Nintendo have announced that a brand-new version of their popular Switch console is set to be released later this year, called the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Rumors have been swirling for months about the possibility of a smaller, stripped down version of the console, which would retail at a lower price point as the Switch comes towards the latter stages of its life cycle.
On July 10, Nintendo finally confirmed those rumors, with the announcement of the Switch Lite, a smaller version of the console that is specifically designed for handheld gameplay.
What is the Nintendo Switch Lite?
Unlike the original Switch, the Lite version of the console is not designed to be played on a TV, with Nintendo removing the USB-C connectivity from the console entirely, and ditching the detachable joycon controllers in favour of buttons and thumbsticks which are built directly into the Switch Lite’s body.
The Switch Lite is slightly smaller than the regular Switch, featuring a 5.5 inch screen rather than the 6.2 that fans of the console will be used to, but still comes with the same 32GB internal memory and Micro-SD slots found on the regular console.
Nintendo describe the Switch Lite not as a new console, but rather as a “new addition to the Nintendo Switch family,” aimed at players who only want to use the Switch as a portable device, and not for those who prefer to use it as a home console.
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Nintendo Switch Lite trailer
Nintendo have released a special trailer to mark the announcement of the Nintendo Switch Lite, with General Producer Yoshiaki Koizumi giving fans an in-depth look at the console.
What colors does the Nintendo Switch Lite come in?
The console will release in three different colors – yellow, grey, and turquoise – and Pokemon fans will also be able to purchase a special Sword and Shield edition of the Switch Lite which will feature legendary Pokemon Zacian and Zamazenta on the rear.
When does the Nintendo Switch Lite release?
Nintendo have confirmed that the Switch Lite will release worldwide on Friday, September 20, 2019.