After months of rumors, the word is finally out. Yes, Nintendo is working on a Nintendo Switch Mini and it’s releasing this September. It’s called the Nintendo Switch Lite and after reading everything there is to know, it’s pretty clear that this system is the true successor of the popular Nintendo 3DS family.
The end of an era
The Nintendo 3DS was a huge success for Nintendo and included some of the best games playable on a handheld device. During recent years, Nintendo published fewer games on the system and this year, they totally ignored its existence. The reason for this was rather logical, the Switch. As a hybrid console, Nintendo combined their market of home consoles with the handheld department, suggesting that the Switch offered the perfect replacement for those looking for a new Nintendo handheld. With the reveal of the Nintendo Switch Lite, it seems like Nintendo really is ending the 3DS era to make room for a handheld-focused Switch. It’s no surprise that this new version won’t be as expensive as the flagship model since it focusses exclusively on the handheld aspect but it does come at a cost.
No more ‘Switch’
There are some big differences between the regular Switch and the Switch Lite, the biggest one is the lack of ‘Switch’ in the Lite version. Unlike its bigger brother, you’ll only be able to play the Lite in handheld mode. There’s no way to connect it to your television and with the lack of a proper stand even the tabletop mode will never be the same again. On top of that also comes the lack of detachable Joy-Con controllers, lack of HD-Rumble, and lack of the IR-Camera. It’s clear to see that this Lite version is aimed at a different market than the flagship console. This Lite version wants to be your next favorite handheld and I think Nintendo might actually succeed with it.
By releasing it in three vibrant colors for 100 bucks less than the regular model, Nintendo gives those who were still in doubt a reason to buy the Switch. If you look at their upcoming games, including Fire Emblem, Pokémon, Zelda, and Animal Crossing you might notice those are some of the best performing handheld franchise under the Nintendo label. Releasing a Lite version of the Switch together with The Legend of Zelda: A Link’s Awakening and offering Pokémon fans to own a special Lite version in November clearly indicates that this is indeed, the new handheld system Nintendo had in mind.
Aimed at a new audience
Quickly after the surprise reveal of this new system, the internet became flooded with first reactions. A lot of those come from the hardcore group of gamers and they are not really satisfied with what they see. In their eyes, this system is smaller and gives you less instead of being smaller and giving you something better. Of course, from their perspective, I agree with them. If you already own a Switch, there’s no real reason to own a Lite, unless you travel a lot and are in need of a lighter system to carry around. That being said, I truly believe Nintendo is after a new audience with this version. The audience that plays on handheld systems only, the audience that doesn’t care to boost their games in television mode, as long as they are able to enjoy their favorite games.
With an impressive library already at hands and with some extremely popular upcoming franchises, Nintendo might be able to pull in tons of new gamers. I think it’s a smart move to ‘divide’ the Switch market. Instead of offering one model, Nintendo gives its players an important choice. If you’re a handheld gamer, you can own a Lite and enjoy most of the library wherever you want to go. Or, if you like your games on a bigger screen and would like to see some performance boosts, you can stick with the flagship model. That being said, this Lite version offers a great starting point for those new to the Switch family and I’m sure a lot of younger gamers will be more than pleased to carry around their favorite games safely with them, without having to buy the heavier, more expensive model. If I was a kid, I would get that Pokémon version instantly.
Conclusion:
With the announcement of the Nintendo Switch Lite, it’s clear that Nintendo is changing their handheld landscape. By advertising it as a handheld-focused system, it’s clear that the company want to replace the 3DS family with the newest Switch member. With the upcoming releases of Zelda, Pokémon, Fire Emblem, and Animal Crossing it’s the perfect timing for handheld fans to move over to the Switch and I’m guessing the Lite is the perfect solution for those still in doubt.
