those people getting hand cramps from the Switch Lite must've only played one handheld before: The Atari Lynx.
Seriously the Switch lite is still bigger than most handhelds, if you want an actual small handheld, try a Game Boy Micro.
@BarefootBowser I guess we'll see, but my guess is that the USB port is missing the necessary connections for video and audio.
really hoping to get my own since i gotta share with my lil bro and im not always home. i play 90% handheld so ill be more than welcome to owning a lite for myself
The lack of a TV adapter is the only thing that stopped me getting one.
I don't understand why remove that entirely? Why not just have it sold separately, so it could essentially be sold as a handheld.
@BarefootBowser only reason is money. They could have easily just sold the standard version with a beefed up battery and dropped the dock from certain packages. I understand perfectly why they have done it but I dont see that apart from Money a reason for the lite to exist. Now a switch pro would be a different kettle of fish.
@AG_Awesome exactly buddy. See my previous reply to the other fella.
As attractive as the Lite models are, I'm sticking with my launch day Switch. I play on different TVs between a third and half of my playtime. It would of been a no-brainer if they actually allowed docked play. As it is, I already have a d-pad joycon and the new Hori pro joycon, so the included features don't cut it considering what's lost. It sounds like a great system for a different demographic.
While I was instantly resistant to this version of the switch, I play on my og one in handheld mode 95% of the time and can’t remember the last time I detached the joycons...
Ok cool. Now can we get a Switch Pro for the rest of us?
I like the look of the "switch" lite. But that's all I like about it. I enjoy the feeling of having that new shiny thing. But that feeling lasts couple of days/weeks.
This system is simply not a logical evolution of hardware. It can't switch, and battery life is less than a "revised" switch. I don't get it. And I bet many who own a regular switch will buy this and, after a couple of weeks, not use it extensively anymore. And I don't think many people carry their switch everywhere. Yes, playing in bed... but that can be done with a normal switch.
If this "switch" lite had a docking ability and a battery life of revised edition, but with the size of a lite... well, that would be evolution. And I believe many many more people would buy it.
I would recommend people to buy a "new" revised edition instead of this.
But to each their own.
Does the d-pad work correctly, or is it like the pro controller one where it registers "up" randomly?
@aVagabond It's not meant to be an "evolution of the hardware", it's meant to be a stripped down version at a lower price point and a design more oriented to traditional handheld gamers. The introduction video makes very clear it's positioned below the "better" one. I.E. it's not really meant for existing Switch owners. It's meant to sell Switches to a ton of people who aren't already Switch owners, or didn't want to buy a full size/full price Switch for whatever reason.
I'm not sure why so many people keep looking at this as though it's supposed to be a better version but isn't. It's not, it's supposed to be the worse version on purpose. But better for certain people's desires (size/price point.)
Half a Switch = Half the price ?
I am getting this since it seems like it would be a perfect traveling companion handheld. I somewhat recently took a big vacation where I was going all over the place and when I was packing I realized how I didn't want to take my launch Switch since it's just a bit too big and complex for being on the go all the time. I ended up taking my 3DS instead since it just felt like a better fit, so the way I look at it the Switch Lite is the perfect solution for this problem.
The way I look at it is if you want to have the best handheld game console to take around with you this is it. The 3DS is quickly becoming a retro device and all the latest and greatest games are on the Switch. This is what I want to take with me if I am on the go a lot.
I already have 2 regular Switches so this definitely isn't for me. I would much rather have the Switch with the better battery (red box). Smaller screen, no HD rumble, and no tv out support are all a major loss to me. This system should be $149.99 at the most. Half the features for half the price.
It's kind of ugly compared to the original Switch. Especially the release colours.
@NEStalgia
It may also be a strategy to get people to buy the "normal" switch. At least those people who will ask questions about differences. When people who are interested hear the pros and cons out, I think many would decide to invest a bit more and get a more "complete" product.
Will you be getting one?
@Swindla Ehh yes and no IMO. The teal and Pokemon edition are not something that I would want to buy, and I usually like basic colors like the gray but for some reason I just don't like the dark shade of gray they used. Luckily I like the shade of yellow they went with.
@Xelha I agree with you regarding Nintendo not being transparent. Hopefully we'll know soon enough.
@aVagabond I'm sure there's a little bit of the "upsell" strategy involved, but mostly I don't think it's even being used as an upsell tool, and it's really about reaching a broader market than big Switch alone would reach. Consoles are just the delivery mechanism, games are the real product they sell (first party, plus royalties/licensing fees, on third party), always has been. The more consoles they can get into more people's hands the more games they sell. There's a lot of people who will sit on the fence at $300, but jump in at $200. And there's a LOT of Nintendo handheld gamers (and former Sony handheld gamers...in Japan) that don't have an interest in a larger dockable console at $300. Nintendo handhelds are still technically the #1 consoles, crushing even PS4. I think Lite appeals to that audience a lot more (both in size and price point.) Plus, remember at launch Kimishima told investors they expected multiple-Switch households (like DS/3DS) - this is certainly what they were planning to achieve that. It's a lot friendlier buying 3 kids $600 worth of Lites than buying 3 kids $900 worth of big Switches.
I definitely believe it will do exceedingly well in sales and rapidly expand the Switch install base (a number that matters incredibly much to third parties considering porting games!) Nintendo would rather sell everyone a big Switch at $300, I'm sure.
I probably won't be getting one, no. I get tempted now and then due to the size and brighter screen, but I already have a "dedicated handheld Switch" I got at launch (with a joycon starting to drift... ) and personally I prefer the biggest screen I can get, always. Even normal Switch is a bit cramped for HD game UIs sometimes (my potshot above referencing an infamous one )
Getting the Pokemon one for my son. I have a ton of digital games on my Switch that I bought mainly for him. I hope I can transfer those over to his Lite. I guess I'll also need to upgrade to a family membership instead of just having an individual one.
Thank you so much. Nice Post it really helped me.
Wow, I was totally on board for this system until I read about how they handle one console to be primary and another secondary. Why they are making it more difficulty to use things you already own is beyond me.
@Xelha I love it when people talk out their butt about something they’ve very likely never experienced and only read about online. Even if the drifting issue got lots of press and the media convinced you of it I doubt it was as widespread as reported. That being said Nintendo is a giant corporation with a single goal to make the most amount of money possible. I’m sure they’ve got it under control and have updated the sticks with better components so quit being negative. Time will tell, but it’d be absolute suicide for the Switch Lite to ship with the same defect.
@NEStalgia
Reading your post makes me think you have a lot of experience with gaming in general and I respect that. Very well written. It sheds a new light on my still limiting beliefs and biases. I thank you for that. 😃
I will probably not get one either, even though I am tempted.
An improved Vita with more and better (and Nintendo) games? Yes, please!
And for the love of whatever deity you all worship, it doesn't dock because they aren't interested in selling you all the same functionally with improved hardware for 2/3 the price. Why would they make OG completely obsolete this making them less money?
@Mr_Muscle
I hear you. Plus, the complications regarding saves... since I play a lot of dark souls for example, and it doesn't have online backup, it would be very complicated to play the game on both consoles(not simultaneously of course) and keep transferring save file from one console to another. No thanks. I'm a simple guy(regarding end-consumer technology) and prefer to keep my gadgets simple
Great article.
I fault nintendo with not having proper family sharing. On my apple stuff I have a parent account, and family accounts with it. They are limited in number. I can now share purchases with them.
Basically, nintendo needs to facilitate the digital version of "handing my kid my cartridge". They are a great gaming company, but are idiots when it comes to making user friendly services.
@Corbs Welcome back man!
@Dezzy
You mean like the current switch model? Lol
I hope to get my brother one soon. He loves handhelds.
ugliest colours ever for a handheld. might grab a future version but not this weird stuff :/
This would have been perfect if it could connect to the TV and be a controller in itself, like the Sega Nomad from way back when. Would have solved one of the biggest complaints about the original--the lack of a D-pad--while maintaining what makes a Switch a Switch. And of course, I'd have needed it in black.
As it stands, it's utterly useless to me. Although my wife has been wanting a Switch of her own and says she has no interest in playing on TV, so there's a market for sure...
If there was a Neon red or twighlight purple one, id be intereted since I only want one of these things to test code with, but the colors are butt ugly(IMO of course) and they should've left the black frame in, yellow one is the best looking one so far.
I'm excited! Mine shipped out yesterday from Best Buy.
I know a lot of people are saying that they don't get it but it's pretty straight forward, many people only play in handheld mode and are excited about a console that's focused on that. If you're a hardcore Nintendo fan then you probably love a lot of their design decisions and see them as innovative but there are also a lot of people who like Nintendo games in spite of said "innovations" and for us the Switch Lite doesn't seem like less of a console so much as it less of a compromise.
No mention of missing HD rumble? I'm sure if they had wanted too they could have kept this feature – I mean the device isn't much lighter – so it wasn't about the weight. Maybe it was space – but I just don't think they tried.
So I still think Nintendo were lazy and half-baked with this design and missed huge opportunities. Sure it'll do well - very well probably - but it could have been so much better. It's just so... standard.
An optional TV mode cable would have allowed it to keep the Nintendo Switch individuality to it but without HD Rumble and some way to TV-out the picture it has nothing about it that is unique to it - beyond the d-pad if we are being generous.
I wish they had done more with it, and for me at least, it's just too compromised.
I love Nintendo and I'm sure this will work for them, and for the Switch user-base to grow is good for all of us. But truth be told I don't really feel this deserves to do well and it is just riding on the back of better devices.
They could have at least developed bluetooth audio for it.
Looks nice. Not getting one myself but it will do very well.
Note to everyone-just because you don’t see the point of it doesn’t mean other people won’t.
@NEStalgia I would assume a lot of Japanese homes avoid having a TV all together, which makes a dockable OG switch less useful. Isn't there an annual TV tax you need to pay if you own a TV in Japan (regardless of the TVs use)?
@acachewowow That's an interesting one I haven't heard before. @Heavyarms55 How does this "TV tax" work? Or are you smuggling contraband?
My daughter wants the turquoise one for Christmas. It'll stop her hogging my regular Switch at least
@acachewowow
There is a tax in Germany too. I have a tv, use it, but never watch television. And still pay msndatory tax monthly for television.
It just keeps getting worse - terrible family-sharing model, shorter battery life than the new Switch, and worst of all is Nintendo haven’t announced that they’ve reworked the joy-cons to eliminate drift (which they finally admitted was a problem).
I’m sure there are many people who will love their unSwitch Lite - and that’s great, but it seems like Nintendo missed an opportunity to appeal to more people - it should’ve been dock-able (no dock included), improved battery life, a more durable form factor for kids or travel (clamshell could have bigger screen with far less width, keeping it more portable, and you could play in tabletop mode), and the ability to play my games on a second Switch without hassle.
@Bondi_Surfer Yeah one thing Nintendo really needs to do is allow you to activate two consoles on a single account, now that the Switch Lite is a thing it is going to be very common for people to own both models and it's annoying to have to change which console you have activated.
I am the exact target audience for the Lite. I’m exclusively a portable gamer and have not upgraded from the 3DS.
I travel a lot so I do not have time for a sit down session of gaming plus with two toddlers I need to hide my things in hard to reach places. A home console would just get wrecked by my family 😜
I will be getting accessories like the SD Card this month and the Lite next month. Cannot wait to finally play Breath of the Wild!
With the lite retailing for 200 I have a hard time justifying the regular switch's 100 premium for what is essentially just the ability to output to the tv. Regular Switch should get a $50 price cut imo. Dock is laughably overpriced for what it does, always has been but there hasn't been a cheaper alternative, til now.
If this worked with the dock I'd have ordered 1......maybe 2, but that missing feature means I have no use for it. I'm probably not the target market though
@poly_phil am in complete agreement here. Nintendo have missed a trick here... Well we ever see that official dpad joycon
my only concern is using all my digital purchases between 2 switches, guess I'll start buying carts again
@oceano it's quite easy. Make one Switch primary and play games on both. The only draw is that the second Switch can't be offline, and you can't play with the same account while connected to the internet on both systems.
You can also easily change your primary console by going to the eShop, your account, "remove registration" and then on the other Switch open the eShop on your account.
@Xelha We'll just hafta wait n see if it occurs. I hope not.
@sanderev Yeah I was going to ask what we are supposed to do if we lose or break our Switch, it seems like this primary account activation thing is a pretty big deal and you need to be able to change that.
@hoopderscotch Actually, I was thinking it was aimed as a sort of cheaper alternative for multiple kid households as well. Specially if they're into multi-player n competitive games.
Pfft, stop spreading rumors of a Switch Pro, I doubt they ever had plans for such a thing, that's what the longer battery life updated Switch is I'm sure, and this is the only actually new Switch coming.
If it's not a 'full' Switch, and may leave some wanting more, shouldn't this be called the Nintendo Itch?
@AG_Awesome it's time to grow up and stop believing in Fairy Tales ,Nintendo hasn't announced anything called a "switch pro".
More reviews for additional input:
https://www-polygon-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.polygon.com/platform/amp/reviews/2019/9/19/20872211/nintendo-switch-lite-review?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1#referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.polygon.com%2Freviews%2F2019%2F9%2F19%2F20872211%2Fnintendo-switch-lite-review
I would consider getting one of these but I don't like how since I downloaded Mario Maker 2 that only my account would be able to use it on both switches. I can understand not being able to play the downloaded version on both Switches at the same time but I bought the game for my family, and the Switches would be for the family so my family should enjoy the benefit of having multiple switches but as it stands my son would only be able to play Mario Maker 2 on the primary switch unless I buy his own copy.
I know people would take advantage of being able to fo this and I get why it is the way it is but I still don't like it and it seriously is the main reason I don't feel like buying a multiple Switches.
If I hadn't had a major life change and still had to share the tv i would have waited for this model. I've always been a handheld gamer. It's been a revelation playing on 55" telly. I'm also travelling a bit more, but have a good case with room for the power pack and just pack that.
But I know there's a market for these and I'm sure they'll sell like the proverbial hotcakes.
I am holding out for a different model. My switch still works. The joy con drifting maybe an issue. I am holding out for a different model. My switch still works. I normally get a new upgrade console. This is not an upgrade but I am still interested. I do prefer handheld mode. I guess we will see in a few months.
Wait, you can't log in on two different Switch consoles at the same time with the same account? I thought that you couldn't play the same game at the same time.
@LoveEmpath What will you give me if one is made someday? How about you agree to buy it for me if it comes out?
It's like 2DS, which lose the console's main feature. They should call it NoSwitch or Solid to emphasize lack of a hybrid nature.
It very much is half a Switch. And that's not enough for me. Not at that price point. I do not agree that the slight size reduction makes it any more portable. I am not in the "I will NEVER want to play my Switch on the TV" crowd, and frankly I question people like that even actually existing. The lack of TV support is the big downside. But no HD rumble, built in controls, and their failure to eliminate the bezel around the screen, along without a significantly better battery life all make this a strictly inferior device to the Switch already on the market. In my opinion there are only downsides to this device compared to its brother, no upsides.
But the key is price point. I look at this and I see a 140 or 150 dollar device that they are charging 200 dollars for.
It will still sell though, because it IS 100 dollars cheaper than the base model.
@NEStalgia I'm confused why you are asking me this? Did you mean that question for someone else?
@acachewowow It's a tax that is very easy to get around by simply buying a computer monitor instead. If it doesn't have a cable port, it doesn't count. You can also just not answer the door when the guy comes around...
But the idea that most Japanese homes don't have a TV is simply inaccurate. It might not be like America, with a TV in every single room, but most people do have a TV, or a computer monitor set up as a TV.
I am very excited to get mine. Dragon Quest, Baby!
@redd214 Buying for the whole family? Just curious! 😊
To make the Lite your primary system is a fair compromise to allow simultaneous use of it and your secondary system as your secondary system is likely your home system and will be connected to the internet. People need to remember this is a second system, so easy and free sharing of digital games should not be possible, just like you can't on 3DS now, or with physical copies. If you want to play Mario Kart with a friend on two systems you need two physical copies of the game so it makes sense you'd need two digital versions.
@Xelha treat your stuff better bruv?
@AG_Awesome There'll be no "pro" model. Nintendo don't do separate "pro" systems to sit alongside a base system. At best there will be a more substantial upgrade, or revision, with more memory, better battery, better kickstand, perhaps better and bigger screen and perhaps better processing. Although, the processing would be a marginal boost so not to split the market.
@StooBush Why should you be freely able to share digital games, especially for simultaneous play? You can't with the physical version, so it should be the same with the digital version. At best, Nintendo should offer a "family purchase" option for digital games.
@BarefootBowser I agree. If i could transfer cards and pick up and go easier i would be getting one too.
@NEStalgia But why release a worse version when you have the option to release something better? It's almost 3 years since the Switch released yet it's not seen a price drop, it already sold at a profit in 2017 so you know it's a much bigger profit at this point, it's completely possible for them to have gone the extra mile and included ONE cheap feature, TV out, and still sold it for $200, but they didn't. Nobody who buys this and discovers Smash or Mario Kart or Splatoon or any party game will ever be able to play on the TV with friends and they'll soon want the bigger model. You know many unaware consumers will buy this not knowing it can't connect to their TV because it's still called the Switch. It's a bizarre omission and it's absolutely worth being frustrated about.
@HalBailman 'At best there will be a more substantial upgrade, or revision, with more memory, better battery, better kickstand, perhaps better and bigger screen and perhaps better processing. '
That's basically the definition of a Pro model. But Nintendo would probably call it The New Switch or something along those lines.
The 3DS had a ton of different models. 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, New 3DS, New 3DS XL, New 2DS.
I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo releases a New Switch SP in a few years with a clamshell design so it has a smaller footprint and is easier to carry. It makes too much sense.
@HumanDog No it isn't. A pro model is a beefed up version at a premium price, presumably for "pro" players, that sits alongside a base model. Revisions or upgrades REPLACE the previous model. The whole "pro" concept by PS and XB this generation was due to the sudden proliferation of 4K and HDR TVs. It's doubtful it will happen again.
Yes, 3DS had a ton of different "models". They were not "pro" systems. New 3DS replaced 3DS. It was not a "pro" model sold beside the old model at a premium price.
@HalBailman “At best there will be a more substantial upgrade, or revision, with more memory, better battery, better kickstand, perhaps better and bigger screen and perhaps better processing. ”
That’s what I want. I don’t care if it’s called a “pro” or not. Lmfao. Just like the new 3ds ☺️
@HumanDog I think this Hal poster is just trying to troll people. Either that or it has no clue what it’s talking about and just wants to seem smarter than everyone else while missing the entire point of a “pro” model. 😂🤣
@AG_Awesome No it wasn't. New 3DS was an upgrade. It replaced the previous model. It was not a model with a huge boost in processing and graphical output and sold at a premium price next to the old model. If you can't see this, you are blind, or perhaps want to be an argumentative troll yourself.
I'm merely correcting the "pro" Switch myth. It was a simple confusion regarding the recent revision that was incorrectly referred to as a "pro" version. Now this false label lingers and some people still think a pro Switch is coming. It's not.
@Damo Glad to be back.
@HalBailman What do you mean I can’t share physical games? You take the cartridge out and put it in the other switch. Couldn’t be easier.
Also I said that I DIDN’T expect simultaneous play. Not sure what you’re reading.
@StooBush I meant as playing simultaneously with someone else, which is probably Nintendo's main objective with their policy. Without the restrictions on sharing a digital copy, then you and someone on your second Switch can play Mario Kart together, for example. With physical copies, obviously this is already impossible.
@HalBailman sure, and I said I wouldn’t expect simultaneous play (though download play would be nice). I’m just not buying a switch mini as long as their digital game sharing is so restrictive in a single household. You’re welcome to disagree with me. Just my opinion.
@HalBailman “If you want to play Mario Kart with a friend on two systems you need two physical copies of the game so it makes sense you'd need two digital versions.”
I know it wasn’t the full games, but damn was download play on the DS an awesome feature!
@StooBush I was only explaining the mentality behind Nintendo's policy - that they're trying treat a digital copy exactly like a physical one. I agree with your principle.
@MetaBunny So true! MK7 on 3DS even allowed access to all tracks in download play. The only restriction was kart and character.
Had to look up what “dinky” meant😆
@BeefsoundMagnus
The new Switch doesn't have an improved battery.
It makes absolutely no sense to me, that someone would buy this if you already have a standard Nintendo Switch. You pay around 500 bucks for more hassle and no real benefits. 🤔
@BarefootBowser I didnt say it was useless at the end of the day it's a switch and we know a switch is useful but honestly name me a real benefit of having this model over the standard one? Sure it's a tad cheaper but does that discount make up for what you lose? Smaller screen,No HD rumble, no TV connectivity if one day you so desired it, loss of exclusive joy con games (1-2 switch and Mario party) for me I just cant see why anyone would want to go for this model over the standard one and I think an upgrade should have been made instead of what I can only call a downgrade. Even if I didnt have a switch and I was asked what one I wanted I'd go for the one with more perks.
@MrBlacky
I'm pretty sure it isn't meant primarily for existing owners at all.
It's the affordable option for parents that are buying Sword and Shield for their children, come the holidays.
@Skegg the whole thing is probably designed around the fact you can’t dock it. If you look at the little grill where the hot air comes out of, the bars are thicker with less space between them, and the shell is probably a thicker plastic too.
So chances are it would not tolerate going into docked mode all that well. Combine that with the possibility that someone using a simple cable to go into tv mode could place it back-down on a table, limiting the efficacy of the fan.
Will grab me a yellow one today. Cant afford any games but the demos will do for now.
@Tyranexx I like Daft Punk, what reference?
@StooBush On Xbox One you can even play Game Pass and EA Access games without paying extra for family members. This because family have their own unique ID tied to main account.
Thats why you can play all games on multiple consoles, but only pay once.
I think Microsoft does it best as it also includes any AAA Game from any developer, Game Pass etc. Also includes DLC. Pay once.
@brunojenso Switch Lite is much lighter but this review states the weight difference incorrectly because they didn't consider the joy-cons weight and who uses an original Switch in handheld mode without the joy-cons?
Nintendo should have eliminated that huge black frame, it looks out of place on the turquoise and yellow models.
@BlueOcean Ah, that's interesting - and a big error in NL's article. I'll google the correct weight difference. Ta.
@StableInvadeel Makes sense, never thought about it. I thought it was just Nintendo being cheap.
@acachewowow We have something similar in Ireland where you need to pay a TV license to cover the costs of our national broadcast service. I don't watch TV so I never pay it. That and our National Broadcaster constantly platforms racists and homophobes so they don't deserve my money
@HalBailman The New 3DS was sold here in Europe besides the 3DS. I think the regular 3DS and XL were around 40 euros cheaper. I remember it clearly because the old 3DS XL was around the same price as the New 3DS(non XL) The 2DS was also still available when the New 2DS came out. I bought one last year.
Actually, Nintendo has a worse track record than Sony and Microsoft. All PS4 games run on both models. DSi and New 3DS both had some exclusives that you couldn't run on the old one.
So I hope they go for the Pro route instead of breaking compatibility like they did before.
@HumanDog No it wasn't. The old 3DS might have had residual stock left. Once it was sold out, that was it. Same situation with the DS line. Not sure why you think lying helps your cause. Whereas now, with PS4, you can still buy the base model or buy the Pro at a premium price.
According to your logic, Nintendo already have a Pro. You can still buy the old version despite the recent release of the red box revision. While stocks last, of course!
@BlueOcean I was referring to how the article's tagline is phrased.
@Tyranexx Absolutely. I had not read that. Cool song.
@BlueOcean Definitely! There's a rendition of it by a YT channel that recreates tunes like that on floppy discs that I really like.
@brunojenso No problem. This article is wrong. The weight difference between Switch in handheld mode and Switch Lite is 398-275=123g. The Switch Lite is 31% lighter.
@Tyranexx Nice to know Americans listening to European music!
@BoFiS Yeah the Pro rumours were already dead. It was thought that the new model with the newer chip was going to be a Pro model. Talking about a Pro model in this article makes no sense.
@HalBailman Well let's see.
https://gematsu.com/2016/11/media-create-sales-112116-112716
That's two years after the release of the New 3DS...
And they were still selling OG 3DS consoles.
@BlueOcean That's more like what I'd have expected - and this is really the only appeal the Lite has for me – the original Switch is a wee-bit heavy for decent-length portable playthroughs.
@redd214 Surprisevthat you just posted on the internet lol!..😊. GGs! One lucky family you have there!
@BarefootBowser Thanks! Good to know!
@cfgk24 trust me, I'm the lucky one
@brunojenso Yeah and the D-pad is a bonus.
@BlueOcean Thank my current manager. He got me hooked onto tunes like that. XD
Long time no see btw, I miss seeing you on the forums more. Probably just not in the right topics lol. (I have stepped down my activity a little)
@acachewowow @NEStalgia In many countries the TV tax exists. It's supposed to support public television even when it's not good.
@Tyranexx Thank you for your kind words. X
@gokev13 That is why I (and many others) love and hate Nintendo, they make some good games but they are so stingy that they make me sick.
@BlueOcean You're welcome. I aim to be courteous, but can be ornery now and again.
@Tyranexx No problem. Everyone has a dark side.
@BlueOcean
@SpaceboyScreams I strongly believe that Switch Lite should be able to output the video signal even if you had to buy the cable separately. We don't know how Nintendo blocked this feature... Where are the tear-down videos? We need to know all this and the quality of the sticks!
@Ventilator Microsoft is the best managing digital rights. If only Nintendo learnt.
@Tyranexx So what do we do, my man? We don't have our own Switch yet. Are you getting a Lite? I liked the turquoise one but I don't like the black frame so I'm considering the grey one now.
@cfgk24 What surprises you? He spends more time with us random people than with his family.
Well at least Nintendo has sort of sorted the eShop thing, though it looks like they have taken a page out of the PS4 book, for better or for worse, with the "primary" console thing.
On the PS4 you can play on two consoles simultaneously - even with online games like Overwatch or Final Fantasy XIV - as long as it's not the same account PSN account logged in. I wonder if you can do the same thing on the Switch?
Although I mainly play on console and PC rather than phone/tablet, I do like Apple's approach of installing on up to 5 devices and using them all simultaneously, as well as "family sharing" across multiple accounts. IIRC PSN also originally allowed you to install and run on 5 PS3 consoles, but then Sony cut it to 3 in response to game sharing sites. Still it's better than the PS4 approach, as you can share games across 3 consoles without needing to be logged into PSN.
@BlueOcean Apple does reasonably well allowing games to run on 5 iOS devices either on a single account or with family sharing. Sony started out great on the PS3 but then backtracked.
@BlueOcean Ha I was wondering about the weight - 24 grams seems like an almost negligible difference:
> It measures 91.1mm x 208mm x 13.9mm and tips the scales at 275g. In contrast, the original 2017 Switch measures 102mm x 239mm x 13.9mm and weighs 297g.
@blecch Yes, this is a misleading article, not just because it completely ignores the joy-cons when comparing the Switch and Switch Lite but also because it still gives credit to the old Pro rumours when it was made clear that the leak was referring to the new chip model. The photos are quite bad, too. :S
Apple does it great and Microsoft too, Xbox also has family sharing. Ironically, Nintendo wants families to have several systems but they don't want them to share the games?
I remember that even GBA allowed some kind of sharing and on DS and 3DS it was only limited by memory limitations. Nintendo 64 was a multiplayer paradise. Now of course there are no cables involved but Apple and Microsoft are being consumer-friendly while Nintendo...
@BlueOcean I like the colors of the Switch Lite but don't believe I'll be getting one at this time; it strips out a little too much of the original Switch concept for my liking. I'd like to get one of the stealth revisions with the better battery life. Part of me wants to wait for a Switch Pro of sorts, but I'm about out of patience. There are all these Switch games I want to play already.... XD
@HumanDog I don't care whether it's 10 years. Lingering stock on store shelves is irrelevant. When New 3DS came out, Nintendo discontinued the old one. That's simple facts. New 3DS was not a substantial graphical boost, nor was it sold at a premium price eeither. So it fails the "pro" concept in the 3 critical areas. Next thing you'll be saying PS3 Slim was a pro version. Geez, wise up, dude!
PS: That pathetic link you included, a total own goal! In 2 weeks, New 3DS LL sold 126,000; the original just 191. LMFAO! The smaller version did a bit better, no doubt due to more stock sitting around. Buy yourself some grace and a door and learn when use them.
@HalBailman That was TWO YEARS after the New 3DS was released. Which means both versions were on the same shelve for years, which is what I said. It makes sense that if they already produced millions of the older model that were still available, that they used the production capacity to produce a newer and more expensive one, instead of producing more of the older version which clearly weren't selling as fast anymore.
Don't be mad because you were wrong.
@HumanDog It's OLD stock still sitting around, not Nintendo continuing to manufacture and support two models: a standard 3DS, and a PRO one that should have double the framerate and/or resolution and sell at almost double the price. New 3DS was not a Pro model and none of your lies will make it true.
I repeat 126,000 (that's ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIX THOUSAND) New 3DS LL to 192 (repeat: one hundred and ninety two) old LL. No one's mad here. I'm exposing you as an argumentative troll.
@HalBailman Sure, but a digital copy isn't a physical one. We are paying the same $ for a title with no resale value and that needs no physical infrastructure to sell. I believe Nintendo should be more flexible in its user license for households.
@StooBush To Nintendo it is the same, or they want to treat it the same. I'm explaining their thinking, not endorsing it. Remember, it's still your choice to buy digital over physical. Perhaps when digital sales dominate over physical sales, Nintendo will be less restrictive.
@redd214 why do you need 3?
@PickledKong64 wife, kid 1, and kid 2. Everyone gets their own
@redd214 Awesome man! Didnt know just wondering! 🥴
Why did this review forget to mention that the D pad is the worst one nintendo ever made? It's worse than the four buttons on the left joycon. Must be those affiliate links!
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