Nintendo Unveils Switch 2 with Replaceable Battery, New Controllers in Europe

Nintendo has confirmed that it will launch a redesigned Switch 2 for the European market, featuring a removable battery to meet forthcoming regulatory demands.

In 2023, the European Union enacted the EU Batteries Legislation, mandating that consumer electronics with built‑in batteries must allow for easy removal and replacement from 2027 onward.

This new law will take effect on February 18, 2027, and Nintendo has pledged to comply by introducing the updated Switch 2 hardware at a later date.

While the company has not named the device outright, it refers to the forthcoming model as “current products with model numbers starting with ‘BEE’.” The Switch 2’s official designation is BEE‑001.

While Nintendo has clarified that its upcoming Switch 2 lineup will feature built‑in batteries, it remains unclear whether the same applies to other peripheral accessories. Notably, the Joy‑Con 2 models (BEE‑012 and BEE‑014) and the Switch 2 Pro Controller (BEE‑008) also house internal batteries that, as of now, cannot be swapped out by users. This suggests that these devices may also undergo revisions if the new legislation comes into force.

According to Nintendo’s Consumer Information portal, the new Batteries Regulation is designed to curb the environmental footprint associated with battery production, distribution, usage, disposal, and recycling.

The regulation prohibits the sale of batteries containing certain hazardous metals and establishes strict guidelines for battery labeling, safe removal from devices, and the collection and recycling process.

Nintendo assures that all its products already meet these stringent standards and that the company fully collaborates with authorized regional bodies to ensure proper collection and environmentally responsible disposal or recovery of its batteries.

Starting February 18, 2027, the European Union’s new regulation will mandate that batteries embedded in specific appliances must be user‑replaceable at any point during the product’s lifespan. Nintendo is proactively aligning its lineup with this rule by developing updated models that satisfy the new standards.

For existing titles bearing model numbers that begin with “BEE,” Nintendo will issue future compliant editions under distinct model numbers and will add the “OSM” code on the packaging to clearly identify them as separate, regulation‑compliant products.