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Nintendo Switch Lite launches this September

Update: Smaller, portable-only Switch will cost $200, transferring saves is planned

Nintendo has finally announced the long-rumoured Nintendo Switch Lite.

Unveiled via a Direct-style video, the device is dedicated to handheld play and is looks much the same as the original model in handheld mode -- with the key difference that the joy-cons can't be detached.

The Switch Lite will launch this on September 20th -- alongside Zelda: Link's Awakening -- in three colours: grey, yellow and turquoise. A Pokémon themed version, featuring new legendaries Zacian and Zamazenta, will arrive with Sword and Shield on November 15th.

This handheld-only version of the hybrid Nintendo Switch will cost $200 -- $100 less than the "original" model.

The 5.5-inch screen is smaller than the flagship model's 6.2-inch one, and is still touch sensitive. The model overall is smaller, measuring 91.1mm by 208mm by 13.9mm (as opposed to the original's 101.6mm by 238.76mm by 13.97mm).

Internal storage is still limited to 32GB, with a MicroSD card slot for players to expand this.

As a purely handheld device, the Switch Lite cannot be connected to a TV. Symbols on game packaging already indicate which titles can be played in handheld mode. These are the only titles that will work with Switch Lite (which currently is the vast majority of the console's library. It is also not compatible with Nintendo Labo, as it does not have removable Joy-Con controllers.

In a bonus for die-hard Nintendo hardware fans, the directional buttons previously on the left joy-con have been replaced by a traditional D-pad.

The device also slightly shorter than the flagship Switch, and a few joy-con features have been removed, including the infrared sensor and the HD rumble.

It will still be compatible with multiplayer games and motion-controlled games, but players will require a separate set of joy-cons. These will also enable users to play games that are not compatible with handheld mode, using the Switch Lite as a screen (although the kickstand on the back has been removed).

Switch Lite can sync with up to seven other Switch or Switch Lites for local multiplayer modes, and still features a Wifi function for online multiplayer. It will also, per Doug Bowser speaking to CNET, eventually feature the ability to transfer save files from other Nintendo Switches. "More to come on there, but that is the intention," he said.

A handheld-only version of the Switch has been rumoured for several months following reports that emerged earlier this year.

You can check out the reveal video below.

Cover image for YouTube video

Update: Added pricing information and Nintendo Labo compatibility (or lack thereof).

Update 2: Added info about transferring save files.

Additional reporting by Rebekah Valentine.

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James Batchelor

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James Batchelor is Editor-in-Chief at GamesIndustry.biz. He has been a B2B journalist since 2006, and an author since he knew what one was