Nintendo has confirmed it will release a modified version of the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusively for the European Union, featuring a user-replaceable battery. The change is being made to comply with new European regulations that require portable electronic devices to allow easy battery removal and replacement by consumers.
The rule, known as Regulation 2023/1542, will take effect on February 18, 2027, and applies to all portable devices sold in the region. It is designed to make electronics easier to repair, reduce electronic waste, and extend product lifespans. Nintendo’s updated Switch 2 model is part of the company’s response to meet these legal requirements ahead of the deadline.
To separate the new EU-compliant version from existing models, Nintendo will introduce new product identification codes. The revised consoles and accessories will carry an “OSM” code, while current versions use “BEE” model numbers and rely on internal designs that make battery replacement difficult.
Earlier versions of the Switch hardware had been criticized by repair experts for being hard to open and repair. Independent teardowns showed heavy use of adhesive and tightly sealed components, making battery replacement difficult for average users and repair shops.
The new EU-focused design marks a shift driven by growing “right-to-repair” laws in several regions. These laws aim to give consumers more control over repairing their own devices instead of relying only on manufacturers or official service centers.
Reports also suggest that similar repair-friendly designs could eventually expand to other markets such as the United States and Japan if local regulations change. For now, however, the removable battery version will remain exclusive to Europe.
Analysts say the EU rules could also affect older Nintendo hardware. The original 2017 Switch may eventually be removed from sale in Europe because it does not meet the new repair standards.
Despite these changes, demand for the Switch 2 remains strong, with millions of units already sold. Nintendo’s updated design is seen as a way to maintain its presence in the European market while staying compliant with strict consumer protection laws.
