Nintendo to Discontinue Original Switch Amid EU Battery Regulations

Nintendo is set to make significant changes to its Switch consoles in response to new European Union regulations concerning battery management. As the company gears up for an update to its current model, the original Nintendo Switch will soon be phased out from the market.

The upcoming EU battery regulation mandates that manufacturers of tech gadgets must ensure that batteries are easily removable and replaceable by users. This particular rule will take effect on February 18, 2027, but its implications are already being felt in the gaming industry.

In an announcement on its support page, Nintendo informed customers about the changes that will arise from the EU legislation. Starting in the summer of 2026, the company plans to gradually replace select Nintendo products with updated models that feature replaceable batteries. Nintendo emphasizes that apart from this upgrade, there will be "no functional differences" in the new models.

Among the products affected is the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, which is expected to launch in fall 2026 with a replaceable battery. According to Nintendo, this change will result in a slight reduction in battery capacity—about one percent less than the previous model—while the weight will increase by approximately ten grams, bringing it to around 411 grams.

In addition to the Switch 2, the updated versions of the Joy-Cons and the Pro Controller will also feature replaceable batteries. However, the FAQ section clarifies the fate of other devices not included in this upgrade. Products such as the original Nintendo Switch, the Lite model, the OLED version, the first Pro Controller, and the Megadrive gamepad for the Switch will not receive any updates.

Nintendo stated, "Nintendo will no longer offer the aforementioned products in the Nintendo Store starting mid-February 2027." Customers with inquiries about retail availability are advised to contact their respective retailers directly. It is likely that some retailers will still have remaining stock for a limited time, but Nintendo will cease production of new consoles or accessories that do not include a replaceable battery for retail distribution.