Nintendo confirms revised Switch 2 console with replaceable battery for EU consumers
Nintendo has confirmed plans to release a revised version of the Switch 2 console in Europe that will feature replaceable batteries, addressing new European Union regulatory requirements. The updated hardware will apply to all products with model numbers beginning with “BEE,” which includes both the Switch 2 console and its Joy-Con controllers.
The revision is a direct response to EU legislation enacted in 2023 that mandates manufacturers make batteries in consumer devices accessible for replacement by 2027. Under these new regulations, batteries must be replaceable using either standard tools or specialized equipment, and manufacturers are required to provide clear instructions and safety information to consumers.
Once implemented, the changes will allow European consumers to independently replace batteries in both the main console unit and the removable Joy-Con controllers. This shift represents a significant departure from Nintendo’s traditional hardware design philosophy, where components are typically integrated and difficult to service.
The announcement aligns with broader European regulatory efforts to extend product lifespans and reduce electronic waste by making devices more repairable. The 2027 deadline provides Nintendo and other manufacturers with time to redesign their products to comply with the new standards, though it remains unclear whether the replaceable battery design will extend to other global markets.