Verdict
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a superb moveable console that refines the show, buttons and total type issue of its older sibling. Yet the sacrifice of docked play can be a deal-breaker for some. If you are but to buy a Switch, nonetheless, and are purely fascinated with moveable play with out the necessity for native multiplayer, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a no brainer.
Pros
Design is strong, engaging and simple to make use of
Already boasts a implausible library of video games
Increased battery life in comparison with the bottom mannequin
Cons
Nature of console means sure video games are now not supported
Local multiplayer is much tougher to realize with out docking
Key Specifications
Review Price: £199.99
Release Date: Out Now
Battery Life: 4 – 7 Hours
Portable Gaming Console
What is the Nintendo Switch Lite?
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a brand new resigned version of the usual Nintendo Switch, devoted solely to moveable play and coming with all the benefits and downsides you’d count on from such an formidable pitch.
The authentic console was designed as a hybrid machine, able to performing as a house console whereas switching to a transportable at a second’s discover. The Switch Lite lacks this versatility, however boasts a design higher suited to on-the-go gaming.
Improved battery life and a extra snug design additionally sit alongside present options which have already proved a success, making this a tempting proposition for each new and present house owners.
This is a handheld console, arguably changing the 3DS that has seen its first-party releases attain an eventual crescendo in latest months. Now, Nintendo is hoping to maneuver its whole viewers onto Switch by providing a variety of selections. From our testing, it’s positively heading in the right direction.
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Button structure throughout the board stays an identical, though they do really feel a bit completely different
Nintendo Switch Lite design – A surprisingly small but agile expertise
You can buy the Nintendo Switch Lite in three color: Grey, Turquoise and Yellow. We obtained and are reviewing the latter of the trio, boasting the sharp yellow tones of Pikachu or, heaven forbid, a Minion. It’s a shiny and engaging gadget, becoming completely into the palm of an grownup hand – though balancing the £200 console was a tiny bit precarious.
Having a good selection close to aesthetics is a pleasant contact, and this can solely get higher sooner or later, with the Pokémon Sword and Shield console wanting particularly snazzy. The colors on provide received’t be for everybody, however definitely mirror the happy-go-lucky concept of whipping your Switch out on the commute to vacuum up ghoulies in Luigi’s Mansion 3. It’s undeniably eye-catching, a far cry from the blacks and greys which have dominated the console marketplace for so lengthy.
The total blueprint of the console has been diminished dramatically, now measuring in at 91.1 x 208 x 13.9mm and weighing simply 275g in comparison with the unique’s 102mm x 239mm x 13.9mm and 297g. It makes its older sibling look gigantic compared, which is one thing I by no means anticipated.
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The Switch Lite makes its older sibling look big compared, showcasing simply how dinky the brand new mannequin is
Nintendo Switch show – Bright, vibrant and extra dense with pixels
The display is smaller right here, now simply 5.5in in comparison with the unique’s 6.2in. Nevertheless, it nonetheless possesses the identical most decision of 720p. You aren’t dropping something when it comes to image high quality, and a bigger pixel density of 267 per inch debatable improves the visible high quality.
Due to the dearth of docking, there’s no technique to upscale something to 1080p, however the smaller display actual property makes it tough to note any main variations all through testing. Intensive experiences resembling Wolfenstein: Youngblood and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 look higher on the smaller display when issues aren’t blown as much as match a 50in plus show too.
Even although the display is smaller, the dearth of an aggressive bezel helps it shine, ensuing within the Switch Lite boasting a extra distinguished premium really feel that received’t collapse in your palms. I positively wouldn’t threat dropping it on the ground, although.
The Joy-Con controllers at the moment are constructed into the console itself, which means there’s no technique to detach them to be used in spontaneous multi-player periods. This additionally eliminates main options such because the IR sensors and devoted movement controls in titles resembling 1-2 Switch and Just Dance – though, if we’re brutally trustworthy, it is a compromise value residing with for the engaging type issue and luscious design.
This doesn’t low cost a few of the different qualms that floor with the design. When enjoying experiences with a number of textual content, resembling Fire Emblem: Three Houses, it may be onerous to learn smaller parts of textual content in menus and through dialogue scenes. As such, it’s usually essential to carry the display nearer to your face. It isn’t a deal-breaker, and solely surfaces in a handful of video games, however definitely value noting.
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You’ll discover no kickstand or removable controllers on the Switch Lite, which is each a blessing and a curse
Nintendo Switch Lite efficiency – Battery life, buttons and video games
Distractions from the small gadget additionally emerge with the button structure, notably with the thumbsticks. It’s probably the scale of my palms, however it may be uncomfortable to regulate a sport’s digital camera utilizing the precise stick with out growing cramp in my thumb. I quickly grew to become used to it, however it seldom felt pure; it lacks the consolation of the unique console, or perhaps a Pro Controller when docked.
Thankfully, all the buttons – whether or not D-pad or face buttons – really feel tender to the contact and superbly responsive in motion, though you’ll shortly discover they lack the clickiness of the vanilla console. You might at all times join extra controllers or different peripherals, however the lack of kickstand means there isn’t a technique to prop up the console to play alongside associates.
This nullifies a small but precious portion of the console’s library. With the exception of wi-fi connectivity, the Switch Lite feels way more geared in direction of solo play. I don’t essentially suppose it is a dangerous factor, however sine its inception, the Switch has been marketed as one thing that brings folks collectively, so it feels unusual to desert so many options that emphasis that high quality.
Battery life for the Nintendo Switch Lite can vary between three to seven hours, relying on the appliance getting used and the brightness depth of the display. There’s myriad components to think about when testing a console resembling this, so we put the Lite by way of its paces by steady periods of Super Smash Bros Ultimate and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. On the previous, the latter tapped out simply shy of the four-hour mark throughout an eight-player battle.
Less intensive titles resembling Undertale and Untitled Goose Game fare higher, squeezing way more trip of the battery. You’ll discover elevated fan noise and a excessive temperature in direction of the highest of the unit whereas enjoying extra graphically intensive video games, however it’s seldom distracting sufficient to be a difficulty.
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The Switch Lite is available in three colors: Grey, Yellow and Turquoise
Nintendo Switch Lite Games – Do all of them work appropriately?
The Nintendo Switch Lite is anomalous in some regards, largely as a result of it makes a small collection of present video games defunct because of the lack of removable controllers. Titles resembling Super Mario Party, Nintendo Labo and 1-2 Switch merely aren’t supported in handheld mode, requiring particular person Joy-Cons to perform.
In some instances this might be remedied by shopping for and connecting particular person controllers, however the lack of a kickstand makes this a really inconvenient resolution. Beyond this, nearly all of video games I examined utilizing the Switch Lite labored completely, with visuals, management strategies and efficiency residing as much as the unique console’s commonplace – and even past in some instances.
Should I purchase the Nintendo Switch Lite?
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a superb moveable console that refines the show, buttons and total type issue of its older sibling. However, the sacrifice of docked play can be a deal-breaker for some.
If you’re but to buy a Switch, although, and are purely fascinated with moveable play with out the necessity for native multiplayer, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a no brainer.
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Games Writer
Jade is the devoted video games author at TechSwitch. She handles all issues gaming whether or not or not it’s information, critiques, occasions or foolish options. Seen at shops resembling MTV UK, Kotaku and TechSwitch (…
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