The Nintendo Switch Lite price has been confirmed as much lower than the current standard console.
This is excellent news for gamers who were put off by the high retail costs of the Switch console, although it comes with drawbacks.
The Switch Lite will be a handheld console in the complete sense, being launched without the ability to play games via docked mode.
It was confirmed today that the Switch Lite will cost $200 to buy and will be able to play games at the same undocked levels as the current Switch model.
But gamers were also expecting another console to be announced, a Nintendo Switch Pro console which cost more to buy.
Rumours have been circulating for months that two new Switch consoles are in the works, one which would cheaper, the other offering an upgrade in hardware.
But it appears we will only be getting the Switch Lite this year, with Nintendo ruling out the idea of a Pro console appearing in 2019.
Speaking to CNET, Bowser revealed that there were no other plans in place of a second console launch this year.
“The Lite isn’t a sequel to the Switch. It’s more of a lower-cost spin-off. It’ll also be the only new Nintendo Switch hardware this holiday, as Bowser says the larger Switch won’t get an upgrade right now,” The CNET report reads.
“But maybe that’s exactly what’s needed. At the least, it’s finally a lower-priced Switch.”
The obvious hope for Nintendo will be that the Switch Lite fills the hole left behind the 3DS, which has been a massive success for the company.
It’s hard to see whether current owners would bother buying another console but it could be something tested if owners were able to share accounts in the future.
Here’s more on the Nintendo Switch Lite launch plans, which will see the new console arrive in 2019:
“Nintendo Switch Lite has integrated controls and is smaller than the flagship version of Nintendo Switch. It has no kickstand and, as a dedicated handheld gaming device, does not support video output to a TV. Therefore, it does not come with a dock or HDMI cable.
“The new device can play all games in the robust Nintendo Switch library that support handheld mode, although some games will have restrictions.
“The back of game packaging and product information listed on the official Nintendo website offers information about which features are included and which modes are compatible with specific games.
“In addition to the three colours of Nintendo Switch Lite available at launch, Nintendo will release a limited Nintendo Switch Lite Zacian & Zamazenta Edition console on 8th November, featuring stylish cyan and magenta buttons and illustrations of the two new Legendary Pokémon from the upcoming Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games.
“In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, players will embark on a new adventure through the Galar region, where they’ll catch, battle and trade newly discovered Pokémon and uncover the mystery behind Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta.
“The Nintendo Switch Lite Zacian & Zamazenta Edition console will be available while supplies last. The Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games are available 15th November for all Nintendo Switch consoles.”
The Nintendo Switch Lite console will be releasing on September 20 and will not be accompanied with a Pro version.