Story perspectives

Nintendo Unveils EU Switch 2 with Replaceable Battery, €500 Price

6/5/2026

Summary

Nintendo Replaceable Switch

Nintendo announced a European Union version of the Switch 2 that will feature a user-replaceable battery.
The design complies with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which requires replaceable batteries in EU-sold devices from 18 February 2027.
Nintendo will launch the EU-compliant Switch 2 in early 2027 at €499.99, up from €469.99.
The replaceable-battery design will extend to Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers, while Nintendo does not plan to sell the model outside Europe.

Summary

Nintendo Embraces Repair

The EU Batteries Regulation requires end-user-replaceable cells and sets an 18 February 2027 deadline for compliance.
The rule also bans batteries containing certain hazardous metals and imposes strict labeling, safe-removal, collection and recycling obligations.
Nintendo’s compliance demonstrates the EU right-to-repair push that forces manufacturers to make more serviceable electronics.
The 2027 deadline is expected to speed sustainability-focused redesigns across the gaming industry.

Summary

Nintendo Scores Low

iFixit gave the Switch 2 a repairability score of 3 out of 10 and said the battery is aggressively glued.
The teardown requires roughly 36 steps to remove the battery and another 27 steps to reassemble the console.
Nintendo has not responded to media inquiries about the upcoming EU-compliant version.
The €499.99 EU price matches the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, whose recent hikes are linked to an AI-driven RAM shortage.

History

Historical Context

After the EU introduced the 2003 RoHS directive—linked to the WEEE framework that imposes collection and recycling goals—manufacturers have faced tightening rules, with more than 80 exemptions slated to expire. Nintendo’s redesign of the Switch 2, adding a replaceable battery, aims to comply with the latest EU regulation and avoid future non-compliance.

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Nintendo Replaceable Switch

Nintendo announced a European Union version of the Switch 2 that will feature a user-replaceable battery.
The design complies with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which requires replaceable batteries in EU-sold devices from 18 February 2027.
Nintendo will launch the EU-compliant Switch 2 in early 2027 at €499.99, up from €469.99.
The replaceable-battery design will extend to Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers, while Nintendo does not plan to sell the model outside Europe.

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