With the massive news yesterday that Xbox is restructuring, we missed a small, but nonetheless important announcement from Nintendo. To comply with a European Union law that will go into effect starting on February 18th, 2027, Nintendo will offer a revised version of the Switch 2, as well as related accessories, that will allow users to more easily replace the battery.
Before we go into detail, it's important to clarify: "replaceable" does NOT "swappable". All this law does is allow you to open the console or controller, and replace the old battery with a new one, using only standard tool and not having to worry about adhesives. It doesn't mean you can pluck a new battery in while in the middle of a game session.
The new revisions will also affect the weight and battery capacity of several devices. Here's a comprehensive list:
Nintendo Switch 2 - 5172mAh (down from 5220mAh) and 411g (up from 401g). Revisions will start shipping this autumn, likely around the same time when the console's price will increase.
Joy-Con 2 Controllers - Same battery capacity, weight will increase to 68/69g (up from 66/67g, the right controller is a gram heavier). Revisions will start shipping this winter.
Switch 2 Pro Controller - 897mAh (down from 1070mah) and 228g (down from 235g). This is the device with the most noticeable battery downgrade, as it has around 16% less capacity. Revisions will start shipping this winter.
N64 Controller - Same battery capacity, weight will increase to 234g (up from 233g). Revisions will start shipping in 2027.
GameCube Controller - 525mAh (up from 500mah) and 215g (up from 210g). This is the one device that has an increase in battery capacity, though it's not by much. Revisions will start shipping in 2027.
Joy-Con Controllers (for the Switch 1) - No change. Revisions will start shipping throughout the year for various colours, starting in summer.
Lastly, while nothing has been confirmed by Nintendo, it's very likely the new revisions will also come in a new box, since they also did that when the original Switch got its first revision (the one with better battery). Speaking of, they'll also stop selling the Switch 1 in Europe starting in February 2027.
Quote From Nintendo of Europe Starting summer 2026, in preparation for upcoming changes in European battery regulations coming into effect in mid-February 2027, selected Nintendo products in Europe will begin to be replaced on a rolling basis by revisions that contain a user-replaceable battery. There is no difference in functionality between current products and revised products containing user-replaceable batteries.
The first revised products are expected to become available from summer 2026, with additional products becoming available in autumn, winter, and early 2027. Due to a variety of factors, revised products may not become available in all European countries simultaneously.
The table below (not included in the quote, we summarised it in the article) shows the estimated earliest availability in Nintendo Store, although please note that these timings may change depending on manufacturing, distribution, and other factors. Availability at retailers may also vary, so please check with your local retailers in the future for more information.
More information will be shared shortly before each revised product becomes available.
Battery replacement kits for each product will be available to purchase from Nintendo Store in Europe in the future.
What do you think about these changes? Are you getting a Switch 2 now while the price is lower, or will you wait for the one that's easier to repair? Let us know in the comments below!
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