Nintendo offers Switch Lite tech specs breakdown
See how the original Switch and the upcoming Lite model differ
Nintendo has released a breakdown of the Nintendo Switch Lite technical specifications.
Switch Lite, a handheld-only version of the console released in 2017, was officially announced earlier today.
A smaller, lighter system that can’t be connected to a TV, it will launch on September 20 for $200 and will be available in three colours: yellow, grey and turquoise. A limited edition Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Switch Lite console will also be released in November.
To coincide with the announcement, Nintendo has compared the technical specifications of the original Switch with the new version of the console.
Switch Lite can play all Switch games that support handheld mode. It features integrated controls that don’t include HD rumble or an IR motion camera, and the directional buttons previously on the left Joy-Con have been replaced with a traditional d-pad.
Joy-Con controllers can be bought separately and used with the portable console to play games like 1-2 Switch and Super Mario Party in tabletop mode. However, unlike the flagship Switch, the portable console doesn’t include a built-in kickstand.
In terms of size, Switch Lite measures 91.1mm x 208mm x 13.9mm, compared to the original model’s 102mm x 239mm x 13.9mm dimensions with Joy-Cons attached.
Switch Lite weighs approximately 275g, compared to Switch’s 297g (or 398g with Joy-Cons attached).
Both systems feature a capacitive touchscreen with 1280×720 resolution, but the Lite model’s LCD screen is smaller, measuring 5.5 inches versus the original Switch’s 6.2 inches.
In terms of battery life, Nintendo says the new Switch model holds a slight advantage. While battery life can last for over six hours with both devices, it varies depending on the game being played and the usage conditions.
As an example, Nintendo says The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be played for roughly four hours on a single Switch Lite charge, compared to three hours on a single charge of the original Switch model.
