The Nintendo Switch Lite is out this week. Announced back in July, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a smaller, handheld-only variant of the Nintendo Switch. While it isn’t the Nintendo Switch Pro we’ve all hoped for, it shows that Nintendo is serious at moving its die-hard 3DS fans over to the Switch. From battery life to pricing, here’s what you need to know.
Nintendo Switch Lite release date
The Nintendo Switch Lite release date is September 20. Incidentally the Nintendo-published Switch exclusive The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is also out on the same date. Though a Walmart branch in the US has been selling it nearly two weeks prior to release.
Nintendo Switch Lite price
The Nintendo Switch Lite price is $200 (around Rs. 14,000) in the US with the standard Nintendo Switch having a $300 price tag.
Nintendo Switch Lite India release date and price
While Nintendo does not have an official Indian presence, the Nintendo Switch Lite will be available in the country for around Rs. 25,000 along with a three month warranty from September 25 from sites like MCube Games. That said, independent offline game stores would be selling it for less without any form of warranty or support with rates ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 22,000 according to multiple retailers speaking to The Mako Reactor.
Nintendo Switch Lite specifications
- Dimensions: 3.6” high, 8.2” long, .55” deep
- Weight: Approximately .61 lbs
- Screen size: 5.5″ touch screen
- Battery life: Approximately 3 – 7 hours
While Nintendo hasn’t revealed if it’s using a more efficient, newer variant of the Tegra chip found in the original Switch, the better battery life is an indicator that this is indeed the case.
Nintendo Switch Lite battery life
“The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 4 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” claims Nintendo’s official Switch site.
Nintendo Switch Lite colours
The Nintendo Switch Lite will be available in three colours: grey, yellow, and turquoise. There is a special variant for Pokemon Sword and Shield too.
“Adding Nintendo Switch Lite to the lineup gives gamers more colour and price point options,” said Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser. “Now consumers can choose the system that best suits how they like to play their favorite Nintendo Switch games.”
Nintendo Switch Lite games compatibility
Nintendo Switch Lite can play the games in the Nintendo Switch library that support handheld mode. Though there are some restrictions. Nintendo Switch games that don’t support handheld mode require players to use “compatible controllers” with the Switch Lite.
“For games that do not support handheld mode, players can wirelessly connect compatible controllers (sold separately) to Nintendo Switch Lite. If using separate Joy-Con controllers, users will need to have a device to recharge them, such as the Joy-Con Charging Grip. To find play mode compatibility information for specific games, please refer to the product packaging or Nintendo eShop,” Nintendo says on the official Switch website.
Nintendo Switch Lite first firmware update
With the Nintendo Switch Lite release date of September 20 internationally and September 25 in India, Nintendo has made a new Nintendo Switch update available. Dubbed as version 9.0.0 it brings a new feature to the handheld as well as some additional functionality to the original Nintendo Switch as well as the one with improved battery life.
The Switch Lite has an option to prevent the system from getting input from its buttons (except Capture and Home) to allow for smoother play with wirelessly paired controllers like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. For all Switch systems, there’s an option to check-in to your Nintendo Switch account using QR codes and an alarm feature that only specific games will make use of. We won’t be surprised to see Animal Crossing: New Horizons being one such title.
