Nintendo is redesigning the Switch 2 with a user-replaceable battery to meet new EU right-to-repair rules, aiming to reduce waste and extend device lifespan.
© Nintendo
According to Japanese media reports, Nintendo is preparing design changes for the Switch 2 console to comply with new European Union requirements. This involves implementing a removable battery that users can replace themselves without needing service assistance.
This modification is tied to the "right to repair" policy that the EU has been actively promoting in recent years. The new rules require manufacturers to make devices more repairable, including the ability to replace key components, primarily batteries. This is intended to reduce electronic waste and extend the lifespan of technology.
For Nintendo, this means the console's design must be reworked, as previous Switch generations did not provide easy access to the battery. The requirements come into effect by 2027, and since the Switch 2 will likely be on the market beyond that date, compliance becomes mandatory.
It's possible that the updated console version with a replaceable battery could appear not only in Europe but in other regions too, should similar regulations be adopted globally. Otherwise, Nintendo risks facing restrictions on selling the device in EU countries.