Switch Lite: TV Not Included
Following a smattering of rumours that an all-new Switch model was in development, Nintendo officially revealed the Switch Lite this past week to a sea of mixed reactions. Designed as an entry-level counterpart to the surprisingly successful hybrid Nintendo console, this new portable-only system boasts a 5.5-inch screen (down from the standard model's 6.2), revised d-pad, improved battery life and an array of colours available at release; all for $100 less than the original console.
Any previous Switch games that support handheld mode (which is most, if not all) are fully compatible with the new model and full range of eShop titles will also be accessible, meaning the commute to work got a whole lot more enjoyable as you are free to explore the vast land of Hyrule, traverse the weird and wonderful worlds of Mario Odyssey and burn rubber on the unforgiving tracks of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, all in the palm of your hand.
Nintendo's decision to release a down-graded version of their flagship handheld system is not dissimilar to Sony's strategy with the now discontinued PlayStation Vita (oh sweet Vita, you were too good for this world). Scheduled for release on September 20th of this year (the same day as the hotly anticipated remake of Game Boy classic The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening), the Lite comes just over 2 years after the Switch's successful launch in Q1 of 2017. The difference between Sony's overpowered and underappreciated(!) system and Nintendo's offering is ~20 million units, as the Vita struggled to get off the ground during its 8 year life-cycle whereas the Switch is flying high with strong first party support and an eclectic indie library that none of us could have expected when the system was announced in October of 2016.
However, the reception from many gamers across the globe has been less than warm, with complaints being directed (no pun intended) at the lack of TV output, HD rumble and reduction of screen size. Switch Lite initially is perhaps being seen by many as a replacement for their new Nintendo device, and while it is ideal for anyone who is yet to utilise the TV dock for their Switch, this latest offering is a perfect opportunity to deliver the wonder of Nintendo Switch to the larger untapped market.
So it's true that current owners of the Switch have little reason to pick up the latest iteration of Nintendo's hybrid console (unless you've been itching for an all-yellow model of the system in which case you're in luck), but for newcomers to the wonder of console-quality handheld gaming this model may be the perfect entry point.
Coming in at only $199, the Switch Lite is the ideal choice for the busiest of gamers who want to experience the awe of 2017's Breath of the Wild or the excruciatingly difficult platforming of Matt Makes Games' Celeste without breaking the bank. This new, more simplistic version of the Switch is perfect for those who spend their days commuting to and from work on public transport or simply cannot find the time to boot up their traditional home console for a lengthy gaming session. The affordable cost alongside the improved battery life makes modern gaming to the masses more achievable than ever; all with a tidy $100 discount over the original system.
Nintendo have made a plethora of mistakes in the past with regards to handling their hardware but, if handled correctly, this is a huge step in the right direction, and a perfect addition to the Nintendo family. Sometimes it makes sense to scale down in the pursuit of simplicity as opposed to pushing the boundaries of modern technology. If the lacklustre response to 'enhanced' consoles such as the PS4 Pro, XBOX One X and PSP 3000 aren't evidence enough, then just wait until the Switch Lite hits the shelves, as this thing has the potential to be great.
It has been rumoured for months, and now it is official: the Switch has a little brother, and it's ready to take your morning commute by storm.
(Written by Billy Carter)
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