July 8, 2026, 2:44 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Nintendo is preparing its hardware for new EU regulations. Starting in summer 2026, gradually revised versions of several Switch 2 products with user-replaceable batteries will be released in Europe. However, there are also changes that might not please everyone.
The EU has issued a regulation requiring electronic devices to be more recyclable and easier to repair by mid-2027. As a result, manufacturers are required to install replaceable batteries in their devices. Nintendo has therefore announced a new version of the Switch 2. Various accessory products are also affected and will be revised.
Revisions of Switch 2, Joy-Con, and Controllers
Starting in summer 2026, existing models in Europe will gradually be replaced by revised versions with replaceable batteries. Selected Joy-Con color variants will be the first. More products will follow in the fall, winter, and early 2027. The rollout will not occur simultaneously in all European countries and may vary depending on production and distribution, according to Nintendo on its website.
The company emphasizes that the new models will not differ functionally from the previous versions. Nintendo also notes that the mentioned dates refer to the earliest possible availability in the Nintendo Store. The retail launch may differ.
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Changes in Weight and Battery Life Confirmed
The adjustments come with changes affecting both weight and battery life. For the revised Nintendo Switch 2, the battery capacity will decrease to 5,172 mAh, about one percent less than the previous 5,220 mAh. At the same time, the console’s weight will increase to about 411 grams. The new Switch 2 is expected to be available in the fall.
With attached Joy-Con 2 controllers, the console will weigh around 548 grams, compared to the previous 534 grams. The included Joy-Con 2 controllers will also have replaceable batteries and are expected to be released in the winter. Their battery capacity remains unchanged, but the weight will slightly increase to about 68 or 69 grams.
For the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, the battery capacity will drop from 1,070 mAh to 897 mAh. At the same time, the weight will decrease from around 235 to about 228 grams. For the classic Joy-Con, both the battery capacity and weight remain unchanged. Only the battery can be replaced by the user in the future.
Also of interest: Nintendo announces sales halt of the first Switch in Europe
More Controllers to Follow in Early 2027
In early 2027, revised versions of the Nintendo 64 controller and the GameCube controller for the Nintendo Switch 2 are also expected to be released. The battery capacity of the Nintendo 64 controller will remain unchanged, but the weight will increase by about 1 gram.
The GameCube controller, on the other hand, will receive a slightly larger battery with 525 mAh instead of the previous 500 mAh. The weight will increase to around 215 grams.
Nintendo plans to release more information shortly before the market launch of each product. Additionally, suitable battery replacement kits for all revised devices will be available in the European Nintendo Store in the future.