Nintendo has confirmed that from 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 Joy-Con controllers, the Pro Controller, and Nintendo Switch Online retro controllers.

The original Switch will cease shipping to Europe after February 2027, nearly reaching 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.

The battery update is driven by EU regulations set to take effect next year. These regulations aim to cut electronic waste by making sure dead batteries don't automatically send electronics to landfills. Devices sold in the EU will need to meet requirements for removing and replacing 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.

The affected products will feature batteries that are easier to remove and replace. They will weigh a few grams more than current models because of the new battery configuration. The devices will retain the same functionality as current units and are expected to have comparable battery life.

These updates could open up a market for high-capacity third-party batteries. Users who have kept a Switch 2 for years might be able to install larger replacements once the original battery starts to age.

Nintendo will not update the original Switch to meet the new EU battery regulations. The company plans to stop shipping the original Switch to European retailers after February 2027, around the time of the console's 10th anniversary. However, Nintendo confirmed to IGN that it will continue to ship the original Switch in other regions.

For European users considering a purchase of the original Switch, the main practical points are:

• Buy before February 2027 if you prefer the original model over the Switch 2.
• Monitor retailer stock levels as the discontinuation date approaches, since remaining inventory may become limited.
• Consider the Switch OLED or other available variants in the near term.
• After February 2027, if the original Switch is still needed, look to secondary markets or import channels.

Users outside Europe will not see any changes in shipment plans.

There have been rumors since early this year that Nintendo may update the Switch 2's display to address complaints about screen 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 circuits.

Sources suggest the new screen might come from Sharp rather than Innolux, which originally supplied panels for the launch units. Digital Foundry also reported spotting Switch 2 kiosk units in Japan with improved image quality.

Nintendo has not confirmed any screen upgrade or announced a timeline for a global rollout. While it would be logical to ship updated screens alongside the new battery changes in Europe, the company has not publicly tied these two updates together.

For prospective Switch 2 buyers in Europe:

• Waiting for units with the new battery configuration may extend the device's service life.
• Users hoping for the rumored screen upgrade should wait for official confirmation from Nintendo before making a purchase decision based on speculation.
• A $50 price increase, confirmed for September, will apply to Switch 2 units in the United States, with similar regional adjustments likely.
• For potential buyers in other regions:
• Replacing the battery will remain more challenging on units shipped outside Europe unless Nintendo implements the change globally.
• The rumored screen upgrade has not been confirmed for any market.
• The original Switch remains available, though it may be discontinued elsewhere in the future.
• Nintendo has so far avoided significant price hikes affecting Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, and Apple devices. However, the company has announced that the Switch 2 price will increase by $50 in September. Analysts expect further increases as the ongoing memory pricing crisis impacts device manufacturers.
• The update regarding battery replacement is part of a broader industry shift driven by European Union regulations aimed at reducing electronic waste. Apple has 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 start shipping to Europe from fall 2026. Nintendo has not specified an exact date within that window.
• The original Switch will cease shipping to Europe after February 2027. Users should monitor Nintendo's regional support sites and retailer channels for specific rollout dates.
• The rumored screen upgrade remains unconfirmed. Those interested in a potential display improvement should await official announcements from Nintendo rather than relying on current rumors.