July 7, 2026, 2:47 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Nearly ten years after its market launch, the sale of the first Nintendo Switch in Europe is ending. The reason is new EU regulations for batteries, to which Nintendo is responding with a revised version of the Switch 2.
The First Switch Disappears from the Market
Nintendo is ending the sale of the first-generation Switch in Europe. As indicated in the support section of the company’s website, no new units of the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and the OLED model will be shipped to retailers starting mid-February 2027. The devices will also no longer be available through the Nintendo Store.
The decision comes nearly ten years after the Switch’s market launch in March 2017. The background is new EU regulations effective February 18, 2027, which require that batteries in many electronic devices must be easier to replace. The first Switch family does not meet these requirements, which is why Nintendo is ending the sale of the devices in Europe instead of technically overhauling them.
Why Europe Is Getting a New Nintendo Switch 2
New Switch 2 Planned! EU Regulations to Drastically Change Nintendo’s Console
Switch 2 Will Be Adapted to New Regulations
The situation is different for the Switch 2. Nintendo had already hinted at adapting the console to the new legal requirements. As of now, a version with a replaceable battery is expected to hit the European market in fall 2026.
In everyday use, the revised console is unlikely to differ much from the current version. According to Nintendo, the battery capacity will decrease slightly from 5220 to 5172 mAh, while the weight will increase slightly. Functions and performance remain unchanged. Nintendo is also announcing revised versions of the Joy-Con 2 controllers and the Switch 2 Pro controller. New variants of the Nintendo 64 and GameCube controllers are also expected in early 2027.
Also of interest: Will the Switch 2 get a display update?
What the Change Means for Owners
For users of an existing Nintendo Switch, the end of sales initially changes nothing. Nintendo emphasizes that devices already sold are not affected by the new EU rules. The consoles can continue to be used, and existing accessories and games remain compatible.
Online services such as the Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch Online are also expected to continue unchanged for the time being. However, those who still want to buy a new first-generation Switch should keep an eye on the coming months. While Nintendo plans to produce the devices until the end of 2026, shipments to European retailers will cease in February 2027.