The long rumored Nintendo Switch Lite is official, and it'll be available soon. Nintendo revealed plenty of details about the new console, including specs, price, and release date. And, yes, it'll play all your existing Switch games, but there is one tiny caveat.
Small but mighty
Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite was designed exclusively for handheld mode. It features improved battery life, a smaller display, and is compatible with all Nintendo Switch titles that support handheld mode. It launches on September 20 for $199 in yellow, grey, and turquoise.
Nintendo Switch Lite quick facts
There's a lot to know about the Nintendo Switch, so let's get some quick facts out of the way before taking a deeper dive.
- Release date: September 20, 2019
- Price: $199
- Display size: 5.5 inches
- Battery life: 3-7 hours
- Colors: Yellow, grey, turquoise
- Nintendo Switch Lite doesn't support docked play
- There is no kickstand
- Nintendo Switch Lite doesn't have detachable Joy-Con
- You can connect Joy-Con and Switch Pro Controller over Bluetooth
- Nintendo Switch Lite has a d-pad
Nintendo Switch Lite specs
When comparing the Switch Lite to the original Switch, people will inevitably focus on the specs. The main thing to note is the Switch Lite is just as powerful as the larger Switch. But there are plenty of key differences.
| Category | Nintendo Switch Lite | Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.5 inches inches 1,280 x 720 |
6.2 inches 1,280 x 720 (handheld) 1,080 x 1,920 (docked) |
| Processor | Tegra X1 | Tegra X1 |
| Weight | 0.61 pounds | 0.88 pounds |
| Memory | 4 GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Expandable Storage | microSD | microSD |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac |
| Battery Life | 3-7 hours | 2.5-6.5 hours |
| Rumble and IR Camera | No | Yes |
| Dock Compatible | No | Yes |
| Removable Joy-Con | No | Yes |
Are all existing Switch games compatible with Nintendo Switch Lite?
It's a little tricky, but Nintendo Switch Lite supports every existing Nintendo Switch game. However, for the title that don't support handheld mode, you'll need to purchase Joy-Con or a Switch Pro Controller—plus whatever is needed to charge the controllers.
Games that don't make use of handheld mode by default are few and far between. You'll be able to play games such as Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, among many others.
Does Switch Lite support wireless headphones?
Good news: You can use wireless headphones with the Nintendo Switch like, just like you can with the Nintendo Switch. In order to connect your AirPods to the new console, you'll need a separate dongle to make the connection happen.
Our recommendation is to use wired headphones with the Nintendo Switch Lite, because there's always the potential for lag, which could seriously degrade your gaming experience.
Does Switch Lite support Nintendo Switch Online?
Of course. When the Nintendo Switch Lite launches in September, it'll have access to Nintendo Switch Online. The online service allows people to play games online and also features access to a few dozen NES games.
There's a Nintendo Lite special edition
In addition to yellow, grey, and turquoise color options, Nintendo will launch a special edition Switch Lite coming in November. Called Nintendo Switch Lite Zacian and Zamazenta Edition, the console features beautiful art on the back and cyan and magenta accents on the front. If you're a diehard Pokémon fan, this is the Switch Lite you want to get.
Some great games to play on your new Nintendo Switch Lite
Looking for some games to play on the Switch Lite? We have you covered! From action to strategy to puzzle, there are plenty of fantastic games available for Nintendo's portable console.
- Best first-person shooters on Nintendo Switch
- Best RPG games for Nintendo Switch
- Best racing games for Nintendo Switch
- Best sports games for Nintendo Switch
- Best action games for Nintendo Switch
- Best strategy games for Nintendo Switch
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