Nintendo proves there is plenty of life in the old dog yet, as it unveils a Switch Lite in a brand new colorway—blue.
Nintendo to Release a Blue Switch Lite
No, sorry, today's Nintendo isn't about the Switch Pro we know so little about. Nintendo has announced a Switch Lite in a fetching blue colorway (think "Mario blue" and you're there).
The new variant of the popular handheld-only version of the Switch console will launch on May 5th, and will cost $199.99. Presumably it will be available via all the usual retailers, so Nintendo itself, Amazon, Best Buy will all likely have it in stock.
Why Is Nintendo Releasing a Blue Switch Lite?
Who knows? Presumably to boast about how many semiconductors it has compared to Sony and Microsoft. But in all seriousness, it is launching on the same day as Miitopia, which Nintendo describes as a "hilarious adventure game". The two launch separately.
But aside from that, who knows why Nintendo is releasing a blue Switch Lite. Because it can.
Should You Buy a Switch Lite, Now?
It depends what you're after, but as a Switch Lite owner, this writer can't speak highly enough of the portability the system provides. Couple it up with a Bluetooth controller and you've got yourself an arcade that goes everywhere with you.
The Lite has its limitations, but if you want an inexpensive way to enter the Switch ecosystem, then you've got it with the dedicated handheld device. If you're looking to buy one, you may as well get it in blue!
However, consider the fact that Nintendo may well soon have an upgraded Switch on the market. The Japanese gaming giant has confirmed that it is working on a Switch successor and intends to release the new console at the end of 2021.
If the semiconductor crisis effecting everyone else does affect Nintendo, then its fans may see some delays when the next Switch console reaches the manufacturing stage.
In any case, don't hold your breath; Nintendo will keep us up to date (we hope) with announcements as development of the 4K Switch model continues, as and when it pleases. If it runs into delays, hopefully it will inform its fans.
Grab the Blue Switch Lite, Quickly
As mentioned, getting hold of the blue Switch Lite should be a simple task, given that it will be widely available. This isn't a limited edition Switch like the Mario version or the Monster Hunter Rise edition.
However, we advise you to to act fast. It may not be a limited edition, but we don't know how much stock Nintendo has of the new console and, of course, those pesky scalpers will be ready to pounce.