Nintendo Confirms a New Version of Switch 2 for Europe with User-Replaceable Battery

Nintendo has confirmed that it will launch a new version of Nintendo Switch 2 in the European Union featuring a battery that is easily replaceable by users. The hardware upgrade will be necessary to comply with new European regulations coming into effect on February 18, 2027, which impose stricter requirements on the reparability of electronic devices.

On its official website, Nintendo stated that it is working to comply with the regulation, explaining that it is "implementing measures to conform to these requirements by preparing versions of the products in accordance with the legislation." However, the company has not provided specific details about the modifications that will be introduced in the console.

The new EU rules stipulate that numerous categories of electronic devices, including portable video game consoles, must allow users to easily remove and replace the battery. This measure is linked to initiatives on the right to repair and the reduction of electronic waste, which are encouraging the return of replaceable batteries in various technological products.

Further Details on the New Version of Switch 2 with Interchangeable Battery

Currently, replacing the battery in Switch 2 is not a straightforward operation. According to analyses published by iFixit, the procedure requires several steps and a certain degree of disassembly of the console, making it impractical for most users. Nintendo has yet to clarify how the design of the future version will be modified to make replacement more accessible.

The company has also specified that current products identified by model numbers starting with the prefix "BEE" will have versions that comply with European regulations in the future. These new models will be recognizable by different identification numbers and the presence of the additional code "OSM" on the packaging, which will distinguish them as separate products for regulatory purposes.

The prefix BEE is also used for accessories like the Pro Controller and Joy-Con for Switch 2. It has not yet been confirmed whether these devices will also receive versions with easily replaceable batteries. It remains unknown whether the hardware revisions planned for the European market will also be distributed in other regions of the world.