Nintendo to Update Switch 2 for EU Battery Rules

Nintendo is revising hardware for the European market to comply with new EU regulations requiring user-replaceable batteries by 2027.

Starting in summer 2026, Nintendo will revise several hardware products for the European market to meet Article 11 of the European Battery Regulation, which mandates that portable batteries be removable by end users using standard tools by February 18, 2027. A revised Switch 2 featuring a user-replaceable battery is expected in the European Nintendo Store by autumn 2026 at the earliest. This model will see battery capacity decrease from 5,220 mAh to 5,172 mAh, while console weight increases from 401 to 411 grams. Included Joy-Con 2 controllers will also feature replaceable batteries, adding approximately 2 grams per side. The Switch 2 Pro Controller will see its capacity drop from 1,070 mAh to 897 mAh and its weight decrease to 228 grams. Nintendo also plans revised original Joy-Con colors for summer 2026, followed by updated Nintendo 64 and GameCube controllers in early 2027. Battery replacement kits will be sold via the European Nintendo Store.