Nintendo makes Switch 2 battery easier to replace in Europe

Nintendo will release a new version of the Switch 2 in Europe with a replaceable battery. Currently, the battery cannot be replaced without specialized tools. According to a new EU directive, batteries for consoles, among other things, must be easier to replace before February 18, 2027.

Nintendo says it is taking measures to comply with the new European battery law "by developing products whose specifications are in accordance with the regulation." “For current products where the model number starts with BEE, versions that meet the requirements will be released in the future.”

In addition to the Switch 2, the Joy-Cons and Pro Controller of that console also have a model number that starts with BEE. This does not apply to other current Nintendo products, such as the original Switch and hardware such as the Alarmo alarm clock.

The new versions of the products will have the additional code OSM in their model number to distinguish them from the versions without a replaceable battery. It is not clear what exactly Nintendo will change to make the batteries easier to replace. Currently, specialized tools are required to open the system and remove the battery. The upcoming EU directive requires that a battery can be removed with 'freely available tools and without specialized tools, unless these tools are supplied free of charge'.