nintendo has confirmed that starting in fall 2026, Switch 2 consoles and controllers sold in Europe will feature new battery configurations designed to meet EU requirements for easier removal and replacement.
This change will apply to the Switch 2 itself, as well as the Joy-Con controllers, Pro Controller, and Nintendo Switch Online retro controllers.
The original Switch will stop shipping in Europe after February 2027, almost marking its 10th anniversary. Nintendo will continue to supply the original Switch in other regions. According to Nintendo, these updates will not significantly affect functionality or battery life.
Why Switch 2 batteries are changing in Europe
The battery upgrade is driven by EU regulations that come into force next year. These regulations aim to reduce e-waste by ensuring that dead batteries do not automatically send electronics to landfills. Devices sold in the EU must meet requirements to remove and replace batteries.
Nintendo confirmed the changes following an initial report from Nikkei in March 2026. The company explained the update on its UK support site earlier this week.
Affected products will have batteries that are easier to remove and replace. They will weigh a few grams more than current models due to the new battery configuration. The devices will retain the same functionality as current units and are expected to have comparable battery life.
These upgrades could open a market for high-capacity third-party batteries. Users who have kept a Switch 2 for years could install larger replacements once the original battery starts to age.
The original Switch ends in Europe and the screen is rumored to be updated
Nintendo will not update the original Switch to comply with new EU battery regulations. The company plans to stop shipping the original Switch to European retailers after February 2027, around the console’s 10th anniversary. However, Nintendo confirmed to IGN that it will continue shipping the original Switch to other regions.
For European users considering purchasing the original Switch, the main practical points are:
- Buy before February 2027 if you prefer the original model to the Switch 2.
- Monitor retailers’ stock levels as the discontinuation date approaches, as remaining inventory may become limited.
- Consider the Switch OLED or other variants available in the near term.
- After February 2027, if the original Switch is still needed, please look for secondary markets or import channels.
Users outside of Europe will not see any changes to shipping plans.
Since earlier this year there have been rumors that Nintendo could update the Switch 2’s display to address complaints about the screen’s response time. These reports gained support when Nintendo Patent Watch shared images from a Chinese reseller showing a panel consistent with the Switch 2’s specifications, but with significantly different circuitry.
Sources suggest the new display could come from Sharp rather than Innolux, which originally supplied panels for the launch units. Digital Foundry also reported seeing Switch 2 kiosk units in Japan with improved image quality.
Nintendo has not confirmed any screen updates or announced a timeline for a global release. While it would be logical to ship updated screens along with the new battery changes in Europe, the company has not publicly linked these two updates.
What Switch buyers should know and when the changes are coming
For potential Switch 2 buyers in Europe:
- Waiting for units with the new battery configuration can extend the life of the device.
- Users waiting for the rumored screen update should wait for official confirmation from Nintendo before making a purchasing decision based on speculation.
- A $50 price increase, confirmed for September, will apply to Switch 2 units in the United States, and similar regional adjustments are likely to follow.
- For potential buyers in other regions:
- Replacing the battery will continue to be more difficult on units shipped outside of Europe unless Nintendo implements the change globally.
- The rumored screen update has not been confirmed for any market.
- The original Switch is still available, although it may be discontinued elsewhere in the future.
- Nintendo has so far avoided significant price increases affecting Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox and Apple devices. However, the company has announced that the price of the Switch 2 will increase by $50 in September. Analysts expect further increases as the current memory price crisis hits device makers.
- The update on battery replacement is part of a broader industry shift driven by European Union regulations aimed at reducing e-waste. Apple previously modified iPhone battery replacement procedures for European markets and other manufacturers are expected to follow suit.
- Switch 2 consoles with the new battery configuration are expected to begin shipping in Europe starting in fall 2026. Nintendo has not specified an exact date within that window.
- The original Switch will stop shipping to Europe after February 2027. Users should monitor Nintendo’s regional support sites and retail channels for specific release dates.
- The rumored screen update is not confirmed yet. Those interested in a possible screen upgrade should wait for official announcements from Nintendo rather than relying on current rumors.
