Here’s what the Nintendo Switch Lite has and doesn’t have
The Nintendo Switch Lite was announced overnight and there’s a lot of things it has, and there’s also a lot of things it doesn’t. Some of these things might mean something to you, some might not. But whatever the case…
The Nintendo Switch Lite….
Has no way to connect to a TV
The Switch Lite doesn’t come with a dock or HDMI output, and it doesn’t even work in an original Nintendo Switch Dock either. So you won’t be playing the Switch Lite anywhere but on the small screen.
Has a +Control Pad instead of directional buttons
Because there are no Joy-Con to remove from this unit, there’s no need to have four directional buttons. That means the D-Pad is back.
Has no kickstand
Nintendo calls playing the Switch with the Joy-Con detached and resting on the table with the kickstand out ‘table-top’ play. None of that here, this is a handheld.
Has a longer laster battery life than the original Switch
Depending on the game being played, the Switch Lite could last at least 30 minutes longer than the original model. Anywhere between 3-7 hours (the original was 2.5 to 6.5 hours). Breath of the Wild, for example, will now last 4 hours instead of 3 hours.
Has no Brightness sensor
There’s no ambient light sensor in the Switch Lite according to The Verge. This just means you’ll have to change it yourself like a simpleton. A brightness sensor would have really broken up that nice new bezel.
Has a tweaked processor – but don’t get too excited
According to CNET, the Switch Lite has a more efficient processor. It’s 100% the same chip as before but they’ve likely tweaked it for the new form factor and for the smaller vents.
Has no Bluetooth audio like the original
If you want to listen to your games via the magic of Bluetooth you’ll have to hang onto that adapter. Or worse still, plug in a 3.5mm headset. Sadly the port for that is still on the top.
Has a fancy new case
Well it’s not that fancy, but it does come with a screen protector and we needed another positive to balance out the article.
Has no Detachable Controllers
To be even more portable the Switch Lite is all-in-one. However, you can use all existing Switch controllers with it so your Joy-Con you’ve bought already haven’t gone to waste.
Has a smaller screen (obviously), but the same resolution
Because the Switch Lite is smaller overall, naturally the screen is smaller too. The bezels also match the colour of the system nicely as well. The screens resolution, however, remains at 720p, which is actually good! Because it’s smaller you might not notice those jaggies in Xenoblade 2 as much.
Has no HD Rumble, no IR Camera and there for no Labo Support
Whatever the reason, Nintendo has removed the HD Rumble and the IR Camera from the Switch Lite. This means you won’t be able to detect ice cubes in your controllers nor use Nintendo Labo.
Has three colours – Yellow, Grey and Turquoise
They’re quite nice, there’s also a light grey one with a Pokémon theme for Pokémon Sword and Shield. Expect many more.
Has no support for 1-2 Switch, Just Dance and more out of the box
Because it’s an all-in-one you won’t be able to play a bunch of games on the Switch Lite including 1-2 Switch and Just Dance. Fear not, pick up a Joy-Con and you can dance the night away.
The Switch Lite still has a gyro inside of it.
Has a release date and price
The Nintendo Switch Lite will arrive around the world on September 20th. In Australia, it’ll set you back $329.95, a full $140 less than the original price the Switch launched at. Here’s what you’ll need to look for on store shelves.
Did we miss anything?
Charge port still on the bottom? Rendering it basically unplayable while charging?
Good work Nintendo.
Why? I charge and play with the current switch in handheld mode all the time.
Well, this has no kickstand so it’s not intended to use for tabletop mode. So, if you’re playing handheld (basically the only way you can play it) you should still be able to charge it.
I get your point, Reo. It’s like the Dreamcast and Wii Classic Controllers where the cable points straight down, so you can’t rest it on your torso or pull it towards you flat. Hand cramps, resting for a break or just relief from the weight (twin stick shooter using attached undersized Joycon woth Switxh tablet with screen protector and body shells on tsblet and Joycons).
Having the USB-C notch at the bottom to guide dock alignment but no dock support (which would block the screen) is a bit strange on Switch Lite but I think it is for other accessory compatibility.
The Compact Playstand (https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/nintendo-switch/225324-nintendo-switch-compact-playstand), Compact Metal Stand (https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/nintendo-switch/245671-nintendo-switch-compact-metal-stand), Adjustable Charging Stand (https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/nintendo-switch/240503-switch-adjustable-charging-stand) and even Multiport Adapter stand (https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/nintendo-switch/242872-switch-multiport-adapter) might assist you with original model Switch or Switch Lite handheld play reclined while charging.
Alternatively, there are 90 degree (left/right side or front/back options, USB-C is dual sided use) USB-C adapter cables I have successfully used myself to minimise cable strain from AC adapter cable (or cable from USB battery pack or car power adapter) pushing against me and putting pressure on cable or cable bending. Both versions here with domestic stock, separately or as mixed pairs:
90 Degree Right Angle USB 3.1 Type C Male To Female USB-C Converter Adapter (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F223436822617)
I have no affiliate links or shop/brand loyalty. EB Games links provided as they have tended to have a wider range of accessories (and product pages to link) for local stock with decent/wide availability for many people across Australia or can be ordered in. I always recommend people shop around for better prices, sales, discounted gift cards and/or price matching before handing over their money if it matters to them where it goes or how much they have left for other things at the end of the day.
(3 post split due to “SPAM” when I am just trying to help people).