A new Nintendo Switch 2 could be the poster child for replaceable batteries | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIPolicyHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessSee all techReviewsExpandSmart Home ReviewsPhone ReviewsTablet ReviewsHeadphone ReviewsSee all reviewsScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthSee all scienceEntertainmentExpandTV ShowsMoviesAudioSee all entertainmentAIExpandOpenAIAnthropicSee all AIPolicyExpandAntitrustPoliticsLawSecuritySee all policyGadgetsExpandLaptopsPhonesTVsHeadphonesSpeakersWearablesSee all gadgetsVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee all shoppingGamingExpandXboxPlayStationNintendoSee all gamingStreamingExpandDisneyHBONetflixYouTubeCreatorsSee all streamingTransportationExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersSee all transportationFeaturesVerge VideoExpandTikTokYouTubeInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersArchivesStoreVerge Product UpdatesSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.A new Nintendo Switch 2 could be the poster child for replaceable batteriesComments DrawerCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...GamingCloseGamingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GamingEntertainmentCloseEntertainmentPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All EntertainmentGadgetsCloseGadgetsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GadgetsA new Nintendo Switch 2 could be the poster child for replaceable batteriesNintendo reportedly plans to launch a Switch 2 revision in the EU that offers easier battery swaps.Nintendo reportedly plans to launch a Switch 2 revision in the EU that offers easier battery swaps.by Jay PetersCloseJay PetersSenior ReporterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Jay PetersMar 20, 2026, 7:59 PM UTCLinkShareGiftPhoto: Amelia Holowaty Krales / The VergePart OfRight to repair: all the latest news and updatessee all updates Jay PetersCloseJay PetersPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Jay Peters is a senior reporter covering technology, gaming, and more. He joined The Verge in 2019 after nearly two years at Techmeme.Nintendo plans to release a Switch 2 revision in the European Union that will let users replace their own batteries, Nikkei reports. The current version of the Switch 2 has a glued-in battery. But Nintendo apparently plans to make the change in order to comply with EU rules going into effect in February 2027 that will require devices to let users easily swap out portable batteries.The new version of the Switch 2 will be released “soon,” and both the console and the Joy-Cons will have replaceable batteries, according to Nikkei. In Japan, the console’s specifications will remain the same, Nikkei says. Nintendo didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment from The Verge.Should this Switch 2 revision be released in the EU and remain exclusive to the region, it wouldn’t be the first time a device-maker has decided to do something like that; FujiFilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 has a user-replaceable NP-70S battery, but only if you’re in Europe.But I’m really hoping Nintendo launches this revision more widely. Phone makers in particular have been better about offering more repairable devices in recent years — perhaps in response to right-to-repair legislation — and now that console generations are lasting for nearly a decade, any way that Nintendo (or other game hardware makers) can make its devices easier to use for longer without costly repairs or replacements would be much welcomed.Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Jay PetersCloseJay PetersSenior ReporterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Jay PetersEntertainmentCloseEntertainmentPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All EntertainmentGadgetsCloseGadgetsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GadgetsGamingCloseGamingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GamingNewsCloseNewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All NewsNintendoCloseNintendoPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All NintendoMore in: Right to repair: all the latest news and updatesPentagon contractors want to blow up military right to repairEmma RothNov 26, 2025iFixit is retroactively giving the Nintendo Switch a 4/10 on repairabilitySean HollisterJun 3, 2025Texas Right to Repair bill passes, heads to the governor’s deskRichard LawlerJun 2, 2025Most PopularMost PopularMarc Andreessen is a philosophical zombieValve’s huge SteamOS 3.8 update adds long-awaited features — and supports Steam MachineBelkin’s wireless HDMI adapter freed me from a long annoying cable when I travelGoogle Search is now using AI to replace headlinesA rogue AI led to a serious security incident at MetaThe Verge DailyA free daily digest of the news that matters most.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.Advertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native adMore in GamingValve’s huge SteamOS 3.8 update adds long-awaited features — and supports Steam MachineMicrosoft’s go-to Xbox controller is selling at its best price of the yearMeta is actually keeping its VR metaverse running, for nowEpic and Disney now let Fortnite creators make Star Wars gamesLina Khan was rightWeird Nintendo never went awayValve’s huge SteamOS 3.8 update adds long-awaited features — and supports Steam MachineSean Hollister12:34 AM UTCMicrosoft’s go-to Xbox controller is selling at its best price of the yearCameron FaulknerMar 19Meta is actually keeping its VR metaverse running, for nowJay PetersMar 19Epic and Disney now let Fortnite creators make Star Wars gamesJay PetersMar 19Lina Khan was rightVictoria SongMar 19Weird Nintendo never went awayAndrew WebsterMar 18Advertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native adTop Stories2:00 PM UTCMuch ado about protein1:27 PM UTCWhy people really hate AI2:30 PM UTCGoogle Search is now using AI to replace headlinesMar 19Marc Andreessen is a philosophical zombieMar 19Prediction markets are trying to lure journalists with partnership dealsMar 19Paid streaming for cheapskates is having a momentThe VergeThe Verge logo.FacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSContactTip UsCommunity GuidelinesArchivesAboutEthics StatementHow We Rate and Review ProductsCookie SettingsTerms of UsePrivacy NoticeCookie PolicyLicensing FAQAccessibilityPlatform Status© 2026 Vox Media, LLC. 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Nintendo is poised to adapt its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console to comply with forthcoming European Union regulations regarding battery replacement. According to a report by Nikkei, the company intends to release a revised version of the console specifically for the EU market, featuring easily replaceable batteries. This change aligns with EU rules set to take effect in February 2027, which mandate that devices allow users to readily swap out portable batteries. The revised Switch 2 will encompass both the console itself and its Joy-Cons, both slated to incorporate this new battery design. Notably, this initiative differs from FujiFilm’s Instax Mini Link 3, which currently offers user-replaceable batteries solely within the European Union. This move could be seen as a proactive step by Nintendo in light of the growing “right to repair” movement, increasingly prevalent across consumer electronics. The industry has witnessed recent improvements in device repairability, largely spurred by legislation aimed at promoting consumer choice and reducing electronic waste. Considering console generations now routinely last nearly a decade, any measure that improves the longevity of Nintendo hardware without necessitating costly repairs or replacements would be a positive development. It’s anticipated that Nintendo’s decision reflects a broader trend among hardware manufacturers to prioritize ease of use and extended product lifecycles. The introduction of a readily replaceable battery system in the Switch 2 could potentially enhance consumer satisfaction and contribute to a more sustainable approach to gaming technology. The report indicates a ‘soon’ release timeframe for the EU-specific revision, suggesting a targeted approach to regulatory compliance.