Nintendo Switch Lite Will Arrive in September for $199

Written by Brandon Hofer on July 10, 2019

News: A new lighter and thinner Switch unit is on the way that can only be used in handheld mode.

Nintendo has revealed that a new Switch unit is in the works but it is not the rumored Switch with more power. Instead, it is the Switch Lite, a device specifically designed to play Nintendo Switch games in handheld mode. The Nintendo Switch Lite system launches Sept. 20 at a suggested retail price of $199.99 and will be available in three different colors: yellow, gray and turquoise. A carrying case and screen protector set for Nintendo Switch Lite will also be available.

“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.”

What this all means is that the Switch Lite can only be used as a portable gaming switch. You can not use a Switch dock and play it on your television like you can with the original model. This is strictly for handheld gaming. Additionally, the Switch Lite has integrated controls, which means you can not take them on an off of the Switch unit like you can with the Joycons on the original Switch model.

The flagship Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017 and offers three different play modes: playing in TV mode by placing the system into a Nintendo Switch dock, playing cooperatively or competitively in tabletop mode by sharing Joy-Con controllers and playing in handheld mode. The system comes with either Gray Joy-Con controllers or Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con controllers. The Switch Lite will launch on September 20th and will not have the docking functionality of the original model.

The Switch Lite model will be 33% cheaper because of this and sport a better battery life but have a smaller 5.5” inch screen, compared to the 6.2” screen of the original. This new Switch Lite can play every Nintendo Switch game that supports handheld mode, which is the majority of them. It is important to note that Nintendo did point that some titles might have some restrictions. For games that support tabletop mode, players can wirelessly connect Joy-Con controllers (sold separately) to Nintendo Switch Lite. In these cases, users will need to have a device to recharge Joy-Con controllers, such as the Joy-Con Charging Grip.

Will you be picking up the Nintendo Switch Lite when it launches in September for $199? Or will you stay with the normal model at $299? Or will you wait for the rumored Switch revision that will have more power? Tell us what you think below.