Nintendo Says Switch Lite Is The Only New System Releasing This Year [Update]

Nintendo surprised everyone this week with the announcement of a new member in the Nintendo Switch family. The Nintendo Switch Lite--a lighter, cheaper version of Nintendo's flagship device--is set to launch this September and makes a few minor adjustments to hit its more affordable price tag. Despite rumors of another Nintendo Switch console, said to feature improved hardware over the existing model, the company says there are no other new pieces of Switch hardware coming this year. [Update: This has proven to be slightly untrue, depending on how you look at it. The standard Switch is getting an update that includes improved better battery life but is otherwise the same system that debuted in 2017.]

GameSpot sister site CNET shared the news at the tail end of its report. According to newly-appointed Nintendo president Doug Bowser, the Nintendo Switch Lite is the only new Nintendo Switch console this year. Bowser says the traditional Nintendo Switch won't receive any updates or upgrades. However, there are reports of an upgraded Nintendo Switch console in production.

• When And Why Nintendo Updates Its Portable Hardware

Bowser seems to suggest Nintendo is sticking to just two options: the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite. Hardware adjustments are nothing new for Nintendo, as the company is notorious for introducing incremental upgrades to its long-running DS family. The 3DS lineup consists of the 2DS (2013), the 3DS (2011), the 3DS XL (2012), the New 3DS (2014), the New 3DS XL (2015), and the New 2DS XL (2017).

Though it may be cheaper than the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite will still support Amiibos, features device switching, will receive a Pokemon Sword and Shield model, and comes with a notable controller improvement.

The Nintendo Switch Lite launches on September 20 for $200 USD. You can check out the announcement trailer below.