Nintendo confirms Switch 2 with replaceable battery for Europe this fall, original Switch to halt sales next year

Nintendo is set to launch a revised version of its Switch 2 console in Europe this autumn, featuring a user-replaceable battery. This move is a direct response to upcoming European Union regulations, specifically the new battery law scheduled to take effect in mid-February 2027. The EU mandate requires electronic devices, including handheld gaming consoles, to have easily removable and replaceable batteries to extend product lifespan and reduce electronic waste.

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Nintendo confirms that from this fall, it will launch a Switch 2 model with a replaceable battery in Europe.

The forthcoming Switch 2 model will house a 5,172mAh battery, a slight reduction from the current version's 5,220mAh. The primary change is the integration of a user-replaceable battery, which will increase the console's weight to approximately 411 grams, about 10 grams heavier than the existing model. The accompanying Joy-Con 2 controllers will also adopt a self-replaceable battery design.

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The EU requires that electronic devices, including handheld game consoles, must allow users to easily remove and replace batteries to extend product life and reduce electronic waste.

Nintendo assures consumers that the functionality of the new Switch 2 remains identical to the current model, with hardware adjustments solely for compliance with EU regulations. Beyond the console, Nintendo plans to introduce replaceable battery versions for other accessories, including the Joy-Con, Joy-Con 2, and Switch 2 Pro Controller. Joy-Cons will see updates starting this summer, with other accessories following in the fall, winter, and early 2027.

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The Switch 2 and the revised model are functionally identical, with hardware design changes made solely to comply with EU regulations and will not affect the gaming experience.

However, Nintendo cautions that the rollout of these revised products may not be simultaneous across all European countries due to production and supply factors. The company has confirmed this revision is currently exclusive to the European market. Separately, Nintendo announced it will cease sales of the entire original Switch family, including the Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED, in Europe by mid-February 2027. Details regarding a potential discontinuation in other markets remain undisclosed, though the decade-old console continues to receive support with new game releases.

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Nintendo also reminds that due to production and supply factors, the revised products may not be available simultaneously in all European countries.