According to Japanese publication Nikkei, Nintendo is developing a new Switch 2 model featuring a user-replaceable battery for the European market. The Joy-Con 2 controllers are also part of the redesign, with each controller being changed so players can swap out the lithium-ion battery themselves. Nintendo has not officially confirmed the revision.
The revision is being developed in response to EU legislation. The EU Battery Regulation, adopted in July 2023, requires that by February 2027 any portable battery built into consumer product must be removable and replaceable by the end user. This only applies to new units placed on the market after the deadline, so existing Switch 2 units already sold won’t be affected. Additionally, the EU Right to Repair Directive, passed in 2024 and going into effect in July 2026, separately establishes repair obligations for a defined list of product categories, including household appliances, displays, and mobile phones. Both regulations apply to all products sold in the EU, meaning every manufacturer must comply or risk being unable to sell in European markets.
In an article by the European Commission, global battery demand is set to increase 14-fold by 2030, raising concerns about carbon footprints and the use of harmful substances, particularly as the regulation pushes manufacturers toward batteries that use safer materials and can be reused and recycled. A removable battery design would let players keep their console in good shape long after the battery dies, without the need for Nintendo services or purchasing a replacement unit.
In the US, there is no federal Right to Repair law. Efforts to pass federal legislation have not gained traction in Congress. There are some states that currently have active Right to Repair laws for consumer electronics; however, most of these state laws explicitly exempt video game consoles, meaning Nintendo faces no legal obligation in the US market at this time.
For now, the revised model is planned exclusively for Europe.