Nintendo Revises Switch 2 for EU Replaceable Battery

Nintendo is preparing a hardware revision of its Switch 2 console featuring a user-replaceable battery for sale in the European Union, according to a report from Japanese publication Nikkei. The change aligns with upcoming EU regulations mandating that portable electronic devices allow easy battery replacement starting in February 2027, aiming to promote repairability and reduce electronic waste.

The revision, which Nintendo has not yet officially confirmed, would enable consumers to access and swap the battery without specialized tools, a departure from the current Switch 2 design where the battery is sealed inside the console. Nikkei's report states that the company plans to modify the console's specifications to comply with the legislation, potentially introducing the variant as early as needed to avoid legal issues. While the exact launch date remains unclear, the timeline suggests availability by early 2027 at the latest.

This move is part of broader EU efforts under its right to repair initiative, which seeks to combat planned obsolescence in consumer electronics. Similar to the 2022 rules that standardized USB-C charging ports and prompted Apple to adopt the connector...