Earlier last month, we reported that Nintendo was developing a Nintendo Switch 2 console with easily replaceable batteries specifically for the European market.
This is to ensure that consoles sold in those markets will comply with new European Union law, Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which states that from February 18, 2027, batteries installed in certain electronic products must be easily removable and replaceable by consumers to help extend the lifespan of the device.
Recently, Nintendo has released a new statement about the console, in which they confirmed that sales of the Switch 2 console with replaceable batteries have already begun in the summer (June-August 2026), and will be introduced in stages throughout this fall and winter, before the law on electronic products is introduced on February 18, 2027.
Looking at the product listings in the statement, it seems that the Joy-Con controllers for the first Switch will go on sale first starting in the summer (June-August 2026), with sales of the Switch 2 console with replaceable batteries starting in the fall (September-November 2026), with the Joy-Con 2 controllers with replaceable batteries going on sale starting in the winter (December 2026-February 2027).
Nintendo has revealed the new battery specifications for the Switch 2, which are listed as 5172mAH, compared to 5220mAH on the original Nintendo Switch 2 console. The battery on the Joy-Con 2 is also slightly smaller, with a capacity of 897mAH compared to the previous 1070mAH. Meanwhile, the Nintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube controllers for the Nintendo Switch will also be receiving the same update, and will be available in early 2027.
Looking at the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section of the site, Nintendo also confirmed that they will stop offering the following products to distributors and retailers in the European market starting in mid-February 2027:
Pokémon™ GO Plus +
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch – OLED Model
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
According to Nintendo, they will offer replacement batteries for these controllers in the future, with prices to be announced later.
