News in Short
- Nintendo is preparing a new version of the Nintendo Switch 2 with a user-replaceable battery.
- The move is aimed at complying with upcoming European Union battery regulations.
- The new rules come into effect on February 18, 2027.
- Future compliant devices will carry a new “OSM” code on their packaging.
- The change could make repairs easier and extend the lifespan of the console.
Nintendo could be preparing one of the biggest hardware changes to the Switch 2 since its launch. The company has confirmed plans to introduce compliant versions of its hardware in Europe that will feature batteries users can remove and replace themselves. The change is being driven by new European Union regulations that come into force in February 2027.
For gamers, this could mean longer-lasting consoles, easier repairs, and less dependence on official service centers when battery performance begins to decline.
Why Is Nintendo Changing the Switch 2?
The answer lies in the European Union’s Battery Regulation 2023/1542.
The regulation requires manufacturers of many portable electronic devices, including gaming consoles, to ensure batteries can be removed and replaced by users using commonly available tools. The goal is to reduce electronic waste and encourage longer product lifecycles.
Nintendo’s current Switch 2 model does not meet these requirements. The handheld uses an internal battery that is difficult for consumers to access and replace. According to reports, Nintendo is now working on revised versions of existing products to meet the EU mandate before the deadline arrives in 2027.
What Will Change in the New Nintendo Switch 2?
Nintendo has not revealed the final design of the revised hardware.
However, the company has stated that future compliant versions of products carrying the “BEE” model designation will receive updated model numbers and feature an additional “OSM” identifier on packaging. The Switch 2 belongs to this BEE family, strongly suggesting it will receive the battery redesign.
Industry reports indicate that Nintendo may redesign both the handheld console and accessories such as Joy-Con controllers to comply with the regulation. This could allow users to replace worn-out batteries without specialized repair equipment.
Will the New Model Launch Outside Europe?
That remains unclear.
Nintendo’s announcement specifically addresses compliance with EU regulations. So far, the company has not confirmed whether similar versions will be sold in markets such as the United States, Japan, or India.
However, industry observers believe that growing support for “Right to Repair” laws worldwide could encourage Nintendo to expand the design change to other regions in the future. Similar discussions are already taking place in several markets beyond Europe.
Why Gamers Should Care
Battery degradation is one of the biggest reasons portable gaming devices lose value over time.
After several years of use, lithium-ion batteries typically hold less charge. In devices with sealed batteries, replacing them often requires professional repair services or complete hardware replacement.
A removable battery changes that equation.
Users could purchase a replacement battery and install it themselves, potentially extending the console’s lifespan by several years. It could also reduce repair costs and make second-hand devices more attractive in the resale market.
This is especially relevant for handheld gaming devices, which depend heavily on battery health for portability.
Nintendo Switch 2 Specifications at a Glance
The current Nintendo Switch 2 launched in 2025 and includes:
- 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen
- Up to 120Hz refresh rate
- HDR10 support
- Custom Nvidia processor
- 5,220mAh battery
- 256GB onboard storage
The console currently sells in Europe for around EUR 469.99, although pricing has changed in some markets due to broader economic conditions.
A Bigger Trend Beyond Nintendo
Nintendo is not the only company adapting to the EU’s repair-friendly rules.
The regulation is expected to influence the design of smartphones, tablets, wearables, headphones, and gaming accessories across the industry. Manufacturers are increasingly being pushed to prioritize repairability and sustainability alongside performance and design.
For consumers, that could mean a return to devices that are easier to maintain instead of replace.
Final Thoughts
The Nintendo Switch 2’s potential move to a removable battery may sound like a small hardware update, but it reflects a much larger shift in consumer electronics.
As governments push for longer-lasting and more repairable products, companies are being forced to rethink designs that have prioritized sealed hardware for years. If Nintendo follows through with its plans, gamers in Europe could soon have a Switch 2 that is easier to repair, cheaper to maintain, and built to last longer than its predecessor.
