Nintendo fans that want a slightly smaller, purely handheld Switch have a new option. The Switch Lite officially released today, with an MSRP of $199.99. It’s compatible with any Switch game that supports handheld mode, which should be most of them.

Also launching today is the Switch-exclusive HD remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, available in stores and the Nintendo eShop. Watch the new overview trailer above.

“The introduction of Nintendo Switch Lite gives people the choice of a Nintendo Switch system that best fits their needs and personal play style,” said Nick Chavez, Senior VP, Nintendo of America. “With the simultaneous launch of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, today is a great day for newcomers and existing Nintendo Switch owners alike.”

The Switch Lite comes with a 5.5″ inch touch screen, a tad smaller than the Switch’s 6.2″. The Switch Lite does not feature detachable controllers, nor is it compatible with a Switch dock – it’s purely for handheld mode. The Switch Lite comes in three different colors: yellow, grey, and turquoise, and includes a slightly larger battery life than the original Switch.

Link’s Awakening doesn’t have anything to do with the Switch Lite specifically, but it’s available now on both devices. It’s an updated remake of the original 1993 Game Boy game. It successfully brought the dungeon-hunting, puzzle-solving formula from 1991’s SNES The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past onto the tiny handheld screen.

In Link’s Awakening, Link is shipwrecked on a mysterious island full of dungeons, enemies, traps, and secrets. The remake includes a new Chamber Dungeon mode, where players can earn dungeon rooms to create their own custom dungeon to explore and earn rewards.

Link’s Awakening is rated E for Everyone.


This article was written by

Eric has been writing for over nine years with bylines at Dicebreaker, Pixelkin, Polygon, PC Gamer, Tabletop Gaming magazine, and more covering movies, TV shows, video games, tabletop games, and tech. He reviews and live streams D&D adventures every week on his YouTube channel. He also makes a mean tuna quesadilla.