Nintendo to Discontinue Original Switch in Europe by 2027 Due to EU Battery Mandate
Nintendo will cease sales of its original Switch models in Europe by early 2027, pivoting to a revised Switch 2 with user-replaceable batteries to comply with new EU regulations.
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Nintendo is set to cease all sales of its original Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED models across Europe by mid-February 2027, marking the end of an era for the console family ahead of its tenth anniversary. This decisive move comes in direct response to stringent new European Union regulations mandating user-replaceable batteries in portable electronic devices, a standard the current Switch hardware is not designed to meet.
Rather than undertaking a costly redesign of its aging first-generation hardware, Nintendo has opted for a strategic pivot. Simultaneously, the company is rolling out a revised version of its newer "Switch 2" console and associated accessories, equipped with user-replaceable batteries to ensure compliance. This summer, updated Joy-Con pairs with replaceable batteries began appearing, with the revised Switch 2 console itself slated for an Autumn 2026 release in Europe. Further accessories, including Joy-Con 2 controllers and the Switch 2 Pro Controller, will follow this winter, with classic N64 and GameCube controllers receiving similar revisions in early 2027.
The updated Switch 2 console will feature a marginally smaller battery capacity (5172mAh compared to 5220mAh) and a slight increase in weight, adding approximately 10 grams to the console alone or 14 grams with Joy-Cons attached. Nintendo assures consumers that these changes will not impact functionality. While the discontinuation of the original Switch family might initially seem abrupt, it underscores a growing industry trend towards greater consumer repairability and environmental responsibility, driven by evolving legislation. For existing Switch owners, Nintendo confirms continued access to games, accessories, and online services, with replacement battery kits for the new hardware to be made available through the Nintendo Store. This strategy not only aligns Nintendo with future regulatory landscapes but also subtly pushes consumers towards its latest hardware, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the European gaming market.