Nintendo Switch Lite - is it worth buying the budget model?

After some rumors in the last few weeks and months, Nintendo has now confirmed this to be the truth: there will be a budget version of the "Switch" launched in 2019 in 2017. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a smaller handheld console that is primarily intended for mobile use. It supports all games that can be played in handheld mode. A TV or table mode like at the big Nintendo Switch is not scheduled. The smaller device for radio connections is compatible with its big sister, so that all users can play with and against each other on the go.

The new Nintendo Switch Lite comes in yellow, gray and turquoise as well as a Pokémon version. Technical data, price and assessment can be found here. Image source: Nintendo

Buy Nintendo Switch Lite (Amazon)

57,80 EUR

19.794 Reviews

Nintendo Switch Lite, standard, turquoise blue

• Nintendo Switch Lite is the compact lightweight of the Nintendo Switch family with integrated controls.
• All Nintendo Switch titles that support handheld mode can be played on Nintendo Switch Lite - ...
• Since Nintendo Switch Lite is a game console designed specifically for handheld gaming, it supports playback on ...

229,00 EUR −57,80 EUR 171,20 EUR

Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 5.12.2021 at 06: 40 clock)

Nintendo Switch Lite Specifications

The Nintendo Switch Lite is the budget version of the hybrid console launched two years ago by the game giant from Japan. Here I have summarized the most important technical data from the data sheet of the handheld for you. There are some positive and negative differences from the large sister console:

• Manufacturer: Nintendo
• Model: Switch Lite
• Device type: handheld console
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 91,1 mm x 208 mm x 13,9 mm
• Weight: 275 g
• Display: 5,5 inch touch LCD screen
• Display resolution: 1.280 x 720 pixels HD resolution
• CPU / GPU: Customized NVIDIA Tegra processor
• Internal memory: 32 GB (6,2 GB are already used by the operating system)
• Memory expansion: microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC (after updating via the Internet)
• Sensors: gyroscope, acceleration
• Battery: 3.570 mAh, permanently installed
• Battery life: varies according to game and further use
• Run time example: "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" can be played for about 4 hours
• Battery charging time: approx. 3 hours (in standby mode)
• Charging connection: USB-C
• Headphone connection: 3.5 mm jack
• Color: gray, yellow or turquoise
• Detachable Joy-Cons: No.
• Coupling of external Joy-Cons: Yes
• Properties and features abbreviated: detachable controller, IR motion sensor, vibration, TV mode, table mode, support for all games
• Market launch Germany / Europe: September 20, 2019
• Price: $ 199,99 or EUR 199,99

Big differences with the small handheld: no detachable Joy-Cons, smaller screen, but longer battery life - and a directional pad instead of individual buttons on the left.

Nintendo Switch Lite release date and price

The Nintendo Switch Lite hits the market on September 20, 2019 and will cost $ 199,99; in this country probably 199 euros or with the popular “broken price” 199,99 euros. The device cannot yet be pre-ordered according to the current status. However, it was only announced on July 10, 2019.

Nintendo Switch Lite in the Pokémon version (sword and shield)

In addition to the three colors gray, yellow and turquoise, there will also be a special Pokémon version, according to an official press release from Nintendo. This is based on the games that are still to be released Pokémon sword and Pokémon shield. It is interesting that the blue-pink color scheme is retained here, similar to the Joy-Cons of the large Switch console; just on the analog sticks, buttons and the control pad instead of on the gripping surfaces.

For Pokémon fans who are looking forward to the new generation with sword and shield, there is a dedicated Nintendo Switch Lite.

Presentation of the console in the video

Coupling with Joy-Cons for movement control possible

If you want to play games like "1-2-Switch" or "Arms" on the Lite handheld, you need additional controllers, namely the Joy-Cons. Since the launch of the predecessor, these can be ordered individually or in a double pack as accessories. It is important to know here that the batteries of the Joy-Con controllers cannot be charged directly on the Nintendo Switch Lite, as is the case on the Nintendo Switch. In addition to the controls, a charging station is also required. 

14,00 EUR

Nintendo Joy-Con Set of 2 Neon Red / Neon Blue

• Device type: gamepad
• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Gaming control technology: analog / digital

79,99 EUR −14,00 EUR 65,99 EUR

Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 5.12.2021 at 05: 10 clock)

HORI Joy-Con charging station for Nintendo Switch

• Loads up to 4 Joy-Cons
• LED indicators for the charging status
• Connects to the Nintendo Switch Dock

31,70 EUR

Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 3.12.2021 at 13: 40 clock)

What about the Pro Controller?

Up until now, Nintendo has not mentioned a single syllable that the Pro Controller can be used. So it can be assumed that the Nintendo Switch Lite should not is compatible with the Pro Controller. This is important for everyone who wants to put together a complete set or who want to give one away.

Top games that can be played with the handheld

Due to the restricted usage modes, the lack of motion control, the shortened IR camera (below on the right Joy-Con of the Switch) and the remote HD rumble (vibration), one can ask: Which games can you actually play on the Nintendo Switch Lite? Still a lot! Here is a little one not complete, List of top titles:

• 1-2-Switch (with Joy-Cons)
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
• Super Mario Odyssey
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Kirby Star Alliance
• Mario Tennis Aces
• Xenoblade Chronicles 2
• Arms
• Super Mario Maker 2
• Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
• Splatoon 2
• Pokémon, Let's Go Pikachu / Eevee
• Pokémon sword
• Pokémon shield
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• And many more

How can I tell that a game can be played on the handheld?

When buying a new game, if you only have the Lite-Switch available for use, you should pay attention to the so-called "handheld mode". You can see whether this is supported by the respective game on the back of the game cover. There is usually a small table with the lines "Game mode" and "Player". It shows you which mode is playable and how many participants are possible. Here is an example from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe:

How do I know if a game is compatible with the Switch Lite? In the performance of players in "handheld mode".

Is it worth buying the Nintendo Switch Lite?

Here you probably have to ask the question: Fur wen is it worth buying? Because the Nintendo Switch Lite has its target group. And this consists of people who do not play on the television or with external controllers, but want to play on a handheld console like on the Game Boy or Nintendo DS. On the go as well as at home.

The target group does not want to be able to use 100% of all games, but is limited to the range of titles that are also designed for their device. It doesn't need functions such as the IR motion camera or HD vibration either, but rather relies on longer battery life with a smaller screen. Do you find yourself in this description? Then the Switch Lite is worth buying for you!

Conclusion on the budget and no longer hybrid console

The Nintendo Switch Lite will be more than 100 euros cheaper than its big sister model. On the other hand, the display is smaller and there will be no way to couple the device with the TV. There are also restrictions elsewhere. But everyone who only wants to play games in mobile and flexible handheld mode will get their money's worth. In terms of price, the purchase only makes sense if there are no accessories such as Joy-Cons and their charging station or other additions that bring the device closer to the previous model. Because then you quickly get to the point that the regular switch is more worthwhile.

Sources: Official information, data and images

• Press release on the new handheld
• Official page for the new handheld
• Comparison of the large and small version
• Press release on the Pokémon version

Jens Kleinholz( Founder & Sir Apfelot )

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He appears as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with problems of a technical nature. In his free time he drives electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with his iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions for current bugs.

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