Nintendo Switch Lite: All colors, all angles, and vs. Switch

The Switch Lite arrives pretty soon; these are our impressions. But also, here's a good look at the system, and why it's better (and worse) than the original Switch.

The Switch Lite (top) lacks removable controllers, like the original Switch (below). But it's smaller!

The Switch Lite, in all three colors: yellow, blue, gray. It looks more like a 3DS/2DS variant.

The Switch Lite is attractive and compact... or more compact than the first Switch.

A look at their backs, compared.

The controls and feel of the system are great. The smaller 5.5-inch screen doesn't impact games, from what we've seen so far, the 720p resolution is the same as the larger-screened Switch.

The side controls are identical (almost): but they can't be removed. And, there's no vibrating rumble.

Note the D-Pad on the left side, though. That's different (and better).

The Switch Lite doesn't have a rear kickstand -- which means no standing it on a table.

The Switch Lite still uses the same game cards and microSD cards as the original Switch.

The D-Pad is better and feels crisper than the Switch's array of four buttons on the left side.

The heat vent is smaller, too, which hopefully means less heat and better durability.

Let's hope the controls are sturdy, because these can't be swapped.

The USB-C port can only be used for charging (and a few USB controller accessories) -- but not video-out. No docking with the TV with this Switch Lite.

You could pair other controllers via Bluetooth, but without a TV dock or a rear kickstand, it wouldn't be fun to try same-screen multiplayer.

Blue's my favorite.

The construction quality feels stepped up on the Lite; it feels sturdier.

But you may miss the fun color options of Joy-Cons.

Nintendo still hasn't made it easy to share games between Switch consoles, either: you either have to transfer all data to a new system, or designate a secondary Switch that could play games, but only when online.

The Switch Lite seems like a perfect kid-friendly, handheld-only option.

And that D-Pad should be on all the Switch systems.

If the Switch Lite had a video-out, it would be my favorite Switch. But it doesn't.

A standard headphone jack means no Bluetooth headphones, yet again.

Holding both, side by side. 

That's the difference in length between Switch and Switch Lite.

More to come in our full review.