A Nintendo Switch Lite system was announced this morning — a smaller, lighter, portable-only version of Nintendo’s flagship hybrid console.
It’s easy to tell the difference between the two consoles in terms of size, but what about speed, the display quality, and other specs and features?
Thanks to Nintendo’s official press release and outlets like CNET, The Verge, and GameSpot, we’re able to break down some further details about how the two consoles differ.
Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite specs comparison
Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch Lite | |
Size | 4″ high, 9.4″ long, .55″ deep | 3.6″ high, 8.2″ long, .55″ deep |
Weight | 297 g/10.5 oz. | Approximately 275 g/9.7 oz. |
Display size | 6.2″ | 5.5″ |
Display resolution | 720p | 720p |
Battery life | 2.5 – 6.5 hours | 3 – 7 hours |
Battery capacity | 4310 mAh | 3570 mAh |
D-pad | Directional buttons | Proper D-pad |
Joy-Con | Detachable | Integrated |
Internal storage | 32 GB | 32 GB |
Dockable? | Yes | No |
HD Rumble? | Yes | No |
IR sensors? | Yes | No |
HDMI cable included? | Yes | No |
Auto-brightness adjust? | Yes | No |
Kickstand? | Yes | No |
Capacitive touch screen? | Yes | Yes |
microSD card slot? | Yes | Yes |
Headphone jack? | Yes | Yes |
Stereo speakers? | Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi connectivity? | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth support? | Yes | Yes |
NFC (amiibo) support? | Yes | Yes |
Accelerometer? | Yes | Yes |
Gyro controls? | Yes | Yes |
Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Color options | Gray, Neon Red/Blue, Neon Pink/Green (Splatoon 2 edition), Red (Super Mario Odyssey edition), Monster Hunter edition, Diablo III edition, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate edition, Brown/Yellow (Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee! Edition | Yellow, Gray, Turquoise, Pokémon Sword/Shield edition |
Price | $299 USD | $199 USD |
According to both CNET and The Verge, which were able to experience a hands-on with the console prior to its announcement, the Nintendo Switch Lite feels more compact than the original Switch.
CNET’s Scott Stein adds that the “matte plastic” and “solid feel” reminded him a lot of the Nintendo 2DS XL, and that without the detachable Joy-Con, the system doesn’t “flex or creak as much [as the original Nintendo Switch], either.”
Stein also adds that while the Switch Lite isn’t “pocket-sized,” it’s “a lot more jacket-pocket friendly, like a gaming Kindle,” and while the smaller 720p screen on the Switch Lite makes games look “a bit sharper,” in some cases, it can be more difficult to read smaller text.
The Nintendo Switch Lite will launch on September 20th, 2019.
What do you think of the differences? Are you thinking of picking up a Nintendo Switch Lite when it launches? Let us know in the comments!
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