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Nintendo Will Stop Selling Original Switch Consoles in Europe and Roll Out Switch 2 With Replaceable Batteries

The company says the move responds to new EU rules that require user‑replaceable batteries and will be implemented through a phased European rollout starting in summer 2026.

Overview

  • Nintendo announced in an updated FAQ published July 6 that it will begin replacing selected products in Europe with versions that have user‑replaceable batteries starting summer 2026.
  • The company laid out a staged schedule that puts revised Joy‑Con controllers first, the Switch 2 console in autumn 2026, Pro Controller and Joy‑Con 2 in winter 2026, and updated N64/GameCube pads in early 2027.
  • From mid‑February 2027 Nintendo will stop selling the original Switch family (Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED) to European retailers and on the Nintendo Store while continuing those models in other regions.
  • Nintendo says the revised Switch 2 and accessories will have only minor battery capacity and weight changes, no functional differences, and that customers cannot choose between old and revised stock once retailers switch over.
  • Battery replacement kits will be sold through Nintendo’s European store and availability of revised products will vary by country with some original accessories not being updated and removed from sale after February 2027.