Nintendo Switch 2 will get replaceable battery for European market

2 hours ago 2

Published Jun 4, 2026, 12:12 PM EDT

The new Switch 2 will have replacable batteries to comply with the EU's “right to repair” laws

A docked Switch 2 and 2 Joy-Con in the magnetic grip

Thanks to new consumer protection laws in the European Union, Nintendo will be releasing an updated version of the Switch 2 with user-replaceable batteries. As seen by The Verge, the company silently changed the “Compliance with EU Directives and Regulations” section of its website. The new paragraph explains that by February 18, 2027 (when the regulation takes effect), the company will have released new versions of its hardware that make it easier to replace their batteries.

Specifically, the compliance text reads that “products with model numbers starting with ‘BEE’” will have updated versions. The Switch 2’s model code is BEE-001, while the Joy-Con 2 and Pro Controller are BEE-012 and BEE-014, meaning these peripherals may also be updated.

While the blurb doesn’t specify how these user-replaceable batteries will be implemented, as it stands, replacing the Switch 2’s batteries through official channels involves making a service request to Nintendo America. Done unofficially, it requires several hours, dexterity, and many tools — while carrying the risk that you could permanently mess up your system.

In April 2024, the European Parliament passed the European Union’s Right to Repair Directive, which obligates manufacturers to make it easier for consumers to repair and maintain certain products, like fridges, smartphones, gaming hardware, and more. The goal of the directive is to promote sustainability, lengthening the lifetime of products to help consumers save money and aid the EU’s Green Deal initiative.

The Japanese publication Nikkei previously reported that these battery changes were on the way for the Switch 2 and its controllers, and that Nintendo was considering making similar changes for other regions that pass similar laws. It seems quite possible that the company won’t bring the improved version of the console to other countries unless it’s more or less forced to, allowing the rest of us to enjoy the splendors of laissez-faire capitalism and rebuying $500 handhelds when they run out of juice.