ultimateimp – Nintendo has announced revised European versions of the Switch 2 and several accessories to comply with upcoming European Union battery regulations. The updated hardware will feature user-replaceable batteries while maintaining the same gaming experience. At the same time, Nintendo confirmed that the original Switch family will be withdrawn from the European market instead of being redesigned.
The company plans to begin introducing the revised products later this year. The rollout will continue throughout 2026 and into early 2027, gradually replacing existing Switch 2 hardware sold across Europe.
Nintendo Revises Switch 2 Hardware to Meet EU Battery Regulations
The first products to receive the update will be selected Joy-Con color variants. Which are expected to launch during the summer. Nintendo will then introduce a revised Switch 2 console in autumn 2026 with a user-replaceable battery that complies with the new European regulations.
Although the revised console looks similar to the current model, it includes several hardware changes. The battery capacity decreases slightly from 5,220mAh to 5,172mAh. Nintendo has not indicated that this reduction will noticeably affect battery performance.
The redesigned Switch 2 also becomes slightly heavier. The console gains approximately 10 grams compared with the existing version. With the updated Joy-Con 2 controllers attached, the complete system weighs around 548 grams instead of 534 grams.
Nintendo will also update several accessories alongside the console. Revised versions of the Joy-Con 2 controllers, Switch 2 Pro Controller, Nintendo 64 controller. And GameCube controller for Nintendo Switch Online will all feature batteries that users can replace.
Among those accessories, the Switch 2 Pro Controller receives the most significant internal revision. Its battery capacity drops to 897mAh, allowing Nintendo to reduce the controller’s weight while simplifying battery replacement. Official replacement batteries and repair kits will also become available through Nintendo Store Europe.
The company stated that these revisions are intended to satisfy European regulatory requirements. Apart from the battery changes and minor weight differences. Nintendo confirmed there will be no functional differences between the updated hardware and the current Switch 2 lineup.
Original Switch Family to Exit European Market in Early 2027
Nintendo also confirmed its plans for the original Switch family in Europe. Rather than redesigning the Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED with user-replaceable batteries, the company will gradually phase out all three models.
Production of the original Switch lineup will continue throughout 2026 before ending in early 2027. The handheld consoles are expected to disappear from European retailers in mid-February 2027. Nintendo Store Europe will stop selling the devices during the same period.
Despite ending hardware sales, Nintendo will continue supporting existing users. Owners of the original Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED will retain access to Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Switch Online, software updates, and compatible accessories for the foreseeable future.
Nintendo has also not revealed whether the revised Switch 2 will launch outside Europe. The company may continue selling the current model globally before introducing the updated version to additional markets.
The revised European hardware focuses on improving repairability and extending product lifespan while complying with future EU regulations. Although the hardware changes are relatively minor, user-replaceable batteries provide easier maintenance and could help extend the usable life of Nintendo’s latest gaming system.
