Nintendo has officially outlined a phased plan for their upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, which will introduce a user-replaceable battery in compliance with European regulations. For gamers in Europe, it’s essential to understand the differences between existing models of the Switch and the anticipated new devices, as well as the timeline for these changes.
Nintendo Switch 2 with Replaceable Battery Set to Launch in Fall 2026
On their support website, Nintendo confirmed that compliant versions of the Switch 2 will begin rolling out to European retailers in Summer 2026. This initiative is spurred by the European Battery Regulation 2023/1542, which mandates that batteries in portable devices must be user-removable by February 18, 2027. The Switch 2 (“BEE-001”) and its accessories fall under this requirement.
New Revision: Nintendo’s Timeline for Replaceable Batteries
Nintendo will implement this transition over four product waves from Summer 2026 to early 2027. The first wave will feature selected Joy-Con controllers from the original Switch generation, including the Joy-Con (L) in Neon Blue and Joy-Con (R) in Neon Red, which will retain their weight and battery capacity.
The Switch 2 itself is expected to follow in the fall, bundled with upgraded Joy-Con 2 controllers. Winter will introduce the separately sold Joy-Con 2 and Switch 2 Pro controller. By early 2027, the Nintendo 64 and GameCube controllers for the Switch 2 will also become available.
Consumers will not have the option to select specific versions in the Nintendo Store; the newer revision will only replace the current model once sold out. The new EU models will be identifiable by a unique model number and an “OSM” mark on the packaging of the hybrid console and its accessories.
Switch 2 with Replaceable Battery: What Changes
The revised Switch 2 will feature a battery capacity of 5,172 mAh compared to the current 5,220 mAh, and it will weigh approximately ten grams more. This translates to a minor 1% decrease in capacity. When paired with the Joy-Con 2, the console will weigh about 548 grams instead of 534 grams—a negligible difference for players.
According to Nintendo, functionality remains unchanged, and the revised versions will be fully compatible with existing devices. However, the Switch 2 Pro controller’s battery has been reduced by 16%, from 1,070 mAh to 897 mAh, although the controller will be seven grams lighter, now weighing approximately 228 grams.
The Nintendo 64 controller will maintain its current battery capacity, while the GameCube controller for the Switch 2 will see a slight increase from 500 mAh to 525 mAh. Nintendo has also announced that battery replacement kits will be available directly in the European store.
End of an Era: Nintendo to Cease Sales of Original Switch in Europe
Beginning in mid-February 2027, Nintendo will stop supplying the Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED to European retailers. Until then, the original Switch models will remain in production and available to consumers in 2026; sales in the Nintendo Store will conclude on the same date.
This move marks the withdrawal of the platform nearly ten years after its debut in March 2017. Existing customers can enjoy continued access to games, accessories, the eShop, and Switch Online services.
In addition to the old consoles, other products lacking replaceable batteries will also disappear from the lineup, such as the original Switch Pro controller, the NES and SNES controllers, the SEGA Mega Drive control pad, and the Pokémon GO Plus+. Nintendo has yet to disclose pricing for the new revisions and battery replacement kits.
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Source: Nintendo via Eurogamer
