Nintendo announces lighter, more portable version of Switch

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The long rumored redesign to the Nintendo Switch was announced this morning with the Japanese gaming company unveiling the Nintendo Switch Lite.

Designed for portable play, the Switch Lite lacks many of the features of the original console. This includes having the controllers fixed to the console body, a 5.5″ (8.8 cm) touch screen, and lacks compatibility with the Nintendo Switch dock for connection to a television (an HDMI cable is not included). Also removed is the kickstand for table-top play. The Switch Light weighs in at .61 lbs (276 grams). Battery life is expected to range between 3 to 7 hours (roughly 30 minutes more than the original Switch), depending on the title being played.

The Nintendo Switch Lite comes in three colours.

Unique to the Switch Lite is the directional pad (D Pad) on the left side of the console; an input that doesn’t exist on the current Switch model.

The Switch Lite also comes in three colours: yellow, gray and turquoise. A limited edition design with Zacian and Zamazenta from the upcoming Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games was also shown.

Nintendo Switch Lite Zacian and Zamazenta
Limited edition Nintendo Switch Lite with Zacian and Zamazenta for Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield.

Titles that play in handheld mode will function on the Switch Lite. Certain titles that do not support handheld mode are still playable if used with separate Joy-Con controllers (though these controllers cannot be charged through the Switch Light).

System functionality isn’t affected as it works with the Nintendo eShop and can play wirelessly with other Nintendo Switch consoles — either locally or over the Internet.

The Nintendo Switch Lite has a suggested price of $199.99 USD and launches on September 20th, 2019. The Zacian and Zamazenta Edition Nintendo Switch Lite releases November 8th, 2019.

Source: Nintendo

 

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