Pre-orders begin for Nintendo’s $199 Switch Lite (but it’ll be another two months before you can get your hands on it)
- Switch Lite will launch September 20 in three colors: yellow, gray and turquoise
- It is handheld only, meaning it will not come with dock and hook up to your TV
- But, Nintento says it will support all of the usual games from the Switch library
Nintendo is now taking pre-orders for the handheld-only version of its popular Switch console.
The Japanese company unveiled the $199 Switch Lite at the beginning of July after months of speculation about its plans for a pared-down version of the system.
It will come in three colors – yellow, gray and turquoise – and boasts a 5.5-inch screen with Joy-Cons permanently affixed to the sides.
Pre-sales opened today on Amazon, BestBuy and a number of other sites, though the Switch Lite won’t officially become available until September 20.
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Nintendo is shrinking down its wildly popular Switch console to launch a less expensive version designed for on-the-go play
The console will first be released in three solid colors, followed by the limited edition Pokemon Sword and Shield version, which is slated for November 8.
It will be sold at Amazon, BestBuy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart.
Nintendo revealed the latest addition to its Switch family in a video released at the beginning of the month, showing off a smaller, sturdier build that still boasts many of the same capabilities of the original.
Like its predecessor, the Switch Lite can connect wirelessly to other Switch systems for multiplayer gaming, and will support online play.
There are a few key differences though beyond the size.
Switch Lite will come in three colors when it officially launches later this year: yellow, gray and turquoise
| SWITCH | SWITCH LITE | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.2-inch | 5.5-inch | |
| Joy-Cons | Detachable | Built-in, fixed | |
| TV Mode (dock) | Yes | x | |
| Tabletop (kickstand) | Yes | x | |
| Colors | Gray with matching Joy-Cons Gray with Red/Blue Joy-Cons |
Gray, Yellow, Turquoise | |
| Price | $299 | $199 |
Switch Lite is handheld only, meaning it does not come with a dock or HDMI cable, so it cannot connect to your TV.
It also loses the kickstand from the back of the device.
But even with the tweaks, Nintendo says you’ll still be able to play all of the usual Switch games, though some may have a few restrictions.
‘Adding Nintendo Switch Lite to the lineup gives gamers more color and price point options,’ said Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser.
A limited edition version set to launch in November will be light gray with blue and red buttons, and features the Pokemon Zacian and Zamazenta on the back
‘Now consumers can choose the system that best suits how they like to play their favorite Nintendo Switch games.’
The handheld console will come yellow, gray, and turquoise at launch on September 20.
A limited edition Pokemon Sword and Shield version will also be available later in the fall, starting November 8.
That version will be light gray with blue and red buttons, and features the Pokemon Zacian and Zamazenta on the back.
