Nintendo to launch Switch 2 with replaceable battery for EU

Nintendo will release a revised version of its Switch 2 console in Europe featuring a user-replaceable battery, the company has confirmed. This hardware revision is a direct response to upcoming European Union legislation requiring such a design for consumer electronics sold within the bloc starting February 18, 2027.

The company announced the compliance plans on its official European consumer information website. The statement notes that for current products with model numbers beginning with "BEE" — the established prefix for the Switch 2 console and its accessories — future compliant versions will have unique model numbers and bear an additional "OSM" code on their retail packaging. This designation will identify them as separate products for regulatory purposes.

The change is mandated by the EU's Batteries Regulation, which aims to reduce environmental impact by ensuring batteries integrated into appliances can be easily removed and replaced by end-users at any point during a product's lifetime. Nintendo stated it is implementing measures to comply by preparing revised versions of its products. The regulation also sets requirements for battery labeling, collection, and...