Nintendo confirms it will sell versions of its Switch 2 in the EU with user-replaceable batteries to comply with a new EU regulation going into effect in 2027, marking a hardware change for the console.
<figure>
<img alt="A photo of Mario Kart World running on a Nintendo Switch 2 in handheld mode." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Photo: Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/257769_Switch_2_AKrales_0093_0ea1cb.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" />
<figcaption>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="has-text-align-none">Nintendo is planning to launch versions of Switch 2 hardware in the EU that will let users easily replace the battery. To meet its obligations from a new EU regulation that's set to go into effect on February 18th, 2027, Nintendo says <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Corporate/Consumer-Information/Compliance-with-EU-Directives-and-Regulations/Compliance-with-EU-Directives-and-Regulations-625942.html">on its website</a> that it is "implementing measures to comply with these requirements by preparing versions of products to meet the Regulation."</p>
<p class="has-text-align-none">Thanks to EU regulations, gadgets with user-replaceable batteries are making a comeback, as my colleague <a href="https://www.theverge.com/column/939026/user-replaceable-batteries-eu-european-union-legislation">Dominic Preston wrote recently</a>. Starting on that February 2027 date, EU rules mandate that many types of gadgets, including portable game consoles, must allow users t …</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/games/942808/nintendo-switch-2-replaceable-battery-eu">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
# Nintendo confirms it will sell a new Switch 2 with replaceable battery in the EU
Source: [https://www.theverge.com/games/942808/nintendo-switch-2-replaceable-battery-eu](https://www.theverge.com/games/942808/nintendo-switch-2-replaceable-battery-eu)
[](https://www.theverge.com/authors/jay-peters)
Jay Peters
is a senior reporter covering technology, gaming, and more\. He joined The Verge in 2019 after nearly two years at Techmeme\.
Nintendo is planning to launch versions of Switch 2 hardware in the EU that will let users easily replace the battery\. To meet its obligations from a new EU regulation that’s set to go into effect on February 18th, 2027, Nintendo says[on its website](https://go.skimresources.com/?id=1025X1701640&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nintendo.com%2Fen-gb%2FCorporate%2FConsumer-Information%2FCompliance-with-EU-Directives-and-Regulations%2FCompliance-with-EU-Directives-and-Regulations-625942.html)that it is “implementing measures to comply with these requirements by preparing versions of products to meet the Regulation\.”
Thanks to EU regulations, gadgets with user\-replaceable batteries are making a comeback, as my colleague[Dominic Preston wrote recently](https://www.theverge.com/column/939026/user-replaceable-batteries-eu-european-union-legislation)\. Starting on that February 2027 date, EU rules mandate that many types of gadgets, including portable game consoles, must allow users to relatively easily remove and replace their batteries\.
Nintendo doesn’t specify exactly what it will change with this new version of the Switch 2 to make battery replacements easier — currently, taking out the battery in the Switch 2 is an involved, multi\-step process,[as shown by iFixit](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=nOD/rLJHOac&mid=53746&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ifixit.com%2FGuide%2FNintendo%2BSwitch%2B2%2BBattery%2BReplacement%2F190141)\. It’s also unclear if a revised model with a replaceable battery will be available in other regions\. Nintendo didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment\.
On its website, Nintendo says that, “For current products with model numbers starting with ‘BEE’” — which is used with the Switch 2, as shown[in Nintendo’s filings with the FCC](https://apps.fcc.gov/eas/GetApplicationAttachment.html?id=8085808)— “future compliant versions will have unique model numbers and the additional code ‘OSM’ visible on the packaging, designating them as separate products for regulatory purposes\.” Switch 2 controllers like the[Pro Controller](https://apps.fcc.gov/eas/GetApplicationAttachment.html?id=8159844)and the[Joy\-Cons](https://apps.fcc.gov/eas/GetApplicationAttachment.html?id=8006901)also carry the BEE moniker, and we’ve asked Nintendo if those will have user\-replaceable batteries as well\.
**Follow topics and authors**from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates\.
- Jay Peters
New EU regulations will require all phones sold in the European Union to feature user-replaceable batteries starting in 2027, marking a significant shift in consumer electronics design standards.
The European Union has enacted legislation requiring that most portable tech devices have user-replaceable batteries by 2027, with some exemptions for waterproof smartphones and small wearables, aiming to improve device longevity and repairability.
Nintendo announced price increases for the Nintendo Switch 2, original Switch models, and Nintendo Switch Online subscription service across multiple regions, citing changes in market conditions and rising costs.
Belkin has launched a $99.99 Charging Grip for the Nintendo Switch 2 that includes a magnetic 10,000mAh battery pack providing 3-4 extra hours of playtime, along with ergonomic Joy-Con grips. The accessory attaches via an included protective case and delivers 30W of power through a USB-C cable.
Nintendo is offering a $500 Switch 2 bundle that includes a digital game of your choice, available now at multiple retailers before a price increase in September.