Nintendo Switch 2 to Feature Exchangeable Battery: Understanding the EU Battery Regulation
As of February 2027, a new European Union regulation will come into effect, mandating that batteries in electronic devices must be easily replaceable by users. In response, Nintendo is planning a revision of the Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch in the fall with an updated internal structure.
The EU Battery Regulation
This regulation falls under the EU Directive 2023/1542, which was passed in 2023. Starting from February 18, 2027, all batteries in electronic devices sold in the EU must be user-replaceable. The Nintendo Switch 2 is among those devices affected, prompting Nintendo to develop a new model tailored for the European market. Nintendo has announced that the revamped version will be recognizable by the code “OSM” on its packaging.
What’s New in the Revised Model?
The weight of the revised model will increase by approximately 10 grams, bringing it to 411 grams. When factoring in connected controllers, the total weight rises to 548 grams. Interestingly, while the battery capacity drops slightly from 5,220 mAh to 5,172 mAh, updates will also extend to controllers, including the Switch 2 Pro model, N64 controller, and GameCube controller, all debuting with interchangeable batteries between late 2026 and early 2027.
Changes in Internal Structure
To accommodate the new battery design, Nintendo has had to alter the internal structure of both the console and Joy-Con controllers. Currently, replacing the battery in the existing model takes about one to two hours, with the procedure classified as moderately challenging by repair experts at iFixit. The current model’s battery is installed using glue and requires careful disassembly, making DIY replacement cumbersome.
The Right to Repair Focus
The new Battery Regulation aims to reinforce the Right to Repair, which advocates for reducing electronic waste in the long term. Historically, replacing batteries in older devices has often been unfeasible financially, leading many users to choose to buy entirely new devices instead.
However, the regulation does allow for exceptions. Mobile devices with non-removable batteries can still be sold after the deadline as long as they meet certain criteria, such as retaining 82% of their original capacity after 500 charge cycles and 80% after 1,000 cycles. Furthermore, these devices need to be water and dust resistant to continue being marketed.
Phasing Out Older Models
Starting mid-2027, Nintendo will cease the distribution of existing models like the Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED to avoid the need for adjustments according to the new regulation. This cessation won’t affect the availability of accessories or games; online services, including the eShop, will continue to operate for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
In summary, the upcoming changes to the Nintendo Switch 2 due to the new EU Battery Regulation bring exciting developments. Not only will users have the convenience of interchangeable batteries, but these changes align with a broader movement towards sustainability and repairability in electronics. As Nintendo switches gears, it will be interesting to see how consumers respond to these enhancements and whether they will significantly influence the gaming market.
