- Nintendo will release a new Switch 2 featuring a replaceable battery in Europe to comply with new EU legislation
- Other Nintendo accessories will also be updated and available throughout the year and in early 2027
- The sale of original Switch hardware will also end starting mid-February 2027
Nintendo has announced plans to sell a new Switch 2 console featuring a replaceable battery in Europe later this year and confirmed that it will end the sale of all original Switch hardware in early 2027.
Last month, the Super Mario creator shared a statement saying that it would comply with a new regulation called the EU Batteries Legislation, which was passed in 2023 and requires companies to make products with built-in batteries replaceable by February 18, 2027.
Now, in an updated support post, Nintendo has confirmed that it will launch new versions of the Switch 2 in the EU that will allow users to replace the battery, with the first revised hardware arriving this summer, with additional products becoming available later this year and early 2027.
"Starting summer 2026, in preparation for upcoming changes in European battery regulations coming into effect in mid-February 2027, selected Nintendo products in Europe will begin to be replaced on a rolling basis by revisions that contain a user-replaceable battery," Nintendo said.
The company noted, however, that "There is no difference in functionality between current products and revised products containing user-replaceable batteries."
"The first revised products are expected to become available from summer 2026, with additional products becoming available in autumn, winter, and early 2027. Due to a variety of factors, revised products may not become available in all European countries simultaneously."
The products that will be affected include: the Nintendo Switch 2, Joy-Con pair, Joy-Con (L&R) in Neon Blue and Red, Joy-Con 2 pair, Joy-Con 2 (L&R), Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, N64 Controller for Nintendo Switch, and GameCube Controller for Nintendo Switch 2.
Seemingly as a result, the company also confirmed in the FAQ that it will stop selling all original Switch hardware next year, almost a decade after the console launched.
"From mid-February 2027, almost ten years after Nintendo Switch launched in March 2017, Nintendo will no longer sell to retailers hardware in the Nintendo Switch family of systems – specifically Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model," the company said.
"Sales of Nintendo Switch hardware on Nintendo Store will also end in mid-February 2027."
For now, the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model will all continue to be manufactured for the rest of 2026 "and should be widely available in Europe all year."
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➡️ Read our full guide to the best handheld games consoles
1. Best overall:
Nintendo Switch 2
2. Best for PC gamers:
Steam Deck OLED
3. Best budget
Nintendo Switch Lite
4. Best for remote play:
PlayStation Portal
