Asger Risom
Driven by strict new EU environmental regulations, Nintendo has confirmed it will release a specific model of the Switch 2 featuring a user-replaceable battery. The hardware revision, tailored to comply with 2027 e-waste rules, marks a major step forward for consumer repairability, though it appears destined exclusively for European markets.
In a significant win for tech repairability and consumer rights, Nintendo is officially modifying the hardware of its Switch 2 console. Driven by incoming European Union legislation, the gaming giant has confirmed it is preparing to roll out a specialized version of the handheld equipped with a user-replaceable battery.
The catalyst: The EU’s new battery regulations
The driving force behind this hardware revision is the EU’s Battery Regulation 2023/1542, an environmental initiative designed to severely reduce electronic waste. By February 18, 2027, many consumer electronics—including portable game consoles—sold within the EU must feature batteries that are “readily removable” by the end-user.
Under this legislation, consumers must be able to swap out a failing battery using standard, commercially available tools (or tools provided for free in the box). Crucially, the process cannot require heat, solvents, or the need to pry through heavy industrial adhesive.
Currently, replacing a battery in a standard Switch 2 is a notoriously complex process. Hardware teardowns reveal a grueling multi-step procedure that involves battling stubborn glues, much like repairing a modern smartphone. According to reports from Game Developer and Tom’s Hardware, this upcoming redesign will bypass those headaches entirely to comply with the 2027 legal requirements.
Spotting the EU-compliant model
To seamlessly integrate this change without overhauling its entire global supply chain, Nintendo is designating these new consoles as entirely separate products for regulatory purposes. Here is what consumers should look out for:
- Unique Identifiers: The compliant hardware will feature distinct model numbers, starting with “BEE”.
- The “OSM” Tag: Packaging for the new models will prominently display an additional “OSM” code to clearly indicate their compliance with the new EU regulations.
Note: Nintendo has recently updated its dedicated corporate page regarding Compliance with EU Directives and Regulations, openly outlining its commitment to meeting the EU’s directives with these specific product versions.
An EU exclusive?
While European gamers will soon enjoy the benefits of extended hardware lifespans, the rest of the world might have to stick with their glued-in batteries for the time being.
Nintendo’s messaging and the use of unique, isolated product codes strongly suggest that this highly repairable version of the Switch 2 will be exclusive to EU territories. It remains to be seen if the company will eventually standardize this consumer-friendly design globally, or if non-EU residents will have to rely on importing the “OSM” variants just to get an easily repairable console.
Sources: Game Developer, Tom’s Hardware
