Review: The new Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld dream

Nintendo in September this year launched the new Nintendo Switch Lite. 

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a compact, lightweight and cheaper device compared to the original Switch.

It supports all Nintendo Switch software that can be played in handheld mode and is available in three different colours: yellow, grey and turquoise.

I fell in love with the Switch Lite because it is one of the most comfortable handheld devices that I've had in my hands which was really beneficial when I started using it on my daily commute.

Nintendo Switch Lite has integrated controls and is smaller than the flagship version of Nintendo Switch.

It has no kickstand, it does not come with a dock or HDMI cable, it does not support video output to a TV and Console does not include HD rumble or IR Motion Camera.

You won’t be connecting this system to a TV, and while you can technically connect wireless controllers to the Switch Lite for some tabletop multiplayer action, I think its best for single-player games. 

The Switch Lite doesn’t make too big of a compromise with its 720p touch display even though it is 5.5 inches which is smaller compared to the standard Switch’s 6.2 inches screen.

For games that do not support handheld mode, players can wireless connect Joy-Con controllers (sold separately) to Nintendo Switch Lite. In these cases, users will need to have a device to recharge Joy-Con controllers, such as the Joy-Con charging grip

The battery life on this device is great and will last users between 3 to 7 hours depending on what game they play.

On this review device, I was given the game Legend of Zelda and the battery last me for about 4 hours.

Overall, for me, this device became like a best friend that would be with me on the bus, car rides or chilling on the couch.

If you're interested in the device, keep in mind that it is not an upgrade of the original switch but it is the cheapest entry point into the Switch’s great game library and is definitely worth the price tag. 

Customers can also get the device through First National bank (FNB) as the bank announced that it is partnering up with Core, the South African distributor of the Nintendo consoles to offer customers payment plans for the Switch and Switch Lite.

Priced at R3999 once off, you can purchase the Nintendo Switch Lite over 24 months for R199 per month.

The Nintendo Switch Lite is available to purchase at Makro, Incredible Connection, Takealot and Loot

Nintendo Switch Lite Specifications

 CPU/GPU:

Custom Nvidia Tegra processing

 Screen:

 5.5-inches, 1280x720 resolution, LCD

 Dimensions:

 91.1 x 208 x 13.9mm

 Weight:

 275g

Buttons:

 

Left Stick
Right Stick
A/B/X/Y/L/R/ZL/ZR/+/- Buttons
+ Control Pad
Power Button
Volume Button
HOME Button
Capture Button

Connections:

Wi-Fi (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, USB-C (charging-enabled)

Speakers:

Stereo

Storage:

32GB - upgradeable by microSD card

Battery:

 3,570mAh - can last up to six hours

Price:

R3999

 

Below are images of the review unit:

 

 

Written by: Gabriella Steyn.

Guzzle Media