Nintendo on Wednesday unveiled the Nintendo Switch Lite, a smaller and cheaper version of its popular Switch device.
The Switch Lite is meant solely for handheld play, as opposed to the larger Switch that lets gamers connect to a TV. It also has a smaller screen; no kickstand; and does not come with detachable Joy-Con controllers — akin to the Game Boy or Nintendo DS.
But it does have a new D-pad; a longer battery life; can play all Switch games; and allows for multiplayer via wireless controllers and Nintendo Switch Online.
It’s also $100 cheaper than the original Switch, retailing at $199.99. The Switch Lite goes on sale September 20 in three colors: yellow, grey, and turquoise. There is a Pokémon-themed version coming out in November.
“Adding Nintendo Switch Lite to the lineup gives gamers more color and price point options,” Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser, said in a statement. “Now consumers can choose the system that best suits how they like to play their favorite Nintendo Switch games.”
The announcement follows earlier reports that Nintendo was working on two new versions of its Switch console, including a souped up entry for avid gamers, in addition to the cheaper Switch Lite.
Nintendo has sold around 35 million Switch units since it launched in March 2017. It’s the fastest-selling console ever in the U.S. But Nintendo’s stock dipped in April after lower-than-expected Switch sales.
The new Switch device gives Nintendo more firepower in its battle with fellow video game kingpins Microsoft and Sony, which are expected to debut new consoles next year.
