Nintendo May Launch a Battery-Replaceable Switch 2 Model for the EU

Nintendo is reportedly planning a revised version of the Switch 2 for the European Union that would allow users to replace the console's battery themselves.

According to Japanese outlet Nikkei, the move is tied to a 2023 EU regulation that mandates user-replaceable batteries in portable devices by 2027.

The legislation requires manufacturers to make batteries accessible using either commercially available or specialized tools.

Companies must also provide clear instructions and safety information to consumers.

On top of that, the EU has set collection targets for portable battery waste, aiming for 63% by end of 2027 and 73% by end of 2030.

If the revised model rolls out, as reported, users in Europe would be able to swap out the internal battery in both the Switch 2 console and its Joy-Con 2 controllers.

Right now, battery degradation or damage often means an expensive repair or replacing the unit entirely. A user-serviceable battery would make the whole thing far more affordable and accessible in the long run.

As per reports, Nintendo's current plan is limited to the EU to satisfy regional requirements. However, the outlet also noted that the company could extend this to Japan and the United States if consumer awareness around right-to-repair continues to grow.

Sony's PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers already feature user-serviceable batteries in certain regions, so the precedent is there.

That said, several questions remain unanswered. It is still unclear what this means for the millions of Switch 2 units already in circulation across Europe. How these changes might affect existing warranties is also an open question. Nintendo has not made any official announcement on the matter.