The Switch that doesn't 'switch' likely needs a price drop

Nintendo published its Q1 financial results today and they were, largely, what was expected. The extraordinary boom in business from the equivalent period in 2020, as Animal Crossing: New Horizons took off and gamers around the world were forced to seek home entertainment above all else, was not repeated. Nintendo — alongside various similar businesses — has forecasted lower sales and profits as 2021 simply isn't recreating those same conditions, at least not to the same degree.

The results, ultimately, still show Nintendo to be making extremely healthy profits, and that'll likely continue for the rest of the year. All of this while still in the midst of difficult conditions and health concerns in large parts of the world, with Japan being one country (among others) with continued restrictions that affect work practices, travel and more. This year — regardless of platform and size of company — has been typified by delays and project extensions; games and products still need longer to finish than in past years, and that impact is ongoing.

Moving beyond (hopefully) the current pandemic-related issues, Nintendo has a major Mario motion picture out in 2022, the ongoing development of its theme Parks, and of course various big-name games on the horizon.

The pure financial numbers, even with the drops compared to 2020, are still significant — Nintendo is so cash rich that it's going to spend up to $900 million USD buying back its own shares only to 'cancel' them, a move that's only in the playbook during good times. Moving beyond (hopefully) the current pandemic-related issues, Nintendo has a major Mario motion picture due out in 2022, the ongoing development of its theme parks, and of course various big-name games on the horizon. Numbers might be 'down', but they're certainly not 'low'; the company's bank balance, brand power and current popularity are extremely healthy at this moment.

Yet still, you don't need to look far to find Nintendo fans that are disgruntled, or at the very least a little disappointed with recent trends. The unveiling of the Switch OLED (and the inevitable focus specifically on what it isn't) didn't go down well with everyone, and though there are multiple major game titles on the way there's always a desire for more. The challenges of the past year have arguably also seen missed opportunities; Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a good example. It's been a phenomenal sales success that at one point had irrepressible momentum, yet after a positive early spell meaningful updates slowed down, practically grinding to a halt this year. Considering the enjoyable features the latest game still lacks compared to its predecessors, and the extraordinary profits it helped to drive, recent news that updates are in development is welcome but also feels rather late. That lightning has arguably escaped the bottle; the captive audience has moved on.

Hardware sales, while still very healthy, also show a shift in trends with the biggest loser in this case being the Switch Lite. As you can see in the graph below it was doing particularly well in the equivalent period a year ago, but we recall that standard Switch models were hard to find at that point, making the Lite the only option available for stretches of time.

What the graph shows is sell through (systems selling to consumers, not the wholesale figures to retailers), so it helps to give a sense of what's been flying off shelves, not what the retail industry has been buying as stock. Last year, as Nintendo grappled with supply issues of the standard model, plenty picked up the Lite model instead.

To be clear and fair, too, the Switch Lite has arguably been a success since its arrival in 2019 - the latest figures show 15.84 million Lite system sales so far, against the standard Switch that has sold 73.2 million units with an extra 29 months on the market. Last year was strong for the Lite, with it selling a little under half of the standard model, which is a similar ratio to its debut year on the market. As a spin-off device that lacks that namesake 'switch' mechanic, it nevertheless found its spot in the market.

That graph above, however, shows that in Q1 this year not even broader demand for the Switch is elevating Lite sales to the same degree as it did in the depths of 2020's lockdowns. Standard Switch models are still selling 'through' to actual consumers at a solid rate, but the Lite models are starting to spend longer on shelves. In Q1 last year Lite consoles accounted for 46.1% of system sales; in Q1 this year that's dropped back to 25.6%.

As hardware sales drop off compared to last year, it's the Lite that seems to miss out.

It brings to mind a recent Soapbox on these pages by Kate Gray, wondering whether it's time for a new Nintendo handheld, albeit acknowledging that the odds of that happening seem slim to non-existent. The Switch is a hybrid of course, and that is one of the key selling points that has driven its phenomenal success. Yet while the Switch can be popped in a case and taken around in a bag, for example — a habit this scribe has when visiting family — it's not a handy portable in the same sense of a DS or 3DS. It's not a system you pop in a pocket, or a small corner of a tiny bag. Nor is it particularly durable and designed for extensive travel and real world rough-and-tumble. It's probably best enjoyed in portable mode in a comfortable chair at home, or to be taken out on journeys with careful handling in mind.

And the Lite doesn't fully address those issues because the system's concept arguably holds it back. It has a rubberised and more durable shell, its Joy-Cons are integrated (which is enough to strike fear into those of us that have experienced drift problems), but it's still that bit too big to be a true go-anywhere portable system.

Perhaps it's due a price cut, too. Nintendo, of course, doesn't cut prices when something is doing well, as we see with the continuing demand for standard models and the pricing given to the upcoming OLED model. If the Lite continues to dip in the next six months, though, it may be on the cards. After all, there are key 'Switch' features you lose with the Lite: detachable controllers; full compatibility with products like Labo and more tellingly the big-selling Ring Fit Adventure; the core feature of seamlessly and instantly hooking up wherever there's a Switch dock for multiplayer and shared game experiences. It's a Switch without the console's unique selling points yet it's still $200USD; it's easy to see why it's not the preferred choice for the majority when standard models are available.

It's a Switch without the console's unique selling points yet it's still $200USD; it's easy to see why it's not the preferred choice for the majority

None of this is surprising, perhaps, especially as the 2DS held a similar status in the 3DS family; useful for some as a second system, or perhaps a less-expensive option for children. Perhaps what we're really seeing is the end of the honeymoon period of sales — collectors desperate to have a cute Lite in a particular colour or second systems for families. More importantly, that unprecedented boom of 2020, when Lite sales hit their peak in Spring / Summer, won't repeat while supplies of standard models are either matching or are closer to meeting consumer demand.

'The Switch that doesn't'. It's had a good run and will continue to find some happy new owners, we're sure; yet it's destined to be a relative footnote in the Switch console family's history when the dust settles years from now. Whether that fate also awaits the OLED model will be interesting to see.

What are your thoughts on Switch Lite? Do you think its mainstream appeal would pick up again if Nintendo dropped the price? What price should it be? Let us know in the poll and comments below.

Tom has been involved in the games industry for a decade, mostly writing about it or struggling to sell Indie games. Loves reading, writing, hunting Capcom’s fiercest monsters and watching baseball.

I have a lot of friends that aren’t huge gamers but want a Switch. They’re not willing to pay the $200 for the Lite considering they also have to pay for online and buy games. If it dropped to $150 I know a lot then would jump on it. Not saying Nintendo will but it would give me more friends to play my Switch games with

I own both the regular Switch and a Lite, but I almost exclusively play on the Lite. It feels so much better to play in handheld because it's a solid unit with no wiggly Joycons. It's a more aesthetically pleasing system, and the smaller screen means the visuals on games look a bit crisper. Also it HAS A PROPER D-PAD!!

I love the Lite and $200 seems fair. An OLED Lite at $200 would turn my head though.

I own a Lite because I have no interest in the TV docking aspect.

That said, I'd be way more willing to also have a standard Switch if Nintendo didn't actively sabotage the ease of moving between platforms with my account and saves.

I also imagine the Lite will go back up in sales with the release of Pokemon this year

I think prices will be 150, 250 and 350 this holiday for the three switch models. To get rid of the ‘old switch’ models and to give lite a boost. And Nintendo probably wasn’t able to produce tons of OLED models due to chip shortages.

With the middle machine gone prices will probably go to 150 and 300 after march or april next year. And some sort of pro for 400 in the holidays, or a pro that doesn’t switch for 300-350.

The existence of the lite actually pisses me off The fact that millions of switch owners have a lite means that devs have to make their games with those users in mind and I'm convinced that's the reason why WarioWare GiT does not have hardware features as its primary focus. Or maybe I'm just yelling at clouds...

I would like one but can't justify it, even more so with the OLED Switch just around the corner.

I think if Nintendo could price it at between £120-£150 it would be pretty much impulse buy for a lot of people, not sure if Nintendo could do this, or what impact it would have on the regular versions, which is always the risk with things like this.

I actually like the Switch Lite's form factor over the regular Switch. It's smaller and lighter but feels more solid. Having a real d-pad is great too. The only things I would change would be to make the screen bigger (via smaller bezels, not increasing the size of the Switch Lite) and add the ability to connect it to a TV with a USB-C to HDMI cable (sold separately for only those that want it).

I own an OG and 2 Switch Lites. I'm probably going to buy the OLED Model even though I'll keep it docked. Because I'm an idiot.

The problem with the Lite is that it underperforms in the two areas that define it: price (£50 more than the 3DS despite being bigger and less portable) and design (only slightly smaller, albeit more compact, than a regular Switch and removing what makes the Switch so unique and fantastic... it's just a generic console). The Lite is in the same position the 3DS was at first and a price drop is needed to keep it relevant in the gaming world.

I have 4 Switch Lites and enjoy them. Having an actual D-pad is great! I wish the battery life lasted a little longer, but it's definitely more comfortable to hold for extended handheld gaming sessions over the original Switch. I prefer the Switch Lite when gaming in bed. I'm only missing 2 colors which are the Coral & Blue ones. Mabey I'll wait and see if a price drop happens to pick them up. OLED Switch comes first though!

to stay fresh in the market, the Switch Lite should either be priced at $150, or have a game bundled with it.

most people I talk to aren't interested in a Switch that does less, for only a relatively smaller price tag.

Honestly, they could add an USBC to HDMI port on the bottom or add the ability to cast to a TV and they'd be doing numbers. I'm surprised they dont move to a Nintendo Stick or Nintendo App for TVs that allow you to save some games locally or do some cloud gaming, their library is perfect for that given graphics fidelity isn't super high and they wouldn't stream at 4K. You could sync any type of controller with that set up e.g. joycon, pro controller

I have a Switch and a Lite and I play the Lite every day whilst the OG gathers dust. Like others say, it's nicer to have a lighter handheld whilst in bed, for example. I have no qualms with the Lite and would still pay $200.

@DTfeartheBEARD I’ve been after one for a while but the fear of drift puts me right off. Have all yours been ok?

I said when this launched that it should have been $150, not $200. And I stand by that. I actively discourage people from buying the Lite unless they are absolutely, 100% certain they will never want to play on a TV. 100 dollars less is not enough of a discount to justify that loss of functionality.

That's just my opinion though. 🤷

I think the Lite targets a specific market, particularly a younger and therefore more low cost market, just as it was intended. With Switch OLED it's clear Nintendo's positioning the big handheld as the handheld, the Lite as a cheaper product largely for a younger audience, and backing away generally from spending too much focus on its dockable features other than that it is indeed dockable.

That having been said: Switch Lite (OLED Model) is almost a guarantee and will bolster sales on it again. Or a price drop to move it further into budget territory 2DS style, if not.

I take that statistic as a sign that perhaps Michael Pachter was wrong about Nintendo making the Switch handheld only, moving forward..

Also, OLED Lite is a distinct possibility and that could run $200 while the regular costs $100. A $100 Switch Lite could sell fairly well.

Woah woah woah lets show the lite some love lol Ive owned my switch lite since January and I've loved every minute of having it. I play games on my tv through my ps4 mostly so the switch lite is the perfect gaming pair for my play style. As far as the need for a new Nintendo handheld, I don't really see their being an immediate need. As someone who has mostly played Nintendo handhelds and has not owned as many Nintendo home consoles, I feel like the switch gives console and handheld players new and exciting gaming opportunities. Its nice that as a Nintendo handheld gamer I am able to experience titles like breath of the wild and skyward sword of which I would normally have to purchase a whole new console to play. On the flip side, Nintendo home console gamers can experience titles like Pokémon without the need to shell out extra money for hardware. I like that I do not need to purchase two separate consoles and build two separate game libraries to feel like I am experiencing everything Nintendo has to offer.

I think they need a smaller, clamshell lite. Something around the size of a New 3DS. Current lite is still too big to just carry around in your pocket.

I'd be tempted by a Switch Lite SP. Keep that screen protected without the need for messing about with a case.

Interesting piece. The comment I've heard in stores about the Switch Lite has been, "You can't even play it on the TV." It's almost always in stock at the stores. It still has its place, though. Families will jump on a cheaper, more durable option for the kids. Should Nintendo lower the price of the device? Based on age, sure, but as long as Nintendo is happy with Lite sales, the price isn't going anywhere. I would expect it to still be $199 at Xmas this year (though it may see a price drop soon after).

$150 for the Lite by itself or $200 but have either Mario Kart or New Super Mario Bros bundled with it.

We are getting to the point where Nintendo had the 2DS come out as a budget device.

More colors would be a welcome touch as well.

First off, people being upset about not getting a better switch model is not Nintendo’s fault, they told us 3 times it wasn’t happening, if people are upset it’s because they were gullible and bought into the liars on YouTube making clickbait.

I voted for $150, but if the switch lite does drop to $100 dollars I’d probably go for that just to have my own personal console I don’t have to share.

Also 2DS>3DS the 3D feature was worthless lol!

Maybe I should’ve posted this in the unpopular opinion thread…

Growing up, a competitive price used to be a big selling point. But now kids have £900 phones and I wonder if dropping a £200 item by a tenner or a score really entices people? I think FOMO has made people always want the best version product with the most features. The Switch Lite just does less than the Switch does.

@Screen No, I compeltley agree with you

While a price drop is always nice, it's not a must for me

I’d pay a bit of a premium if they gave me a Switch Lite+ or something. The portability of the lite is so good but I’d like it to have the “switch” functionality. Also it feels so much more stable without the Joy-Cons wiggling that little bit especially when things get intense. Like I’ll take a Switch Lite that I can plug into my TV and the use my Pro controller.

I already have a Lite. And no a price drop isn't needed. It's already cheap enough.

I would love to see a Switch lite with OLED screen someday though.

And a Switch Pro is never ever ever ever happening, just get over it.

"price drop", the 2 words Nintendo executives have probably blacklisted since the 3DS launch...

Why would Nintendo drop the price on the Lite? They're objective is to sell the Switch family of consoles. The Lite is a choice, that's it.

Switch lite are for people that play in portable mode only and for small children. that’s the only market for the lite.

Neither the Lite nor the regular Switch will get a price drop any time soon. Maybe when the Switch successor arrives in three or four years?

Keep the price the same, but give it an OLED upgrade. That would make me consider trading in my trusty Teal Switch Lite.

This sounds ridiculous, but as an owner of both systems, the main reason I don’t play much on my Lite is because I miss the HD rumble. It really does affect my immersion in games that support it.

Make it the size of a Vita and give it oled and see how fast I fly to Walmart and slap down the piggy bank

I think they'll do the same strategy as the standard model, release an OLED version for $50 more and discontinue the non-OLED version.

FY2020 Q1 saw a severe shortage of hybrid Switches, which effectively forced millions of people who wanted a Switch to purchase the Lite. That shortage of hybrid Switches is largely over, so the percentage of people buying the Lite has dropped back down to normal levels.

The Switch Lite exists to give price-conscious consumers an option to purchase a significantly cheaper but technically inferior Switch model, while the hybrid Switch remains the flagship model. The Switch Lite doesn't exist to replace the hybrid Switch - nobody expects the Switch Lite to account for a majority or plurality of overall Switch sales.

Yeah they should have made a way to play the Switch Lite on the TV and just not sell it with a dock. You would still get a cheaper version for those who play almost exclusively handheld, while also giving them the option to buy joycons and a dock or other attachment to play Mario Kart with friends and family. It's not really a true "Switch" if you take away that key function of being able to Switch between home console and handheld!

I have a Switch Lite and like it. It's not mind blowing or anything. To me it's mostly a remaster machine. I've bought 2 games that I hadn't played on other systems before (ok, plus a few indies for cheap).

Frankly I'm one of those that were disappointed, when the new Switch model was the OLED one. I was hoping for a model that could play Xbox 360 games through emulation (or something like that at least).

Now I've preordered the Steam Deck without commiting to buy one (other than loose 4€ if I don't, but that's it). However I do hope Nintendo will put out a Pro model around springtime (with the ability to play Xbox 360 games).

I must admit I'm mostly into 3rd party games (but I might buy M. Dread though). And I'm not very confident there will be many of those (3rd parties) in the future for Switch as it is now (I'm still hoping for that rumoured Resident Evil game though).

If there will be no Pro, I will definitely buy a Steam Deck for those classic Xbox 360/PS3 era games that are available through Steam (I'm into handheld gaming these days and I don't think it will change).

@shgamer You want a Switch Pro to emulate Xbox 360 games?

@shgamer No chance Nintendo releases a new model right after releasing a new model unless it's a similar refresh to the Lite. 2-3 years? Sure, but the OLED model just bought 2-3 years. There's no reality in which they throw their new premium price model out in 6 months.

If for no other reason Sega already showed the way what happens when you release too many consoles back to back (32X, SegaCD, Saturn.) The rapid release leads to consumer fatigue, confusion and "waiting for the better one next year" which combines into a total loss of confidence and sales. I give them about a 8-12 months for Switch Lite (OLED Model), and then another year or two after that for any other new hardware unless sales just take a dive overall.

I never understood the point of the Switch Lite. A Switch that doesn't switch? Sure, make a smaller form factor, but allow people to switch if they want. Really, Nintendo should have a lite model, a regular model and a pro model. They are kind of heading in that direction with the OLED model and Lite, but all switches should have the ability to switch and there are enough people out there who would pay more for a Switch with stronger frame rates and power.

@westman98 Why? There were rumors about a Microsoft/Nintendo collaboration and Phil Spencer (is that his name?) hasn't ruled such a thing completely out).

Microsoft after all has a lot of experience whenit comes to emulation of Xbox 360 and OG Xbox games (and I'm pretty sure a Pro would be up for the task power wise, so...)

The biggest problem Nintendo has is 3rd party support IMO. Sure the Switch has ports of a lot of the biggest and most popular Xbox 360/PS3 era games (and then quite a few PS4/Xbox One games as well), but there's still a h*** of a lot missing IMO.

I think it could happen; Microsoft has a firm strategy of getting their games out on so many platforms as possible (I wouldn't rule it out completely I have to say).

The price point is too high for what it is. Should be priced about the same as a 2DS, in my opinion.

I already own a Switch, for me to be tempted to buy a second one for handheld only mode...it needs to be priced to move 💨

@shgamer Talk about taking a rumor and running wild with it...

That Microsoft/Nintendo collaboration rumor, if it was/is real to begin with, probably refers to something along the lines of Halo on Switch, not Xbox 360 emulation on Switch Pro.

"Microsoft has a firm strategy of getting their games out on so many platforms as possible" And they have done so by releasing all of their Xbox games on PC and mobile via the Cloud, not to Nintendo (or Sony) platforms.

@NEStalgia I'm just afraid that when the "chip situation" has been solved (and I think it will in about half a year,) Nintendo could have a "Wii situation" on their hands.

Then the PS5 (and the Xbox Series X/S) will come out in full force, and the Switch (OLED or not) will be left at the station, while the next gen train is disappearing in the horizon (it can happen faster than you think IMO)

Also the Pro rumors could be true, it's just that Nintendo, as the rather precautious company they are, postponed the Pro because of the "chip situation" and opted for something they could produce enough units of (the OLED).

The consumers have been telling Nintendo what they want for years. No one expected the lite to do really well. I don’t expect OLED to do really well. It will just keep switch steady. Everyone is waiting on a true upgrade or successor.

It should definitely be 150. And it also shouldn't be called a Switch.

@westman98 Why not just make an emulator you could play 5 Halo games, 3 (or is it 4?) Gears of War games, Forza Horizon, Forza Motorsport, Fable etc. on (not to mention the whole 3rd party catalog).

I think it would make sense for Microsoft having those games on a handheld. And for Nintendo too (they'd of course get a fee for each sale and get some new customers as well).

@RadioHedgeFund The fear of drift had me worried also seeing as I had 3 pairs of joy cons with drift issues (Nintendo repaired for free). I mainly use my yellow and turquoise Switch Lites and it's been almost 2 years with no drift issues at all 🤞. My gray Switch Lite hasn't been used much and my Pokemon edition one not at all, so those are both drift free also. I don't think you should worry about it. I hope this helps.

@shgamer I think that's kind of normal for Nintendo, unfortunately. They intentionally seem to run their generations to be in the odd years between the other two, which means stalling for years. Although, this time, the one thing Nintendo has going in their favor is that they've been stalling for years already, so while the late generation of Wii was basically dead except for Sports Resort and Skyward Sword, after interest was already gone and the peripheral put everyone off, it looks like most of the Switch's lineup will be coming in the second half of its life. Unless they plan on holding all of that back for the next hardware, but they seem fairly committed to delaying real hardware changes.

I do expect they planned on the OLED having a slight bump, and the chip shortage nixed that, but I think they're kind of committed for now. Still, the next 2-3 years before new hardware should be packed with some of their biggest games rather than Wii that just kind of languished with random shovelware mii-too's just filling shelves.

I do think Switch is now in an awkward position. But I don't think they can just toss out "Switch 2" right after the OLED model. That would confuse consumers unless they plan on really diving head-first into a mobile-style annual refresh. But I can't see Nintendo maintaining that sort of environment at all.

The problem though is there's no point in them trying to play catch-up to the "next gen" consoles. Their hybrids aren't going to compete on that level of power for the same games. They had a brief period of semi-parity with Switch, but that was due to PS4/X1 being weak 7 years ago. Now, I think Nintendo is back in their comfort zone compting only with themselves, and Switch has to take on a decidedly more "3DS" type image than the "pocket home console" image it's fostered so far. Which is probably why the OLED kind of reboots the Switch narrative as a big screen handheld you can dock rather than a "console you can take with you."

My anecdotal experience is that the Switch Lite doesn't offer enough of a benefit over the OG Switch to justify its existence at all. A price drop would help, but I still believe it's a device solving a problem that didn't exist. Kind of like the Game Boy Micro.

@NEStalgia I'm not saying it wouldn't be problematic for Nintendo to release a Pro next spring; people upgrading to the OLED would feel burned; it would divide the user base if they started to release Pro only games (but they won't, it would simply not make sense financially) etc.

But the thing is they could be forced into doing it, if the next gen consoles suddenly are readily available (and some big hitters are coming out for PS5 and Xbox Series - and they will next year).

Then they could at least make some 60 fps/1080p (or maybe even 1440p) updates for their biggest titles (Mario, Zelda, Smash Bros etc). (4K i think is out of the question for various reasons)

Then there would be something to entice hardcore Nintendo fans into buying it. And if they had a Xbox 360 emulator, they could get some Xbox and 3rd party handheld lovers on board too, and maybe it could all make sense.

I would own a Lite right now if it could still output to a TV at 720p or if having an account on two consoles worked seamlessly without having to do the primary/secondary account thing that almost feels like an exploit. If they're not going to fix either of those, then maybe i'll get one in a few years if it's cheap and hackable.

Not sure if anyone else has said this but the Full-fat Switch was sold out for a large part of last year- the Lite was all you could get. Probably the main reason that the Lite appeared to be doing reasonably well...

Most of the lites in my area are already down in price seemingly permanently.

@shgamer Even if all odds of reality were completely defied and all sense was lost, which, since we're talking Nintendo is always possible, the OLED doesn't launch until October. No way, no how they're releasing another new console 6 months later. That's just not happening other than bringing Lite to parity. Minimum a year if it were going to happen (it isn't going to happen but if somehow against all odds it did, it wouldn't be until the following fall.)

I really don't think Switch's market is going to be impacted by PS5XB any more than it has been in the past. Even WiiU didn't show a substantial drop when PS4 arrived. It was bad prior, stayed bad. 3DS certainly didn't show a drop. Fine, you'll play Ys9 on a PS, you'll buy an XB to play Starfield. But if you want Bayo, BotW2, Splatoon, you're still going to need that 720p/30 Switch, no exceptions. If hardware sales drop off because everyone and their dog has a Switch in 3 colors by then, they'll certainly look to keep revenues stable with software sales. We're talking 2-3 years before Switch 2 probably. The heavy hitters for PSXB don't even hit for a year or more. They can survive 6-18 months with flagging hardware sales but solid software sales to a huge existing market.

@IronMan30 $100 dollars for the lite seems absurdly underpriced. $150 seems more reasonable.

I recently picked up a Lite to replace my aging, dilapidated launch Switch and I'm having a great time with it. Much smaller and lighter, which is exactly what I was looking for. Have the launch one permanently docked but I've barely touched it, I was never much into TV play to begin with.

I did manage to snag an OLED preorder beforehand, but I ultimately decided on a Lite because of the price difference. I live a pretty frugal lifestyle and I couldn't justify the ~$220 CAD price gap for something bigger and heavier that happens to have a cool screen.

I'd consider getting the Switch lite for my daughter if the fear of joycon drift wasn't so stark. So it's a no from me even at bargain price. Sorry

15 million for a revision that came out less then 2 years ago seems pretty good to me.. Hell it already outsold the Wii U only 2 years on the market.. It'll probably end up passing the gamecube aswell when it's all said and done..

The UK price of the Lite at £199 is too high. It should’ve have been more like £179 to start with (it just launched at a bad time for the exchange rate and the price hasn’t been ‘corrected’). So yeah, I think a price drop is justified, at least in the UK. I doubt it will happen though, they’ll just keep it where it is as hedge against inflation for now. I can see a TV dockable (HD only) version of the Lite appearing in 2-3 years, as a final Switch 1 version, before Switch 2 comes out (kinda like the 2DS XL came out the same year as the Switch)

It's $200 because Nintendo prefer you to pay a bit more for the standard. That the Lite is 25% of all Switch sales shows the price policy works.

$199.99 is a fair price for the Lite. That makes it the same price as a New 3DS XL. Despite being the same price, however, it's dramatically more powerful, larger, and has access to a larger library of games.

I don't think it replaces the need for its hybrid big brother at all, but it also feels more comfy and portable in a way that the original model never did. As such, it gets more use, as its my go-to device any time I want to sit around playing in handheld.

It's just too bad the OLED model is releasing, as it's forcing handheld-centric Switch owners to choose between a better screen or a more portable-friendly form factor. The ideal revision for me would be a Lite with better audio and an OLED screen, but I don't really see that happening.

I have a switch and my son has a switch lite. Both great Switch lite is a great price for a second system or for the kids

@steely_pete I think that's a legitimate concern. Mine is more general, but is along the same lines: The existence of the Switch Lite just kind of dilutes the most attractive trick that the Switch does: switch! It makes it seem like an optional functionality, when really that's the whole reason it even exists in the form factor it does.

That's not to say I don't think the Lite is great. I had one briefly before exchanging and going to a normal Switch, but my son has one now, and I think it's a rock solid piece of hardware on its own merits. I just think they should have maybe called it something else?

Considering Nintendo got a hold of those cheap OLED screens now and are soon to rid of the LCD ones, chances are that soon later after the released of the Switch OLED Nintendo may slowly and quietly release a new Switch Lite with the OLED screens instead. This will be the same strategy they did when they slowly and quietly update the frontlit GBA SP to the more brighter backlit GBA SP2. Same price but with minor update of a better screen. If they could they may slowly update the storage to 64gb as well.

@shgamer Microsoft could just natively port their old Xbox 360 games to Switch - not just to Switch Pro but to all Switch models.

That would be a far more profitable venture for Microsoft and makes more sense that getting Xbox 360 emulation running on a non-Xbox platform.

No, it doesn't need a price drop at the moment. Perhaps around the holidays, but they would likely do another bundle instead.

Next year we might see a discount. Companies think in fiscal quarters & the holiday season. That said, it is a bit too early, to think any model of the Switch would be discounted. The only model that has a chance to be discounted, are any of the white box, not-powered efficient Nintendo Switch. Are the Pikachu/Eveee Editions still selling?

I can see it selling for $179.99, come the holidays. $149.99, if you buy it in a bundle with a game/accessory, with grand total $199.99 before tax/fees.

A price drop, when there is a traditional Pokemon game on the horizon? Hahaha, how about NO!

Besides, there is an abstract effect on making the OG Switch (which is where their main business lies) a more compelling purchase.

Also, some folk wanting the Switch Lite might now be holding off for the shiny new OLED model (I mean, the screen is predominantly aimed at the hand held market.). It happens y'know.

Anyhoo. No. Not yet. Far too eager.

As the one person in the world who likes motion controls, I couldn’t really go for a Lite for that reason.

They took out motion controls? I though they removed rumble. Speaking of rumble, anyone bummed that the Handheld king never bothered to create a rumble grip for the 3DS. There are times when I think Nintendo's Investors don't fully understand their customers. Face plates & pocket sized handhelds are great concepts, but many people would of lined up for a rumble grip bundle.

If the price drops to 150, I'd definitely buy a switch lite as a second system, but I'd bet that we'll see a OLED lite version in a few months.

Most of my coworkers that have a Switch have Lites. Personally, I'm about to upgrade from the launch model to the OLED. I'm one of those few people that actually enjoy playing tabletop as much as handheld and docked.

If Nintendo want to sell cheaper hardware, a small docked only Switch console would be perfect for the $150 price point. There could be some sort of quick save file transfer for those who already own a Lite. I would stick with the all in one solution, but I could see that set up working really well for families.

Personally, I would like a Switch mini. Make it either a clamshell design or shrink it down to the size of a PSP. It would be nice to have a Switch that could be carried in the pocket.

Nintendo won't drop the price of any Switch hardware anytime soon.

What they will do for the holidays is offer holiday bundles. A $300 Switch + Mario Kart 8 DX bundle is guaranteed as it's basically tradition, but I could also see Nintendo releasing a $200 Switch Lite + Pokemon Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl bundles to sell more Lites.

@Friendly I would be surprised if they dropped the standard Switch to $250. Its selling incredibly well right now and the OLED model is not worth $100 more.

Broken Switch Sells Poorly: News at 11.

Switch Lite was my first Switch. It’s a solid machine, and the d-pad is nice to have. I pre-orded the OLED for the bigger, better screen and TV mode. Will probably keep the Lite for trips home and traveling, as I don’t really want to bring the OLED out of the house (mostly play on the coach while the lady watches TV, or in bed). Cool.

I agree that Nintendo should consider a new handheld though. Something more durable and portable, that will still play most Switch games. Call it something else—how about the “Switcheroo” (you’re welcome Nintendo).

I only paid $100 for mine at a pawn shop, so, yeah, $100. Watch them bundle it with Mari Kart and sel it for $199 this Christmas season. It would probably beat last year's Lite total after that.

I think it’s just the effects of the COVID boom wearing off a bit. And the value of the Switch speaks for itself.

That said, holiday 2022 when they inevitably drop the OLED to $299, that would be a perfect time to drop the v2 Switch to $249 and the Lite to $149. But not until it’s needed. And right now it’s definitely not needed. They’re on track to bust the door down with another 20-25 million fiscal year, setting them up for 110m after 5 years with a final 45m home stretch to the PS2 record. Save the price drop for when sales dip below 20m per year.

@Mando44646 I have found switching between my permanently docked Switch and my Lite to be a wonderfully seamless experience.

When I play a game on my TV and I close it out, it automatically uploads the save. My Switch Lite then automatically downloads the save. I take my Lite to work and it’s all current.

Come home, my Lite connects to my home Wifi and uploads the save automatically. Back on the tv, the game automatically downloads and the game is current.

I understand there is a very small handful of select games that don’t have cloud saves for whatever reason. But I’ve got two full 1 terabyte microSD cards of games, and maybe 1% of them don’t qualify. Those I just play on my docked Switch and undock for handheld play. No biggie.

But ya. I could understand a few years ago complaining about the experience between systems, before it auto downloaded, but not anymore. It’s absolutely wonderful now.

@Mando44646 What do you mean by “actively sabotage”? I have a Switch and a Switch Lite and I go between them regularly and the process is pretty seamless to me.

A few people talking about how they own more than one Switch.

I'm curious to know if you can access a downloaded game you own across more than one system.

@Franklin Yes, but IIRC the non-primary Switch needs to be connected online.

The Switch feels like an absurdly expensive console and the Switch Lite feels a little more like a trap if anything. A microSD is a must-buy, it's not as easy to transport so you need to buy either a case or screen protector, some games pretty much need NSO to play, and you're stuck with a company that rarely ever discounts their games beyond 30%, let alone discount their games at all. By then, you're pretty much paying more than a bundled PS5/XSX.

I'm thinking $150 for the Lite, the OLED model eventually dropping to $299, and the original Switch priced to clear to $250 so the OLED model becomes to "base" Switch, maybe sometime June 2022.

Here's my question though: what would be considered a proper "handheld" size by consumers? In the 3DS heyday, a lot of people disliked the XL version, whether it was OG XL or New XL, claiming it was "too big" for their pockets. But smartphones are all about the big screen these days. Is that "too big" for people's pockets, or does the thinness compensate?

@steely_pete You are yelling pointlessly at the clouds, my friend. The Switch Lite doesn't limit game development at all - games developed for the Switch are meant to be on the original Switch model. Ring Fit Adventure is an example of a 1st-party Switch game that requires a regular Switch and that was released AFTER the Switch Lite.

@Ralizah Mark my words, there will be a "Nintendo Switch Lite (OLED model)" in the future.

@nessisonett Hey, I like motion controls too, if done correctly. My reason for not getting the Lite is simply because I want access to all Switch games.

@tadams587 No, motion controls are still present. Otherwise, Breath of the Wild would be unplayable unless they add an update for those dreaded "apparatus Shrines."

@technotreegrass In my book, anything that fits in my pocket without damaging the device is a handheld. The Switch Lite is not one of those devices.

@Franklin You can, though one switch has to be your "primary" switch, and the other(s) your secondary, since it's still from one account. For the sake of my comment, we'll just stick with two switches. You just download the game on both devices and the vast majority of games have automatic save data back up and download when connected to WiFi. (Edit: which obviously helps make a smooth transition between devices)

However, the secondary switch HAS to be online when you choose a game to play. If the game is already running, you can take it with you. But then you can't do anything else on it except play that specific game until you connect to the internet.

What I think a lot of people do is have the Lite as the primary console (so you can take it with you and play any games without the online check) while making the proper switch the secondary (and probably always docked and thus connected to the internet).

Poll question wasn’t exactly one size fits all, I don’t “expect to pay for a Switch Lite” at all, but I predict it will remain $200 for this year, so that’s what I voted. I think a price drop would be good, but honestly 200 is fairly reasonable. I think the main Switch with it’s cheapo plastic dock and flimsy Joy-Cons should take a price cut before the Lite. I say $250 for the “old” model and the OLED should have become the new standard model at $300. Of course none of that will happen, and I’m terrible concerned about it as I’m still happy with my current Switch (standard), even with its faults and hefty price point. (I’m someone who considers a Pro Controller essential, not to mention good SNES style controllers for games requiring D-pads.)

@UsurperKing Somewhat tempting... Nah, I’ll just force my big Switch to fill both roles. 😁

Plus I really only undock when I go to the laundromat... and the rare out of state trip. (And sometimes in bed.)

I don’t know why they didn’t make the OLED the new Lite? Like,,, isn’t that supposed to be the more portable focused unit? Now the lite will have weaker screen annnnd weaker battery. Plus no kickstand. I still love the idea of the lite and want one even, but it’s making less and less sense.

I'd love to see $150, but I just can't see current Nintendo doing it. They've returned to being the arrogant Nintendo of old and have no fear again.

They currently have a deal in the states. If you buy a Lite at Walmart, you get a free 128GB Sandisk card. This is the sort of thing I am expecting for the holidays. Maybe $180-200 w a Sandisk card or game on Black Friday. A store bundle. Or maybe an actual Nintendo bundle w download code for a game. But no permanent price cut this year. Maybe around E3 next year.

With their profit margin on the Lite, cutting the system to $150 would likely be too much. They had to negotiate with suppliers just to get the Switch Lite price to where they could sell it for $200. While their margin is likely greater now, a $50 cut would probably wipe most of that out.

And Nintendo won't do that to themselves. At this point they probably have surmised that any increase in sales for a soon to be tertiary system with less functionality probably wouldn't be enough to offset such a cut.

OLED on a Lite makes more sense. You paid $50 for that screen, why would you want to put the OLED Switch in a dock?

A Switch Lite with OLED and HD rumble is what Nintendo should have done.

The Switch Lite has been overpriced since Day 1. I've only bought one due to it being limited edition at a good price, but I won't be buying one of the standard versions until it's £130 or less for a new one.

The big thing that's spooky about the lite too me is that blasted Joy Con Drift. Once it sets in on one of those its all over. Or so it seems anyways. I know you can rub WD40 or mayonnaise or whatever people rub into the bottom of the Joycons but I'd still mess that up.

@nessisonett I'm with you all of the way, waggling right beside you.

The price is too high - it’s beyond the “impulse purchase” threshold that it needs to hit by about 30-40%. The American system of retail cartels and manufacturers being able to dictate a set price is different from other places in the world.

I’m sure that here in Europe Nintendo is incentivising small effective price cuts through favoured retailers here and there in various ways (big rebates, higher margins on major software releases etc.).

There is one big misconception that I’ve seen a lot on this thread - the idea that “businesses only cut prices when a products sales drop”. This is nonsense - no business worth it’s salt prices products this way (although you may see them react convulsively to very flat sales with a price cut - like Nintendo did with the 3DS).

Businesses that are operating well look to maintain a range of products that hit different price points. Nintendo has overpriced the Switch Lite not just because it could but also because they had budget and super budget options positioned beneath it (New 3DS and the OG 2DS). You couldn’t price the Switch Lite beneath those two whilst they still existed and whilst they still existed Nintendo could always “downsell” customers on a budget to the 3DS family.

The business case for a price cut on the Switch Lite has nothing to do with “oh it’s not selling so we’d best reduce the price” it’s “oh we don’t have any entry level console less than £125 on the shelves any more, best tick that box so that we always have something to offer someone who comes in to the shop”.

To echo others - I think we’ll see a Switch Lite OLED next year (hopefully a compact clamshell design - but that’s just my wishful thinking) and that this will nudge the existing Switch Lite to a slightly lower price point (possibly in a bundle with a Mario game like NSMBU DX).

@Col_e_h eh, I can't really disagree, tbh. $150 would probably be fair in most people's mind and is a much more likely price from Nintendo.

Yes it could absolutely do with a price cut. Announce one around the time the OLED comes out and sells out.

I doubt there’s an answer to that. It’ll vary from person to person.

I believe the entire family needs a -$50 price cut actually (especially with the power the OLED still claims to have). But maybe not for now, just wait until sales begin to fall.

The Switch Lite was launched very quickly. It was easy enough to strip down the Docked Switch and put it in a smaller casing in bright colours.

Its aimed at the casual games and children who had a DS. Animal Crossing sold many Switch Lites, and because there is only one save slot the game can't easily be shared between families so many bought more than one Lite.

The bubble has burst for the Lite, a price cut around Christmas will help sales but it has to be a big cut and it has to have a game kids want to play. I know four people who have Lites and AC. All of them have played AC and as all have finished playing it. Two of them have a Pokémon game which they only sometimes play. All four Lites are hardly played.

Between the four Lites only six games were purchased in the last year.

And this article is right, the Switch Lite is not portable, unless you carry a rucksack when you go out.

A new revise DS would have sold 15,000,000 and more. So saying that, the Lite was not that successful.

My first Switch was a gray Switch Lite and it was great as long as I kept it, until I resold it to get a proper Switch.

Was it useful? Sure, it let me save some money to spend on some initial games. That's why I believe Nintendo would benefit from a further price cut.

Do I miss it? Not really, the proper Switch is better on any point of view, but the Lite looked slick and I wish Nintendo put the same efforts in improving the main Switch aesthetically too. Plus, it had a d-pad.

So, I think cutting around 50 bucks would be great both for Nintendo and for its customers.

Yes, the Switch Lite can't switch - but that also means that it is a less wobbly and more elegant and focused device where the logic behind the product design still allows the utilisation of a proper d-pad...if (or to which extend) that outweighs the shortcomings is another question. Here in Switzerland the Switch Lite costs a bit above 200 CHF at most retailers which is psychologically kinda off putting...

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