An Enhanced Switch 2 is Set to Launch in Europe

The European Union is stepping up where the U.S. falls short. Thanks to stringent consumer protection laws, electronics makers are now required to design devices with replaceable batteries, which includes gaming handhelds like the upcoming Switch 2. Nintendo has confirmed that a new iteration of its portable console will launch in 2027 to meet these regulations.

The new EU rule takes effect on February 18, 2027, and Nintendo has updated its corporate site to outline its compliance strategy. This includes the development of a new Switch 2 model that will allow players to easily replace the battery if it malfunctions or simply ages over time.

“Nintendo is implementing measures to comply with these requirements by preparing versions of products to meet the Regulation,” the update states. “For current products with model numbers starting with ‘BEE,’ 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.”

Currently, the Switch 2 is a bit of a challenge to modify, likely by design, making it difficult to replace components like the battery on your own. While Nintendo offers a global repair service for its devices, nothing beats the convenience of ordering a part online and swapping it out yourself.

Details on how Nintendo plans to redesign the Switch 2 for the European market remain unclear, and it’s uncertain whether this new version will be available in other regions as well. It might be easiest for Nintendo to produce a single version of the Switch 2 for all markets, but only time will tell.