Where can I pre-order the Nintendo Switch Lite?
Best answer: You can pre-order at a number of retailers, including Nintendo and third-party sites. While Best Buy was the first retailer to have pages for the different Nintendo Switch Lite models, Amazon now has the official pre-orders from Nintendo available.Pikachu yellow: Nintendo Switch Lite - Yellow (opens in new tab) ($200 at Amazon)Dorian Gray: Nintendo Switch Lite - Gray (opens in new tab) ($200 at Amazon)Skies of blue: Nintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise (opens in new tab) ($200 at Amazon)Doggone: Nintendo Switch Lite - Zacian and Zamazenta Edition (opens in new tab) (at GameStop)
Nintendo Switch Lite: Everything you need to know
What's the Nintendo Switch Lite?
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a new model for the Nintendo Switch. It's been redesigned as a handheld-only and cannot connect to a TV. It's compatible with any games that have a handheld mode, which means almost everything that isn't a party game. It's 5.5 inches and the controls are built-in, so there are no disconnectable Joy-Cons. It has a longer battery life than the original Nintendo Switch and can still play local co-op games with owners of the regular Nintendo Switch.
How much does it cost?
The Switch Lite costs $199, and releases on September 20, 2019. If you have other questions about the Nintendo Switch Lite, you can check out the announcement article right here. We can't wait to get our hands on this one.
Best Buy was the first retailer with pre-order pages up, but others, like Amazon and Gamestop, have caught up today. Nintendo also has a listing up, but it's hidden among the other Switch listings. Where you want to pre-order will come down to personal preference.
Upcoming versions
As with most of Nintendo's handheld systems, this one will likely have additional designs for people to choose from. One upcoming version that we know of is the Pokémon Sword and Shield themed Switch Lite that's set to release on November 8, 2019. On the backside, it features the legendary dogs, Zacian and Zamasenta, and on the front side the colors of the buttons incorporate the colors associated with either version of the game. If you're a Pokémon fan or love to collect all things Nintendo, this is the Switch Lite to get.
Unlike the Turquoise, Yellow, and Gray Switch Lites, this special themed one has an Amazon listing (opens in new tab), but it's not currently available for pre-order. However, you can find a pre-order listing at GameStop or Target.
Smaller, less expensive, just as much fun
Nintendo Switch Lite works solely in handheld mode, but it uses the same cartridges as the standard Nintendo Switch, so any of your games that offer handheld mode will be compatible, and it can link with Nintendo Switch to play local co-op games.
Pokémon-themed Switch Lite
This Pokémon Sword and Shield themed Switch Lite doesn't release until November 8, but the design makes it a great option for Pokémon fans and Nintendo collectors. It features the red and blue colors associated with either version of the Gen 8 games and shows the legendary dogs on the back.
Samuel Tolbert is a freelance writer covering gaming news, previews, reviews, interviews and different aspects of the gaming industry, specifically focusing on Nintendo on iMore. You can find him on Twitter @SamuelTolbert.
