Nintendo announces Switch Lite handheld, $199

O

odditory

Supreme [H]ardness
Joined
Dec 23, 2007
Messages
6,482
There’s a new Switch on the way, and it’s a whole lot smaller. Today Nintendo revealed the Switch Lite, designed as a less expensive alternative to the original tablet / console hybrid. It comes in at $199 — $100 less than the base unit — and for that price you get a streamlined version of the Switch, but also a few caveats. The Switch Lite is designed explicitly as a handheld: you can’t connect it to your TV, and the Joy-Con controllers are built right in. “The two systems will complement each other and co-exist in the marketplace,” Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser tells The Verge.

There are a number of improvements with the Switch Lite. It’s significantly lighter, for one thing; I played with one for around 20 minutes, and the difference was noticeable, particularly when you pick up an original Switch afterwards. The Switch Lite also feels more sturdy since the Joy-Con controllers are now part of the device. The controller layout is largely identical on the Lite, though the new Switch has a proper d-pad, replacing the not-so-precise directional buttons on the original.


https://www.theverge.com/circuitbre...e-date-size-battery-life-motion-control-games


 
Nice, but would have been a home run if it retained its docking capabilities especially for couch multiplayer. Multiplayer on the Lite is going to suck.
 
BoiseTech said:
Would have been a better deal at the $150 price point. It cuts too many features of the Switch NonLite, its more worthwhile to spend and extra $100 and get the Switch NonLite.
Click to expand...

If your primary use is handheld (and I imagine that is the primary use for tons of users) there is no reason to spend $100 more. $100 is a big price difference and I'd say its not worth it at all unless someone plans to spend over 50% of their time docked.
 
BoiseTech said:
Would have been a better deal at the $150 price point. It cuts too many features of the Switch NonLite, its more worthwhile to spend and extra $100 and get the Switch NonLite.
Click to expand...

I think $200 is fair, but yes being able to dock would've been ideal. It didn't need to come with the dock, but the ability to use it shouldn't cost much. Throw the dock, the joycon grip adapter out of the package and the smaller box size (cheaper shipping) and it still would be a big manufacturing saving while still allowing people to use a dock if they ever needed to. Would probably get at least a few people who bought the Lite to buy a dock (I think they cost $40) and a Pro Controller (around $60) later down the road.
 
Honestly, I used my Switch more in the dock than outside of it. I'd look at it if it docked. Probably won't if it doesn't.

Additionally, I wonder what the battery life hit will be with the smaller size (and presumably smaller battery).
 
kirbyrj said:
Honestly, I used my Switch more in the dock than outside of it. I'd look at it if it docked. Probably won't if it doesn't.

Additionally, I wonder what the battery life hit will be with the smaller size (and presumably smaller battery).
Click to expand...

Can’t remember their source off hand but GameXplain posted a video with some info on the Lite. Sounds like the same battery but the changes equal about a 20-30% improvement depending on the game.
 
I have 3, sometimes 4 kids who want to play on the switch - it's been running almost nonstop since Mario Maker 2 was released..

My concern is that we bought lots of digital games and those all live on the current Switch.

I could buy 3 of the lite version, but the way Nintendo does their accounts and digital purchases, I don't think I could give the lite models access to the games we bought.

Not excited about re-buying a bunch of games or having to buy more individual online accounts.
 
DoubleTap said:
I have 3, sometimes 4 kids who want to play on the switch - it's been running almost nonstop since Mario Maker 2 was released..

My concern is that we bought lots of digital games and those all live on the current Switch.

I could buy 3 of the lite version, but the way Nintendo does their accounts and digital purchases, I don't think I could give the lite models access to the games we bought.

Not excited about re-buying a bunch of games or having to buy more individual online accounts.
Click to expand...

NOA President Doug Bowser said that they’re working on something but we’ll see. The account issue is what holds me back too. I’d love to get a Lite to use during breaks at work or when traveling but if I can’t use my digital games and saves on both the Lite and my standard Switch it’s worthless for me.
 
I'll stick with my New 3DS XL for handheld duties, thanks. The Switch is too big to carry around with you as a dedicated handheld, even this new "Lite" version.
 
I never use mine outside of the dock. Wish there was a traditional console instead of having the handheld option. Having said that, moot since I already own one.
 
DoubleTap said:
I have 3, sometimes 4 kids who want to play on the switch - it's been running almost nonstop since Mario Maker 2 was released..

My concern is that we bought lots of digital games and those all live on the current Switch.

I could buy 3 of the lite version, but the way Nintendo does their accounts and digital purchases, I don't think I could give the lite models access to the games we bought.

Not excited about re-buying a bunch of games or having to buy more individual online accounts.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure it works this way:

- You can use up to 10 profiles for offline play per game.
- If you want to go online, you need to purchase another online subscription or a family account $35, the only realistic option here).

I'm not sure if digital only games have an issue with the first part.
 
BoiseTech said:
Would have been a better deal at the $150 price point. It cuts too many features of the Switch NonLite, its more worthwhile to spend and extra $100 and get the Switch NonLite.
Click to expand...
I agree.

And how about a name change? Because really it doesn’t switch anything.
 
oblox said:
I never use mine outside of the dock. Wish there was a traditional console instead of having the handheld option. Having said that, moot since I already own one.
Click to expand...
There have been rumors about a more powerful console only... coming soon...
 
I'm guessing this is meant to compliment the original switch. Use this on the go, use the larger tablet and dock at home/around the house.

I would prefer a smaller one to completely replace the original switch, honestly...
 
I want a 'switch' without the screen and battery. Just a console. That should be even cheaper and suits me since I'm driving most of the time and don't have time to kill on the commute.
 
Nobu said:
I'm guessing this is meant to compliment the original switch. Use this on the go, use the larger tablet and dock at home/around the house.

I would prefer a smaller one to completely replace the original switch, honestly...
Click to expand...

The target market is probably kids and people that use public transit often.
 
mda said:
I want a 'switch' without the screen and battery. Just a console. That should be even cheaper and suits me since I'm driving most of the time and don't have time to kill on the commute.
Click to expand...
A switch home. Just block with joycon charging ports. Not a bad idea i think.
As far as this thing, im a little sad about it.. it meams DS is dead :( .
Offering without the option of tv plug in is to avoid revenue loss to 3rd party accessories I suppose. If you where to buy a base and a pair of joycons nintedo you would be right back at 300$ anyway.
 
I'm interested. Switch is woefully underpowered as a home console but as a handheld it rocks and has some really good games.
 
I like the concept. The normal Switch is pretty bulky and feels a little fragile outside a hardcase due to the joycon's moving around (it gives the sensation it's about to fall apart).

I would be more likely to buy one of these as a supplement to our normal Switch, as opposed to spending the full money on a normal Switch.
 
MaZa said:
I'm interested. Switch is woefully underpowered as a home console but as a handheld it rocks and has some really good games.
Click to expand...

No it's not. It's actually overpowered to the point that they had to use a cooling fan on it.
 
ZodaEX said:
No it's not. It's actually overpowered to the point that they had to use a cooling fan on it.
Click to expand...

He's not wrong, as a home console it's objectively slower than the other offerings. But to allow it to also have the portable factor, that was a concession that had to be made.
 
Ever since the kids continuously dropped the wii-U pad to the point of borking the touchscreen (I ended up sending it in to Nintendo for repair) the Switch in our house is only played docked. I've never really been into handeld gaming. I'd rather have a controller in my hand and my 65" tv in front of me.
 
it's just a ipad that is inentendopad :p that is neutered :D but have to give credit to nintendo the few that are left that do not go the milky train with micro transactions. even their phone games is a flat and reasonable fee.
 
A dock and I'd be in. I had the pro controller from day 1 on my regular Switch at home and took it on the road with the joycons. I'd be down for a more solid miniature version with docking capability.
 
MavericK said:
He's not wrong, as a home console it's objectively slower than the other offerings. But to allow it to also have the portable factor, that was a concession that had to be made.
Click to expand...

He's wrong but you're not. (except about him being wrong because he was) Why? Because what you two said were different things.
 
they had to make one you could hand your spawn and not be worried about breaking it /thread
 
ZodaEX said:
He's wrong but you're not. (except about him being wrong because he was) Why? Because what you two said were different things.
Click to expand...

No that was exactly what I said. As a home console it is underpowered. FFS even a damn Fortnite runs like shit on it.
 
I have not owned a handheld game system since my original Gameboy. That system was a blast and I lived in Okinawa for a year, at that time, and was able to buy a ton of games for it. I am just not interested in this system, although I hear people have a lot of fun on the Switch.
 
I just recently bought a switch for $252 brand new. Not sure why someone would want to buy a slightly gimped version of this for $199 plus tax. Normal switch is on sale from time to time u just have to wait for the right time to strike.
 
ssnyder28 said:
I just recently bought a switch for $252 brand new. Not sure why someone would want to buy a slightly gimped version of this for $199 plus tax. Normal switch is on sale from time to time u just have to wait for the right time to strike.
Click to expand...

And this one will go on sale eventually as well. Also, given the release timing Nintendo is probably going to push it towards holiday shoppers. Wouldn’t be surprised to see some bundles with games or something.
 
ManofGod said:
I have not owned a handheld game system since my original Gameboy. That system was a blast and I lived in Okinawa for a year, at that time, and was able to buy a ton of games for it. I am just not interested in this system, although I hear people have a lot of fun on the Switch.
Click to expand...
while I've only used the hand held portion of the switch a dozen or so times, I've put a good 400~500 hours in just Zelda and a few other games. So the switch was worth it for me as an entertainment investment. I would suggest picking one up if you can blow $200ish and you will probably get fun out of it as long as you enjoy games.
 
DoubleTap said:
My concern is that we bought lots of digital games and those all live on the current Switch.

I could buy 3 of the lite version, but the way Nintendo does their accounts and digital purchases, I don't think I could give the lite models access to the games we bought.

Not excited about re-buying a bunch of games or having to buy more individual online accounts.
Click to expand...

Same here.. finally picked up a Switch in May on a deal through Google Express for $240 or so brand new. Got a 256GB SD card (a fast Samsung Evo one), extra set of Joycons, Pro controller, and a couple of those $100 game vouchers in the eShop for Zelda, Mario Odyssey, Mario Party for fam fun, and haven't used the 4th one yet still (considering Mario Maker 2 now, but still too busy with Zelda to care about getting another game right now, hah). I'm in the middle of moving overseas and have been in a hotel in Italy for the past month with my family, so the Switch is the perfect console to have now while we're waiting for all our household goods to come in and to move into a house here. But I'm sure I'll still be putting hundreds of hours into it ever after we get moved into and settled, as even after 40 hours or so into Zelda, I'm only maybe a quarter of the way through all the shrines and stuff. Then on to Mario Odyssey for hundreds of more hours into it alone I'm sure.

I'll consider getting this handheld Switch for the kids if Nintendo can figure out a way to share my account onto them since I only buy their games digitally. I didn't know that was an issue until I already bought all these games and assumed it would work like it does on my PS4 where I can just log in and download/play on any console. Very annoyed I can't just do that if true and that's how you entice piracy or at least hacking the device to play "backed up" games, which I should be able to legally do if I already bought it, but shouldn't have to go through all that to play games I already purchased just like I would if I bought the physical cartridges.
 
Derangel said:
And this one will go on sale eventually as well. Also, given the release timing Nintendo is probably going to push it towards holiday shoppers. Wouldn’t be surprised to see some bundles with games or something.
Click to expand...

I'm sure it will because i don't see it selling well at $199
 
ssnyder28 said:
I'm sure it will because i don't see it selling well at $199
Click to expand...

Everyone said that about the Switch at $300 and the 2DS at whatever price it launched at. The Switch is still going hot and there is nothing this year to steal its thunder. If Nintendo markets this right they could be a big hit this holiday season.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top