Nintendo will modify some of its products sold in Europe to equip them with user-replaceable batteries. The announcement was relayed by Nintendo France on Monday, July 6, 2026, with a direct message: "Starting this summer, in order to prepare for changes in European battery regulations, some Nintendo products in Europe will be gradually replaced with models featuring user-replaceable batteries."
This change is linked to the European regulation on batteries, part of which comes into effect in mid-February 2027. The regulation mandates that, for certain devices, batteries must be more easily removable and replaceable by users during the product's lifespan. Nintendo is therefore anticipating this deadline by gradually launching modified versions of its consoles and accessories.
The modified Switch 2 will arrive in the fall
The Nintendo Switch 2 will be among the affected products. Its new European version is expected in autumn 2026 on the Nintendo Store. It will retain the same features as the current model but will include a user-replaceable battery.
This change will still have a slight technical impact. The battery capacity will decrease from 5,220 mAh to 5,172 mAh, representing a reduction of approximately 1%. The console's weight will also increase: approximately 411 g compared to 401 g currently. With the Joy-Con 2 controllers attached, the total weight will be approximately 548 g, compared to 534 g currently.
The Joy-Con 2 controllers included with this new Switch 2 will also feature user-replaceable batteries. Nintendo specifies that there will be no difference in functionality between the current products and the modified versions.
Joy-Con, Pro Controllers, N64 and GameCube controllers also affected
The first modified products will arrive as early as summer 2026 with certain pairs of Joy-Con controllers. Several colors will be released at different times of the year. Nintendo has announced the following Joy-Con color combinations: neon blue/yellow, neon green/pink, neon purple/orange, neon red/blue, pastel pink, pastel pink/yellow, and pastel purple/green.
The Joy-Con 2 and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller 2 will follow this winter. The Joy-Con 2 will retain the same battery capacity but will each gain approximately 2 grams. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller 2, however, will change more significantly: its battery will decrease from 1070 mAh to 897 mAh, a reduction of about 16% in capacity, while its weight will decrease from approximately 235 grams to 228 grams.
Two retro controllers will also be modified in early 2027. The Nintendo 64 controller for Nintendo Switch will retain the same battery capacity but will gain approximately 1 gram. The Nintendo GameCube controller for Nintendo Switch 2 will increase to 525 mAh, compared to 500 mAh currently, with a weight of approximately 215 g, or 5 g more.
The older models will be replaced as stocks run out.
Nintendo will not allow buyers to choose between the old and new versions on its Store. The replacement will be gradual: when a current model is sold out, it will be replaced by its updated version. In stores, availability will depend on the retailer and may vary by country.
Nintendo also warns that release dates may change depending on production, distribution, and other logistical constraints. Therefore, the modified versions may not necessarily be available simultaneously throughout Europe.
Battery replacement kits will soon be available for purchase on the Nintendo Store in Europe. These kits will allow users to replace the batteries in affected products, in accordance with new European regulations.
The Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED will not be compatible.
Nintendo will not be changing its entire existing lineup. The Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED model will not receive versions with user-replaceable batteries. These three consoles will continue to be produced in 2026 and are expected to remain widely available in Europe throughout the year.
The real turning point will come in mid-February 2027. On that date, Nintendo will cease supplying European retailers with consoles from the original Nintendo Switch lineup. Sales of the Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED will also end on the Nintendo Store.
Other products will not be replaced: the Nintendo Entertainment System controller for Nintendo Switch, the Pokémon GO Plus+, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, the SEGA Mega Drive controller for Nintendo Switch, and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System controllers for Nintendo Switch. These products will be removed from the Nintendo Store starting in mid-February 2027.
No changes are required for players who are already equipped.
Players who already own a Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED, Switch 2, or Nintendo accessories don't need to do anything. The new European rules apply to products sold after the regulation comes into effect, not to devices already purchased.
Nintendo also clarifies that Nintendo Switch owners will be able to continue using their existing games and accessories. The Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Switch Online, and other services will continue to operate until further notice. For players, the change will be most noticeable when making a new purchase: in Europe, future affected products will gradually switch to replaceable batteries.
