A popular gaming ecosystem to succeed the Nintendo 3DS
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a newly introduced portable gaming console by Nintendo that is based on the original Nintendo Switch from 2017. Nintendo has had massive success with the Switch the past two years, even surpassing the PS4 and Xbox One in sales numbers in 2018.
The ecosystem of games is well established, and in addition to the traditional Nintendo titles like Super Mario and Zelda, numerous indie games were published for the Switch. Interestingly, even older games like Doom, L.A. Noire and Star Wars Jedi Knight 2 have been ported to console. On the other side, with the Nintendo 3DS is approaching the end of its life cycle Nintendo took the chance to replace it with the new Switch Lite. It’s slightly bigger compared to the 3DS but comes with a library of full-scale console games.
Smaller, lighter but longer battery life
When comparing the Nintendo Switch Lite differs to its bigger brother, the smaller and lighter body is instantly noticeable. The screen measures 5.5 inches instead of 6.3 inches, but it comes with the same display resolution. The chips pack the same performance but were slightly improved in energy efficiency, which results in about 20% longer battery life.
No longer a “Switch” but new colorful and solid design
The Switch Lite is a handheld-only device. That means it’s no longer a “Switch” in a sense that you can hook it up to a TV via dock when playing at home. This also allowed for a slightly different industrial design. The device packs a Gameboy-like traditional d-pad, and the joy-cons are no longer detachable. Combined with the high-quality plastic materials, it’s a sturdy and solid package. It now comes in three different popping colors (yellow, turquoise and grey) and it looks more modern because the bezel around the screen has the same color as the rest of the case.
Lower price and minor limitations
The price is $100 cheaper than the bigger Nintendo Switch and starts at $199. Limitations besides the already mentioned lack of docking support include no kickstand, no vibration motor, no brightness, and IR sensor. Overall most users should not worry too much about these limitations. While in theory, all the games of the original Switch will work, some might not make sense to be played on the small screen and would require purchasing accessories like additional joy-cons. Yes, for some weird reason additional joy-cons can still be connected to the Switch lite for multiplayer if needed (ING made this interesting video on games that might be limited). However, multiplayer is focused on peer-to-peer and online rather than split-screen.
Mostly positive media coverage
All in all, the most famous bloggers and reviewers have a favorable opinion on the new Nintendo Switch Lite. Everybody agrees about the solid build quality, improved sturdiness, and excellent ergonomics due to the compact form factor. The build quality is even perceived better than on the more expensive bigger brother. Austin Evans was particularly impressed by the speakers. Surprisingly they are just as loud and clear as the ones on the original Switch.
The more enjoyable portable gaming experience
According to The Verge, games are still enjoyable on the smaller screen size and even look crispier due to the same resolution on a smaller screen.
TechRadar considers the Switch Lite to offer an “enjoyable experience” for portable gaming and points out that it feels more like a 3DS compared to the original Switch. This is mainly an advantage for kids with small hands. Engadget also thinks that the Lite offers an overall better mobile experience than the original Switch.
The d-pad and performance as usual
Many reviewers talked about the new d-pad. While Techradar likes it and emphasizes advantages for retro gaming, Switchforce criticized the placement of the d-pad as too close to the screen because of overlapping issues. The performance is similar to the original Switch, but unfortunately, the issues have not been fixed either. Some reviewers reported occasional framerate drops in graphic-intense titles like Zelda Breath of the Wild.
Verdict: Not an upgrade, but an addition
Overall, the reviewers don’t consider the Switch Lite an upgrade but an addition. Yes, the portable gaming experience is improved, but you lose the key value of the Nintendo Switch, which is its versatility. Most reviewers only recommend the Nintendo Switch Lite as a replacement for the Nintendo 3DS as a purely portable console. Otherwise, they recommend going for the more versatile bigger brother.
More interesting Youtube-Videos on the Nintendo Switch Lite:
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