Who would have believed it? The Switch that cannot actually switch is an absolute triumph – a pared back rendition of the hardware that demonstrates quite spectacularly that beyond the hybrid console functionality that defined the system, this was always a handheld at its core – and a brilliant one at that. Yes, the new model is cheaper, pared back, significantly simplified and missing some nice features, but there’s the sense that having settled upon a dedicated handheld companion product, Nintendo aimed to make it the best it could possibly be. Is it perfect? No. Is it worth buying? Absolutely.
The simplicity of the Lite is perfectly summed up when you first open the box. Beyond some supporting cardboard, the contents consist of the console, the power supply and a flimsy manual – and that’s it. Compared to the standard Switch with its additional Joy-Cons, grip, Joy-Con straps, dock and cables, you immediately get the sense that this is a no-nonsense, zero fuss alternative. It’s not trying to dazzle you with clever new ideas – it’s a handheld console, plain and simple.
Lift out Switch Lite from the packaging and it’s immediately apparent that this isn’t a re-run of the cheap-but-robust almost agricultural ‘handheld for kids’ formula we saw with the 2DS line: this is a small, light, beautifully designed device – the decent-quality matte plastics aren’t premium grade but the device still feels great in the hands. When you first power up the machine, it’s difficult not to be smitten: the screen may be smaller, but it’s pin-sharp, bright and beautiful.
From a glass full empty perspective, the handheld focus and cheaper design does mean that you’re losing functionality. Even though it would have been simplicity to add – and I suspect it may be included at some point – the USB-C port lacks docking support, meaning that even if you wanted to add TV support, you can’t (and to be clear, the unit won’t even fit into the standard dock anyway). No kickstand also means no tabletop play if, say, you own a Pro controller. The good news is that the USB-C port still has data transfer support, meaning that USB peripherals work just fine – it’s just the video output that’s been cut.